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The International Association
Of
Lions Clubs
District 2-A2
Constitution & By-Laws
As Amended
April 02, 2011
THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS OF LIONS CLUBS
DISTRICT 2-A2 CONSTITUTION & BY-LAWS
CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE I: NAME
This Organization shall be known as District 2-A2 (hereinafter referred to as “The District”) of the International Association of Lions Clubs (hereinafter referred to as “Lions Club International and/or LCI”.
ARTICLE II: AUTHORITY
The LCI’s Constitution and By-Laws are hereby made a part of this document. Where conflict occurs, the latest edition of LCI’s Constitution and By-Laws shall take precedence.
ARTICLE III: OBJECTS
To provide an administrative structure with which to advance the purpose and objectives of LCI within this District.
ARTICLE IV: MEMBERSHIP
The members of this Organization shall be all of the Lion Clubs in the District which have been duly chartered by Lions International and are in good standing. The boundaries of this District are composed of the following Texas Counties:
Atascosa Edwards Kerr Maverick Uvalde Zavala
Bandera Frio Kinney McMullen Val Verde
Bexar Gillespie La Salle Medina Webb
Dimmit Kendall Live Oak Real Wilson
ARTICLE V: DISTRICT ORGANIZATION
Section 1. CABINETS AND OFFICERS: The Cabinet officers shall act in behalf of and transact all business of District 2-A2 in the best interest of the membership.
(A) The District shall have a District Cabinet composed of the District Governor, Immediate Past District Governor, Vice District Governor(s), Region Chairpersons (hereinafter referred to as Chairman/Chairmen), if appointed by the District Governor, Zone Chairmen, Cabinet Secretary/Treasurer or Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Treasurer (if separately appointed), Texas Lions Camp Directors and the Heads of the all Boards and Foundations. The members of the District Cabinet shall be the voting Officers of the District. Each Officer shall be a member in good standing within a Lions Club in good standing in the District.
(B) The District Governor and the Vice Governor(s) shall be elected at the Annual Convention of the District. The District Governor shall appoint, by the time he/she takes Office, the Cabinet Secretary and/or Cabinet Treasurer, Region Chairmen, if so appointed by the District Governor, for each Region and a Zone Chairman for each Zone in the District.
(C) Any vacancy in any District Office, except that of District Governor, shall be filled by appointment of the District Governor for the unexpired term thereof. If any other District Officer should move out of the District, the position shall be declared vacant and the Office shall be filled in accordance with the District and Lions Internationals Constitution and By-Laws. In addition, if any Region Chairman or Zone Chairman should move from their Region or Zone, they shall be replaced in accordance with the 2-A2 District Constitution and By-Laws.
(D) Each officer shall be a member in good standing of a duly chartered Lions Club within the District. There shall be NO salary paid to any Officer within the District; however, if the funds exist they may be reimbursed for expenses reasonably related to and incurred in the discharge of their duties.
(E) Consideration should be given into not appointing Lions into multiple positions.
Section 2. DISTRICT CABINET MEETINGS
(A). The Cabinet Meetings purpose is to supervise, coordinate and promote the general welfare of Lion Clubs and the individual members thereof and to assist the District Governor in performing the duties of his/her office. The Cabinet shall act in the best interest of the membership.
(B) The Cabinet shall meet at least four (4) times during the year (once each quarter) and/ or as set by the District Governor. The first meeting is to be held within thirty (30) days after the adjournment of the preceding International Convention for the purpose of approving the depository of district funds, adopting a budget, discussing matters and transacting business pertaining to the District. The Cabinet Secretary shall notify each Member by either posting elections in the District Newsletter, e-mailing each Club, faxing, and/or mailing ten (10) day’s prior to the meeting, setting forth the purpose, time and place thereof of the meeting determined by the District Governor.
(C) Special Meetings of the Cabinet may be called by the District Governor at his/her discretion, and shall be called when a written request is made to the District Governor by a majority of the members of the Cabinet. Notifications of the meeting whether written or by telephonic or electronic means will be no less than five (5) nor more than ten (10) days, stating forth the purpose the date, time and place as determined by the District Governor, and shall be made available to each member of the Cabinet.
(D) The attendance of a majority of the Members of the Cabinet shall constitute a quorum for any meeting thereof. The District Governor shall have a vote in such meetings.
Section 3. REGIONS AND ZONES: The District Governor shall divide the District into Regions of no more than sixteen (16) and no fewer than ten (10) Lions Clubs and each Region into Zones of no more than eight (8) and no fewer than four (4) Lions Clubs, giving due regard to the geographical locations of the Clubs. All such Regions and Zones shall be subject to change by the District Governor, when, in his/her sole discretion, he/she shall deem the same necessary to the best interest of the District.
Section 4. DISTRICT COMMITTEES
(A) The Zone Chairman and the Presidents and Secretaries of the Clubs in the Zone shall compose the District Governor’s Advisory Committee, with the Zone Chairman as Chairman thereof. At the date, time and place called by the Zone Chairman, this Committee shall hold a first meeting within ninety (90) days after the adjournment of the preceding International Convention: A second meeting in the Month of November and a third meeting in the month of February or March.
(B) The District Governor may appoint a District Governor’s Honorary Committee composed of Past District Governors or at his/her discretion other Lions who are members in good standing of clubs within the District. This committee shall meet when and as called upon by the District Governor.
(C) The District Governor may appoint a Long Range Planning Committee consisting of seven (7) Lions who are members in good standing and living within the District. This committee shall meet when and as called upon by the District Governor.
ARTICLE VI: DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION
Section 1. DUES: To provide revenue to defray the Non-Convention Administrative expenses of the District, an Administrative Fund with per capita dues shall be established by the delegates of the District Convention. Any changes from the previous year the Governor shall give all clubs a thirty (30) day notice before the District Convention of any proposed changes in these dues. These dues shall be levied upon each club member in the District. Said dues shall be paid semi-annually by each club as soon as possible after billing but not later than September 10th and March 10th respectively of each fiscal year. The billings are based on the club’s membership roster as reported by LCI to the District Governor on the last day of June and the last day of December respectively. The dues shall be paid to the District Treasurer, if one is appointed; otherwise, payments will be sent to the Cabinet Secretary/Treasurer.
(A) Those newly chartered and re-organized clubs shall collect the dues on a prorated basis from the first day of the second month following the date of their organization.
(B) Failure to pay the per capita dues shall cause the club to be in arrears in District dues and thus making the Club ineligible to vote at the District Governors Convention.
Section 2. DISTRICT GOVERNOR AND ELECT EXPENSES: Expenses of the District Governor and District Governor Elect, to include their spouses, in connection with his/her attending the MD2 State and International Convention shall be considered a District Administrative expense and such expenses shall not exceed the budgeted amount set forth in the budget approved at the first Cabinet Meeting. The District Governor shall have the authority to make line item changes to his/her Administrative Budget in order to conduct business throughout his/her fiscal year staying within the constraints as defined in Section 3.
Section 3. FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS: The District Governor and his Cabinet shall not incur obligations in any fiscal year which will affect an unbalanced budget or deficit in said fiscal year. If a deficit should occur, it will be the responsibility of the District Governor to overcome any monetary shortages.
Section 4. SURETY BOND: The Cabinet Secretary-Treasurer or Cabinet Treasurer (if appointed) of the District and the Treasurers of all District Boards and Foundations now in existence or any future Boards and Foundations shall be bonded and the same shall be an Administrative Expense.
Section 5. FINANCIAL REVIEWS: The District Governor shall provide for an annual (financial review more frequently if required) of the books and accounts of the District to include the Cabinet Treasurer and Treasurers of all Boards and Foundations now in existence or any future Boards or Foundations of the District. The Financial Review Committee appointed by the District Governor and approved by the District Cabinet, shall be appointed no later than the Mid-Winter Conference of the year concerned. A copy of said review(s) shall be furnished to the incoming District Governor and his/her Cabinet (upon request), MD2 State Office and Lions International. An informational closing financial statement will be published and distributed at the District Convention or within sixty (60) days after the close of the fiscal year by the Immediate Past District Governor.
Section 6. DISTRICT CONVENTION REPORTS: The Cabinet Secretary shall ensure that the proceedings of each District Governors Meetings and/or Conventions are properly recorded. Within five (5) workdays after a Cabinet Meeting/Convention a copy of the minutes will be mailed to the MD2 State Office and LCI. Copies will be then be published and distributed at the next subsequent Cabinet Meeting/Conference.
ARTICLE VII DISTRICT/STATE CONVENTION
Section 1. DISTRICT CONVENTIONS: An Annual Convention of the District shall be held in each year prior to the International Convention and Multiple District 2 Convention. The Convention city shall be selected as provided in Section 2 below.
Section 2. DISTRICT/STATE CONVENTIONS: The District Governor, during his/her term of office may at his/her discretion hold the District Convention at any such place with the boundaries of District 2-A2. Under special circumstances, to satisfy a unique State Convention, when asked and approved by the Council of Governors of MD2, the District Convention may be held outside the boundaries of the District once a resolution has been proposed by any Lion within the District in good standing, voted and approved by the Lions of District 2A2.
Section 3. CONVENTION OFFICERS:
The Members of the District Cabinet shall be the officers of the Annual Convention.
Section 4. SERGEANT-AT-ARMS APPOINTMENT:
If a Convention Sergeant-At-Arms and Assistant Sergeant-At-Arms have not been previously appointed into this position by the District Governor, the District Governor, as needed, shall appoint a Convention Sergeant-At-Arms and an Assistant Sergeant-At-Arms.
Section 5. CLUB REPRESENTATION: Each Chartered Club in good standing in Lions International and the District shall be represented by one or more delegates at the Annual District Convention and shall be entitled in each such Convention to one voting delegate and one alternate for each ten members, or major fraction thereof, of said Club as shown by the records of the International Office on the first day of the month last preceding that month during which the Convention is held. The major fraction referred to in this Section shall be five (5) or more members. Each certified delegate present in person may cast one vote only for each office to be filled and one vote only on each issue to be voted on by the members of said Convention. Unless otherwise specified herein, the affirmative vote of a majority of delegates voting on any question shall be the act of the Convention. Each Past District Governor of this District that is a member in good standing of a Club in good standing shall be entitled to be a voting delegate. Such right will not be counted as part of the number of delegates that a Club is allowed.
Section 6. CONVENTION QUORUM: The attendance in person of a majority of the delegates registered at a Convention shall constitute a Quorum at any session of the Convention.
Section 7. CONVENTION SITE CHANGE: The District Governor shall retain and have power to change any time, for good
reason, any Convention site chosen by a previous District Convention, with the exception of a state Convention defined in Article VII, and neither the District Governor, nor the District, nor any member of the District Cabinet shall incur any liability thereby to any Club or Club Member in the District.
Section 8. MINUTES AND RECORDS: Within sixty (60) days after the close of the District Governor’s Convention an official report of the Convention proceedings and Treasurer’s disbursements shall be mailed to Lions International and each Club in the District by the Cabinet Secretary or presented at the following first Cabinet Meeting.
THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION
OF
LIONS CLUBS
DISTRICT 2-A2 CONSTITUTION
BY-LAWS
ARTICLE I: DISTRICT NOMINATION AND ELECTIONS
Section 1. NOMINATING COMMITTEE: Each District Governor shall appoint by written notification received at least thirty (30) days prior to the District Convention, a Nominating Committee of not more than five (5) members each of whom shall be a member in good standing of a different Lions Club in good standing in the District. A member of each Club that has a candidate for Vice Governor and Governor shall be represented on said Committee.
(There shall be no political activity or political announcements by any Candidate for District 2-A2 Office prior to the Mid-Winter Conference. All political activity will be limited to the Candidate’s own Club prior to the Mid-Winter Conference.)
Section 2. DISTRICT GOVERNOR NOMINATION: Any member of a Club in the District seeking the Office of District Governor shall submit their written resolutions to the District Governor no later than thirty (30) days prior to the Convention, and furnish therewith evidence of his/her compliance with the qualifications as set forth in this Constitution for said Office and as described in the International Constitution and By-Laws. The Nominating Committee shall place in nomination at the District Convention, the names of all candidates so qualified. If none are so received and or qualified, then, but only then, will nominations for the office accepted from the floor. Each candidate shall be allowed one nominating speech of no more than five (5) minutes duration and one seconding speech of no more than three (3) minutes duration.
Section 3. VICE DISTRICT GOVERNOR(S) NOMINATIONS: Any member of a Club in the District seeking the Office of either 1st or 2nd Vice Governor shall submit their written resolutions to the District Governor no later than thirty (30) days prior to the Convention, and furnish therewith evidence of his/her compliance with the qualifications for said office set out in the International Constitution and By-Laws for the Office of Vice Governor. The Nominating Committee shall place in nomination at the District Convention the names of all candidates so qualified. If none are so received or qualified, then, but only then, nominations for the office may be made from the floor. Each candidate shall be allowed one nominating speech of no more than five (5) minutes duration and one seconding speech of not more than three (3) minutes duration.
Section 4. DISTRICT GOVERNOR QUALIFICATIONS: A candidate for the Office of District Governor shall meet the qualifications as set forth in LCI’s Constitution and By-Laws. These qualifications are as follows:
(A) Be an active member in good standing of a Chartered Lions Club in good standing in his or her District.
(B) Secure the endorsement of his or her Club or a majority of the Clubs in his or her District.
(C) Currently be serving as the First Vice District Governor within the District from which he or she is to be elected.
(D) Only in the event that the First Vice District Governor does not stand for election as District Governor or if a vacancy in the position of the First Vice District Governor exists at the time of the District Convention, the Second Vice District Governor (if so elected) shall advance in office and if there is no Second Vice Governor filling the position then any club member who fulfills the qualifications for the Office of the Second Vice District Governor as set forth in the Constitution and By-Laws of the International Association of Lions Clubs and who is currently serving or who has served one (1) additional year as a member of the District Cabinet shall fulfill the requirements of Second Vice District Governor.
(E). Must be willing to attend the District Governors Training/School at the Lion Clubs International Convention immediately prior to his/her taking office.
Section 5. FIRST VICE DISTRICT GOVERNOR QUALIFICATIONS: A Candidate for First Vice District Governor shall:
(A) Be an active member in good standing of a Chartered Lions Club in good standing in his or her District.
(B) Secure the endorsement of his or her club or a majority of the Clubs in his or her District.
(C) Currently serving or will have served at the time he or she takes office as Second Vice Governor:
(D) Have served as President of a Lions Club for a full term or a major portion thereof and a have been a member of the Board of Directors of a Lions Club for no less than two (2) additional years and have served as Zone Chairman or Region Chairman or Cabinet Secretary and/or Cabinet Treasurer for a full term or a major portion thereof, with none of the above being accomplished concurrently.
(E) The Second Vice District Governor is the only candidate eligible for the position of First Vice District Governor unless the position is vacant then the qualification listed above will apply.
Section 3C. SECOND VICE DISTRICT GOVERNOR QUALIFICATIONS:
(A) Be an active member in good standing of a Chartered Lions Club in good standing in his or her District.
(B) Secure the endorsement of his or her club or a majority of the Clubs in his or her District.
(C) Have served As President of a Lions Club for full term or a major portion thereof and a member of the Board of Directors of a Lions Club for no less than two (2) additional years and as a Zone Chairman or Region Chairperson or Cabinet Secretary and/or Cabinet Treasurer for a full term or a major portion thereof, with none of the above being accomplished concurrently. A Lion must hold these offices for a full term or major portion thereof.
(E) All candidates for office of the 1st Vice District Governor and 2nd Vice District Governor of District 2-A2 shall notify the District Secretary, in writing, thirty (30) days prior to the District Convention that they have read and understand the District Constitution and By-Laws.
Section 4. ELECTIONS: The Election shall be by secret written ballot, unless there shall be only one nominee, in which event a voice vote may be taken. The candidate receiving the largest number of the votes cast shall be declared elected. In case of a tie vote on any ballot for any candidate, the Election Committee shall prepare lots and the candidates receiving the tie votes shall cast lots before the Election Committee with one hour after the election shall have been declared a tie. If any such candidate shall fail to appear with said hour, a member of the Election Committee shall cast a lot for him or her. The candidate to whom the lot shall fall shall be declared elected. The type of lot to be cast shall be determined by the Election Committee.
(A) Election of the District Governor must be in compliance with the Constitution and By-Laws of Multiple District 2 and Lions Clubs International. The District Governor’s election even if there is only one candidate will be conducted by secret ballot. The candidate will be required to obtain a majority (more than ½) of the votes cast by the delegates present and voting in order to be declared elected. In the event that a majority of “NO” votes are cast, then and only then can nominations be made from the floor of a duly notified Convention assembly. After the nomination from the floor, the same voting procedures will be followed but the name does not need to appear on a printed ballot.
(B) In the event of a vacancy in the Office of District Governor, under the Constitution and By-Laws of the International Association of Lions Clubs, the First Vice District Governor shall act as District Governor and shall perform the duties of and have the same authority as the District Governor until such time as the vacancy is filled by the International Association of Lions Clubs Board of Directors for the reminder of the term. Under the guidance of the Constitution and By-Laws of the International Association of Lions Clubs it shall be the duty of the Immediate Past District Governor or if he/she is not available, the most recent Past District Governor to select a recommendation to the International Board of Directors once notification is received to proceed by the International Board of Directors.
(C) In the event of a vacancy in the Office of First Vice Governor, Second Vice District Governor shall act as the First Vice District Governor and shall perform the duties of and have the same authority as the First District Governor until such time as the vacancy is filled. In the event that no one is serving as the Second Vice Governor, a replacement may be elected IAW the provisions set forth by LCI’s, MD2 and District 2-A2 Constitution and By-Laws.
(D) In the event of a vacancy in the Office of the Second Vice Governor, a replacement may be elected IAW the provisions set forth by LCI’s, MD2 and District 2A2 Constitution and By-Laws.
ARTICLE II: DUTIES
Section 1. DISTRICT GOVERNOR: The District shall act under the general supervision of the International Board of Directors as the Representative of Lions International in this District and shall have general supervision over all Lions Clubs therein. He/She is the chief executive officer of the district. In addition, he/she shall:
(A) Further the purposes and objectives of LCI.
(B) Actively participate and inspire other District Officers to administer and promote leadership development at the Club and District levels.
(C) Supervise the organization of new Lions Clubs.
(D) Promote cordial relations among the Chartered Lions Clubs.
(E) Preside, when present, over all Cabinet, District Convention and other District Meetings.
(F) Endeavor to visit each Club at least once during his/her term of office.
(G) Exercise such supervision and authority over Cabinet Officers and District Committee Appointees as is provided in this Constitution, including, but not by way of limitations, the following:
(1) Supervise the collection of all per capita dues by the Cabinet Treasurer; designate a depository(s) with approval of the District Cabinet, for said funds and authorize the payment of all legitimate expenses pertaining to the Administration of the affairs of the District.
(2) If offered, secure a Surety Bond for the Cabinet Treasurer through MD 2; otherwise, through any other insurance agency, and encourage all District Treasurer’s to do likewise.
(3) Ensure that the Cabinet Treasurer compile, distribute and brief a financial summary at each District Convention/Meeting.
(4) Provide for an annual Audit/Financial Review or more frequent financial reviews of the books and accounts of the Cabinet Treasurer and the Treasurers of all Boards and Foundations that now exist and any future Boards and Foundations. Set up a definite schedule of dates, times and places of Cabinet Meetings to be held during the fiscal year.
(G) Submit a current itemized statement of total District receipts and expenditure to the Annual District Convention.
(H) Submit such other reports and perform such duties as may be required by LCI.
(I) Deliver forthwith, at the termination of his/her Office, all District Accounts, Funds and Records to his/her successor.
(J) The District Governor shall carry over to the next Administration no fewer amounts of funds than were carried over from the previous Administration. A special unbudgeted fund of $5000 will be transferred to the District Governor-Elect to provide operating expenses between the beginning of the fiscal year and receipt of the first semi-annual per capita dues from the Clubs in the District. Said funds are to remain intact and shall be transferred to the succeeding District Governor anytime after the District Convention. A limit of $7,500 (seven thousand, five hundred) will be placed on funds carried forward. Any excess funds will be divided proportionally to the various entities that make up the Clubs’ 100% (one hundred percent) participation of the District or during special circumstances and at the discretion of the District Governor, any of his/her surplus fund(s) as there may be in any District account(s) may be transferred to the succeeding District Governor’s restricted fund.
(K) All Funds carried forward will be in U.S. Currency and the majority of funds other than outstanding debits shall be made available to the District Governor Elect on June 1 of each year.
Section 2: FIRST VICE DISTRICT GOVERNOR: The First Vice District Governor shall act under the supervision of the District Governor and shall be the chief administrative officer and he or she shall:
(A) Further the purposes and objectives of Lions International.
(B) Play an active role and work with the District Membership, Extension, and Leadership Development, and Convention Committees and assist them in reaching their goals for the year.
(C) Become familiar with the duties of the District Governor so that in the event of a vacancy in the office he/she will be better prepared to assume the duties and responsibilities of said office.
(D) Perform administrative duties as assigned by the District Governor and accept and complete other duties as required by the International Board of Directors.
(E) Attend Cabinet meetings and preside at any District Meeting(s) in the absence of the District Governor.
(F) Assist the District Governor in identifying opportunities and challenges facing the District and in developing long-term strategies to strengthen and grow the District.
(G) Participate in Council of Governors Meetings as appropriate.
(H) Participate in the preparation of the District Budget.
(I) Actively engage in all matters to be continued the following year.
(J) At the request of the District Governor, supervise other District Committees.
(K) Participate in the review of the strengths and weaknesses of the Clubs within the District.
(L) Conduct Club visitations when requested by the District Governor.
Section 3. SECOND VICE DISTRICT GOVERNOR: The 2nd Vice District Governor shall act under the supervision of the District Governor and he or she shall:
(A) Further the purpose of the association.
(B) Work with other district officers to promote membership, new club organization, and member retention.
(C) Attend cabinet meetings and preside at Cabinet Meetings and any other meeting(s) in the absence of the District Governor and First Vice District Governor.
(D) Monitor the health of the Clubs within the District by regularly reviewing LCI’s recap and membership reports; develops action steps to assist declining clubs in coordination with the Membership, Extension, Retention and Leadership Teams and Zone/Region Chairmen and may also serve as the District Membership Chairman if so appointed by the District Governor.
(E) Assist in the preparation of the budget and other matters to be continued into the following year.
(F) Supervise appropriate District committees as requested by the District Governor.
(G) Accept and complete other duties as required by LCI or as assigned by the District Governor; for example, but not inclusive to, conduct club visitations, offer assistance to declining clubs, work with the District Convention, LCIF and Information Technology Committees.
(H) Become familiar with the responsibilities of the District Governor and First Vice District Governor.
Section 4. CABINET SECRETARY-TREASURER and/or CABINET SECRETARY AND CABINET TREASURER: The Cabinet Secretary-Treasurer and/or Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Treasurer shall act under the supervision and direction of the District Governor. If the District Governor has elected to combine the offices of the Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Treasurer, then the Cabinet Secretary-Treasurer will assume the duties of both the Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Treasurer as defined below and when listed separately throughout this Constitution and By-Laws.
(A) CABINET SECRETARY: The Cabinet Secretary shall act under the supervision and direction of the District Governor and he or she shall:
(1) Keep an accurate record of the proceedings of all meetings of the Cabinet and within five (5) workdays after each meeting, forward copies of the same to all members of the Cabinet and LCI.
(2) Take and keep minutes of the District Convention and furnish copies of the same to Lions International and the District Governor.
(3) Assist the District Governor and the Cabinet in conducting the business of the District and perform such other duties as are specified or implied in this Constitution and By-Laws, or as may be assigned to him/her from time to time by the District Governor or the Cabinet.
(4) Sign all Notices and Documents issued by the District.
(5) Make an Annual Report to the Cabinet at its meeting immediately preceding the Annual District Convention and such other reports at such other times as the District Governor or said Cabinet may require.
(B) CABINET TREASURER: The Cabinet Treasurer shall act under the supervision and direction of the District Governor and he or she shall:
(1) Collect and receipt for all per capita dues levied hereunder on members and Clubs in the District. Establish two separate checking accounts, one for the Administration Budget and the second for the Restricted Account and deposit the same in such Bank or Banks as approved at the first Cabinet Meeting and disperse the same by order of the District Governor. Under no circumstance are these two accounts to be comingled.
(2) Make every attempt to remit to the Multiple District Council Secretary-Treasurer all per capita dues collected on members and Clubs in the District when due.
(3) Keep accurate books of account, and permit inspection of the same by the District Governor, any Cabinet Member and any Club (or any authorized agency of any of them) at any reasonable time for any purpose. Upon direction of the District Governor or Cabinet, he or she shall furnish any such books and/or records, as requested, to any financial committee member appointed by the District Governor.
(4) Obtain a Surety Bond for the faithful performance of his/her duties.
(5) Make an Annual Audit/Financial Summary Report to the Membership at the First Cabinet Meeting/Convention preceding the Annual District Governor’s Convention and or sooner if the District Governor requires one.
Section 5. REGION CHAIRMAN: If appointed by the Governor, he/she shall:
(A) DUTIES:
(1) Attend the Regular and Special Meetings of the Cabinet.
(2) Assist the District Governor in promoting Lionism in his/her Region by performing such duties as may be delegated to him/her from time to time by the District Governor.
(3) Recommend qualified Lions in his/her Region for appointment as Zone Chairman.
(4) Endeavor to have every Club, in his/her Region, operating under a duly adopted Club Constitution and By-Laws.
(5) Promote representation at International and District Conventions by at least the full quota of delegates to which Clubs in his/her Region are entitled.
(6) Supervise and assist the Zone Chairman of his/her Region in the performance of their official duties and cooperate with them in arranging and holding Zone Meetings and District Governor’s Advisory Committee Meetings.
(7) Play an active role in leadership development at the Club level.
(B) PERFORMANCE / VACANCY: In the event the Region Chairman, for any reason, cannot or does not, in the judgment of the District Governor, perform the duties of his/her office, or in the event the office is for any reason vacated, the District Governor shall appoint a successor to serve for the unexpired term.
Section 6. ZONE CHAIRMAN: Serves under the control and supervision of the District Governor and/or Region Chairman and he or she shall:
(A) DUTIES:
(1) Further the purposes of LCI.
(2) Attempt to have every Club in his/her Region operating under a duly adopted Club Constitution and By-Laws.
(3) Arrange, with the cooperation of his/her Region Chairmen, regularly scheduled Zone Meetings.
(4) Encourage Inner-Club Meetings and Social Activities.
(5) Promote attendance at Charter Nights of newly organized Clubs.
(6) Promote representation at International and District Conventions by at least the full quota of delegates to which Clubs in his/her Zone are entitled.
(7) Play an active role in leadership development at the Club level.
(B) PERFORMANCE / VACANCY: In the event the Zone Chairman, for any reason, cannot or does not, in the judgment of the District Governor, perform the duties of his/her office, or in the event the office is for any reason vacated, the District Governor shall appoint a successor to serve for the unexpired term.
Section 7. DISTRICT GOVERNOR’S CABINET: The District Governor’s Cabinet shall:
(A) Assist the District Governor in the performance of his/her duties and in the formulation of administrative plans and policies affecting the welfare of Lionism within the District.
(B) Serve only in an advisory and administrative capacity.
(C) Receive, from the Region Chairman, reports and recommendations which concern the Clubs and Zones.
Section 8. DISTRICT GOVERNOR’S ADVISORY COMMITTEE: Shall assist the Zone Chairman in an advisory capacity; procure recommendations affecting the welfare of Lionism of Clubs within the Zone, and relay the same through the Zone Chairman to the District Governor and his/her Cabinet.
Section 9. DISTRICT GOVERNOR’S HONORARY COMMITTEE: Shall act under the direction of the District Governor in the promotion of harmony throughout the District. The Chairman of this Committee shall attend meetings of the Cabinet when requested by the District Governor.
Section 10. SERGEANT-AT-ARMS: The Sergeant-At-Arms shall maintain order and decorum at the respective Conventions and Meetings and perform such other duties as are incident to his/her office under Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised.
Section 11. TEXAS LIONS HALL OF FAME COMMITTEE: The District Governor, during whose term of office District 2-A2 shall be entitled to select a Lion to be honored as a member of the Texas Lions Hall of Fame, shall on or before the date of the Second Cabinet Meeting, appoint a minimum of three (3) Lions, one of which must be a Past District Governor of District 2-A2 to serve as a Selection Committee for the Honoree of District 2-A2. In addition to these three appointees, all Past International Officers of the District shall serve as part of the Committee and have a vote thereon. The Past District Governor selected shall be the Chairman of the Committee and he/she shall, on or before the date of the February Council of Governor’s Meeting, submit to the District Governor the Committee’s selection for District 2-A2’s honoree in the Texas Lions Hall of Fame. The selection of this Lion by the Committee shall be the nominee and the District Governor shall not have the right to override the selection.
ARTICLE III: DISTRICT COMMITTEES:
Section 1. CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE: The Credentials Committee of the District Convention shall be composed of: a Chairman and at least four (4) other non-officers of the District Cabinet, appointed by the District Governor. The Credentials Committee shall have the powers and perform the duties set forth in Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised.
Section 2. ADDITIONAL COMMITTEES: The District Governor may appoint/designate the Chairman of and fill any vacancies occurring in any of the following District Convention Committees: Resolutions, Constitution and By-Laws, Rules and International Convention. The Committees shall perform such duties as the District Governor shall designate.
ARTICLE IV: RULES FOR CONVENTION PROCEDURE
Section 1. CONVENTION RULES: The District Governor shall arrange the Order of Business for the District Conventions and the same shall be the order of the day for all sessions.
Section 2. CONVENTION PROCEDURES: Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Constitution and By-Laws, or in the Rules of Procedure adopted for a meeting, all questions or Order and Procedure in any District Meeting or Convention, any Meeting of the District Cabinet, Region, Zone or Member or Member Club or of any group or Committee or any one of them shall be determined by Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised.
ARTICLE V: NOMINATION AND ENDORSEMENT – INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR AND SECOND VICE PRESIDENT
Section 1. NOMINATION AND ENDORSEMENT: Subject to the provisions of the international Constitution and By-Laws, any member of a Lions Club in the District seeking endorsement of a District Convention as a candidate for the office of International Director or Second Vice President shall;
(A) Deliver (by mail or in person) written Notice of Intention to seek such endorsement to the District Governor and, if this District is a Sub-District of a Multiple District, to the Multiple District Council Secretary/Treasurer no less than sixty (60) days prior to the convening date of the respective Convention at which such question of endorsement is to be voted upon.
(B) Deliver with said Notice of Intention evidence of fulfillment of the qualifications for such Office set forth in the International Constitution and By-Laws.
Section 2. NOTICE OF INTENTION: Each Notice of Intention so delivered shall be transmitted forthwith by the District Governor to the Nominating Committee of the respective Convention, which shall review and perfect the same by obtaining from each prospective candidate any additional evidence of such intention and qualification as may be necessary under the Internationals Constitution and By- Laws and shall place in nomination at the respective Convention the name of each such prospective candidate who has fulfilled said procedural and Constitution requirements.
Section 3. NOMINATING SPEECHES: Each such nominee for endorsement shall be entitled to one seconding speech of no more than three (3) minutes duration.
Section 4. VOTING PROCEDURES: Each qualified and registered voter shall receive a ballot and vote accordingly. The voter shall then separate the original ballot from the carbonless copy, place the original ballot in one container and place the carbonless copy in another container. At the close of the voting all original voted ballots, all canceled ballots and all unused ballots, together with the original Voter Registration Sheets shall be place in a sealed envelope or container and delivered to the State Office (either by personal delivery, overnight delivery service or the U.S. Postal Service as the District Governor shall determine), by the close of business on the Tuesday immediately following such election. The envelope/container shall be deemed delivered when placed in the chosen delivery service on or before the Monday following the election. The carbonless copies of the ballots and the registration sheet shall be placed in sealed envelope or container which shall be retained by the District Governor.
Section 5. CERTIFICATION: Certification of Endorsement by the respective Convention shall be made, in writing, to the International Office by the District Officials designated, and in accordance with the requirements therefore set forth in LCI’S Constitution and By-Laws.
Section 6. VALIDATION: No endorsement of any candidacy or any member of a Lions Club in this District shall be valid unless and until the provisions of this Article have been met.
ARTICLE VI FISCAL YEAR
The Fiscal Year of this District shall be from July One (1) through June Thirty (30).
ARTICLE VII: BOARDS AND FOUNDATIONS DUES:
Section 1. PER CAPITA DUES: Except as directed by LCI the assessment of per capita dues from the Lions of District 2-A2 shall be set at the District 2-A2 Convention by the voting delegates for all District Boards and Foundations that now exist and any future Boards and Foundations.
(A) The District Governor shall give thirty (30) days notice to all Clubs prior to the District Convention of any proposed changes to be voted on at the District Convention.
(B) Failure to pay the per capita dues shall cause the club to be in arrears in District Dues and making the Club ineligible to vote at the District Governors Convention.
(C) All District Boards and Foundations shall abide by; District 2-A2, MD2, and LCI’s Constitution and By-Laws.
ARTICLE VIII: DISTRICT BOARDS AND FOUNDATIONS
Section 1. BOARDS AND FOUNDATIONS: The District has the following Boards and Foundations to accomplish its goals for the betterment of mankind and to accomplish the goals of LCI:
(A) Hearing Board
(B) Human Needs Board
(C) Lions Sight Research Foundation
Section 2. BOARDS AND FOUNDATIONS: All Boards and Foundation that now exist and any future Boards and Foundations shall have their Constitution and By-Laws approved by the District. Any Amendment to the Constitution and By-Laws shall be approved by the District before they can become part of that Board’s/ Foundation’s Constitution and By-Laws. This approval shall be made by the Delegates of the District Convention.
Section 3. BOARD CANDIDATES: Any Lion Member in good standing within a Club in good standing in the District and meeting the Qualifications of the Constitution and By-Laws of the various Boards and Foundations may become a candidate for office where a vacancy exist.
ARTICLE IX: MEMBERSHIP:
Membership in District Lions Clubs shall be as established as outlined in LCI’s Constitution and By-Laws.
ARTICLE X: OBLIGATIONS OF A CHARTERED CLUB:
Section 1. CHARTERS: A Lions Club shall be considered Chartered when its charter has been officially issued pursuant to the procedures established from time to time by LCI’s Board of Directors.
Section 2. OBLIGATIONS: The Obligation of each Chartered Club shall be as follows:
(1) To hold regularly scheduled meetings not less than twice a month.
(2) Except as otherwise provided herein, to collect from each member minimum annual dues to cover International and District (Single, Sub- and Multiple) dues and such other expenses as are necessary for Club Administration.
(3) To enforce regular attendance.
(4) To carry on activities for the advancement of the Civic, Cultural, Social or Moral Welfare of the Community and for the promotion of International understanding.
(5) To submit regular Monthly Reports to the International Office, on blanks provided by it, containing such information as my be called for by the Board of Directors of this Association.
(6) To report semi-annually to the International Office the financial condition of the Club.
(7) To elect Officers annually, not later than April 14, whose terms of office shall commence on July 1 following their election.
(8) To thoroughly investigate the background of all persons proposed for membership in the club. Said investigation shall include inquires in the Community where the proposed individual resides or has a place of business or is employed.
(9) To further the purposes of LCI by upholding, preserving and enhancing the image of the International Association of Lions Clubs.
(10) To abide by the policies and requirements as determine, from time to time, by LCI’s Board of Directors.
(11) To further the LCI”s Objectives and Code of Ethics.
ARTICLE XI TEXAS LIONS CAMP DIRECTORS:
Section 1. TERMS OF OFFICE: Two (2) Directors to be elected from each Sub-District of Texas Multiple District 2 of Lions International, who shall serve staggered terms of two (2) years and until their successors are chosen and qualified, and one (1) of whom shall be elected at the Annual Convention of each such Sub-District each year.
Section 2. All nominees shall be members in good standing having the following qualifications; must have been a Lions Club Member for three (3) years; have served as President of his/her club and/or as Chairman of his/her Club’s Camp Committee and must be willing to attend the Regular and Special Meetings of the Camp’s Board of Directors when scheduled.
ARTICLE XII: AMENDMENTS
Section 1. PROCEDURE: These By-Laws may be amended only at a District Convention by resolution reported by the Convention Committee on Constitution and By-Laws and adopted by a two thirds (2/3) majority of delegate votes cast.
Section 2. CLUB NOTIFICATIONS: No Amendment shall be so reported or voted upon unless the same shall have been furnished, in writing, to each Club no less than thirty (30) days prior to the convening date of the Annual Convention, with notice that the same will be voted upon by delegates of said Convention.
Section 3. IMPLEMENTATION: Each Amendment shall take effect at the close of the Convention at which adopted unless otherwise specified in the Amendment but shall have no retroactive effect.
Section 4. RATIFICATION: The District Governor shall be responsible to have all Amendments that were ratified by the District Convention incorporated into the District Constitution and By-Laws.
ARTICLE XIII: ADOPTION: This Constitution and By-Laws shall take effect at the close of the District Convention at which the same is adopted by two-thirds (2/3) of the votes cast.
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