THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LIONS CLUBS CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS OF DISTRICT 5M-13

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CONTENTS - CONSTITUTION  

Article I                  Name      -------------------------------------------       2

Article II                Object    -------------------------------------------       2

Article III               Membership --------------------------------------      2

Article IV               District Organization ---------------------------      3

Article V                Finances                  ----------------------------------------- 5                      

Article VI               District Convention ----------------------------- 7

Article VII              District Convention Fund   ---------------------    8

Article VIII            Amendments        --------------------------------     9

 BY-LAWS

Article I                  District Nominations & Elections -----------10  

Article II                Duties --------------------------------------------11

Article III               Committees   ----------------------------------  14

                Article IV               Rules for Convention Procedure -------------14

 Article V               Nomination & Endorsement for International

                                                Director & Third Vice President   -----------15

Article VI               Fiscal Year   ------------------------------------16

Article VII               Amendments ---------------------------------- 16

Article VIII             Effective Dates --------------------------------16

Expense -Guidelines ----------------------------------------------- 16  

 THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LIONS CLUBS CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS OF DISTRICT 5M-13  

ARTICLE  I  -  NAME

Section I  

This organization shall be known as District No. 5M-13 of the International Association of Lions Clubs (hereinafter referred to as “Lions International”).

 Section II

 The boundaries of District 5M-13 is as follows:

All of Manitoba West of a line drawn by Hwy #75 to the Perimeter Hwy   #101 East around Hwy #101 North to Hwy #9 and Hwy #8 and North to Churchill.

 Section III

Wherever the male gender or pronoun appears in this Constitution and by-laws, it shall be interpreted to mean both male and female persons.

ARTICLE  II  - OBJECTS

Section I

To provide an administrative structure with which to advance the purpose and objects of Lionism in this District.

Section II

The reference herein to “5M” or to “District 5M” or to “Multiple District 5M” shall mean and refer to Multiple District 5M and the reference herein to the “5M Constitution” or to “District 5M Constitution” shall mean and refer to the Constitution and By-laws of Multiple District 5M as are now and may hereafter be valid and binding upon the Lions Clubs in District 5M-13.

Section III

The reference herein to “fiscal year” shall mean and refer to the 12 calendar month period extending from the 1st day of July in a year to the 30th day of June in the following year.

ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP

Section I

The members of District 5M - 13 shall be all Lions Clubs in this District chartered by and in good standing with Lions International.

ARTICLE 1V – DISTRICT ORGANIZATION

Section 1 – Cabinet and Officers

A        The District shall have a District Cabinet composed of the District Governor, the Vise district Governor, the Zone Chairman, a Cabinet Secretary-Treasurer and Committee Chairmen as required, except those as appointed by the Constitutions of the standing committees and such other members as the District Governor may, in any year, appoint to Cabinet.

B         The members of the District Cabinet shall be the District Cabinet Officers. Each such Cabinet Officer shall be a member in good standing of a Lions club in the district.

C        Each of the District Cabinet Officers shall have the right to discuss and participate in the activities of the Cabinet including voting privileges. In the event of a tie, the District Governor shall have a casting vote to resolve the question.

D        Not withstanding any provisions to the contrary contained in the Multiple District 5M Constitution, the District Governor and the Vice District Governor shall be elected at the annual convention of the District.  They shall take office immediately upon the adjournment of the Lions International Convention held next succeeding election and shall serve until the adjournment of the next following Lions International convention.

E         Prior to the beginning of his term of office, the district Governor shall appoint a Cabinet Secretary-Treasurer and one Zone Chairman for each Zone, all of whom, together with other such Cabinet Members as he may (by then) have appointed, shall take office upon the commencement of his term of office and shall until the adjournment of the Second Lions International Convention held next following the election of the District Governor making the appointment.

F         Any vacancy in any District Office, except that of District Governor, shall be filled by appointment of the District Governor for the unexplored term thereof.

G        In the event of a vacancy in the office of District Governor, the Vice District Governor shall perform the duties of, and have the same authority as, the District Governor (until such said vacancy is filled by the International board of Directors for the remainder of the term as provided for in Lions International Constitution and By-laws).

H        If any Zone Chairman shall cease to be a member of a club in the Zone to which he was appointed, his term of office shall thereupon cease and the district Governor shall appoint a successor to fill said office.

I          No salary shall be paid to any officer of the district.

J          In the event of a vacancy in the office of Vice District Governor, The district Governor and the Cabinet shall at a Cabinet Meeting or a special meeting appoint a qualified member to fill the remainder of the term. The appointed Vise District Governor shall stand for election for the office of District Governor, along with any other endorsed member, In any event the said Vice District Governor shall complete the term.

K        No incumbent District Governor elected or appointed and serving a full term, may stand for election or be appointed to succeed himself or herself in the same District, single, transitional, or provisional. But he or she can only be elected to a second term under unusual circumstances and with the approval of the International Board of Directors. Now If you move from one District to another you may stand for election in that district.

L         The immediate Past District Governor shall become responsible for the position of  U.S.A./Canada Leadership Forum

M      Combined position of Protocol, Lion Tamer, and Sergeant at Arms. MERLO TEAM consists Membership Chair, Extension Chair, Retention Chair, Leadership Chair and Orientation Chair. Suggested Chair of MERLO TEAM to be the Vise district governor.

Section II - District Cabinet Meetings

A        Regular: - A regular meeting of the Cabinet shall be held in each quarter of the fiscal year, with the first meeting to be held within sixty (60) days after the adjournment of the preceding Lions International Convention.   Ten (10) days written notice of meetings setting forth a date, time and place as determined by the District Governor shall be mailed or delivered to each member of the Cabinet by the Cabinet Secretary-Treasurer or by a Cabinet member on his behalf

B        Special:- Special meetings of the Cabinet may be called by the District Governor at his discretion, and shall be called upon  written request made to the District Governor or the Cabinet Secretary-Treasurer by a majority of the members of the Cabinet.  No fewer than five (5) nor more than ten (10) days written or telegraphic notice of special meetings, setting forth the purposes thereof and a date, time and place determined by the District Governor, shall be given to each member by the        Cabinet Secretary-Treasurer or by a Cabinet member on his behalf.

C        Quorum - The attendance of a majority of the Cabinet Members at any meeting shall constitute a quorum for all purposes

Section III Zones

A        The District Governor shall divide the District into Zones composed of four (4) to eight (8) Clubs, giving due regard to the geographical location of the Clubs.  All such Zones shall be subject to change by the District Governor when, in his sole discretion, he shall deem a change to be necessary in the interest of the District.

 Section IV  - District Committees

 A        District Governors Advisory Committee - In each Zone, the Zone Chairman and the Presidents and Secretaries of the Lions Clubs in the Zone shall compose a District Governors Advisory Committee, with the Zone Chairman as Chairman thereof.  At a date, time and place determined by the Zone Chairman, this Committee shall hold a total of not less than three (3) meetings in a fiscal year, with the first meeting being called in the month of September, a second meeting in the month of November, and a third meeting in the months of April or May in each fiscal year.  Written notice of all Zone meetings shall  be sent to the President and Secretary of each Lions Club in the Zone.

B        District Governors Honorary Committee - The District Governor may appoint a District Governor’s Honorary Committee composed of Past District Governors of Lions International who are members in good standing of Clubs located within the District.  A Chairman of the Honorary Committee may be appointed by the District Governor, but failing such appointment, the District Governor shall act as Chairman.  The Honorary Committee shall meet at such times and at such places as may be determined by the District Governor.

C         Constitution and By-laws Committee - The Past Governors Association of District 5M-13 shall be the Districts  Constitution and By-laws Committee.  They shall maintain the various Constitutions of the District and present the changes to the membership as required by this Constitution, Lions International, Multiple 5M and any other changes as presented.  All changes to be presented to the District Cabinet at the second Cabinet meeting each year for their recommendation, and the Lions members as set out in Article VIII in this Constitution.  The District and Multiple 5M Constitution Committee shall be the Immediate Past District Governor or other Past District Governor as provided by the Constitution Committee.

 ARTICLE V  - FINANCES

 Section I

 A        To provide revenue to pay and satisfy the expenses and other commitments of the District including its commitment to the  Multiple District Administration Fund, the International Activities Fund, the Campaign Fund and the Multiple District Geographical Area Assistance Fund as provided in Section I of article V of the Multiple 5M Constitution, the Cabinet  Secretary Treasurer shall levy upon every Club in the District, an annual per member dues equal in amount to that which is  now approved by the Lions Clubs of 5M for purpose of levy as set out in said Section I of article V of the 5M Constitution,  or equal in amount to that which may at any time hereafter be validly approved for purpose of levy by the Lions Clubs of 5M, meeting in convention in accordance with the Multiple 5M Convention.

B        The annual per member dues shall be collected by the Cabinet Secretary-Treasurer from each Club in two equal payments,  on the 15th days of July and January in each fiscal year with billings to be based upon the total membership of each Club as of the 1st days of July and January respectfully

C        The annual per member dues shall be in lieu of the annual per member dues required to be paid by each Club pursuant to  Section I of Article V of the 5M Constitution, but the Cabinet Secretary-Treasurer shall use and distribute the same in  accordance with the provisions of the Multiple 5M Constitution relating thereto.

D        Adjustments to the dues necessary for the Administration of the District shall be made by the District Cabinet at the first  Cabinet Meeting at the start of each fiscal year, if required

E         $.50 to be paid by each member in the District, to be set aside in a separate fund to be known as the annual District Convention Fund.  Expenditures from this Fund to be used to defray necessary expense incurred by the Host Club holding the Annual District Convention.

F         The District Newsletter costs will be provided for as follows

a.       The Governor’s Newsletter Allowance from Lions International.

b.     The Governor’s Newsletter Allowance from District 5M-13.

c.     The sale of advertising.

d.     Additional dues of $2.50 per year, per member to be known as the District Newsletter Fund

G        The District Governors Assistance Fund shall be levied at $5.00 per capita per Club annual.  These funds shall reimburse  the District Governor’s  and vise district Governor’s expenses for amounts over and above the Lions International Rules of Audit

A three member committee appointed by the Cabinet, shall consist of the two Immediate Past District Governors and   one other Cabinet member will administer this fund.  This committee shall review submitted expenses and render payments.

Section II

New and reorganized clubs shall not be required to pay any annual per member dues for the semi-annual period in which their establishment or reorganization occurs.

Section III

Expenses of the District Governor to attend the International Convention shall be considered a District administrative expense.  Reimbursement for such expenses shall be paid up to the amount outlined in the Rules of Audit of Lions International.

Section IV

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.

Section V

The Cabinet Secretary-Treasurer shall be bonded in such amount and with such surety company as shall be approved by the District Cabinet, and or such blanket bond as provided by Multiple 5M and the cost shall be an administrative expense.

Section VI

The District Governor shall appoint a Past District Governor to provide for an annual or more frequent audit of the books and accounts of the Cabinet Secretary-Treasurer, and a statement of the financial condition of the District in each fiscal year,  shall be prepared by a Chartered Accountant or a Certified General Accountant under the direction of the appointed Past  District Governor, and sent to Lions International and Multiple 5M District Office within sixty (60) days after the close of  the fiscal year.  Such statement also shall be made available to each Club in the District.  Reasonable expense of retaining an accountant to carry out this audit shall be an expense of the current District Cabinet.

Section VII

Except as provided in Article VII hereof, the obligation or liability of a Lions Club to provide revenue to pay and satisfy the expenses and other commitments of the District as mentioned in Section I hereof, shall be limited to payment of the annual  per member dues, more particularly described in Section I hereof, provided however that nothing herein contained shall  inhibit, prohibit or in any way restrict any Lions Club from making any voluntary payment or contributing on a voluntary  basis, any funds to pay or satisfy expenses and/or other commitments of the District or to further any of the purposes or objects of the District or to otherwise financially support the objects and principles of Lionism nor shall anything herein  contained inhibit, prohibit or in any way restrict any Lion, any Lion Cabinet member or other person, firm or corporation  from making a request to a Lions Club in the District to make any such voluntary payment , voluntary contribution or to   otherwise financially support objects and principles of Lionism.

ARTICLE VI - DISTRICT CONVENTION

Section I

An Annual Convention of the District shall be held in each year during the months of January or February, at a place selected by a previous annual convention of the District and at a date and time fixed by the District Governor.  A meeting of the certified delegates of the District in attendance at the Annual Convention of the Multiple District of which this District shall be a part may constitute the annual convention of the District.

Section II

The District Governor shall receive invitations in writing from “Lions Clubs” desiring to entertain the annual convention.  All invitations shall set forth such information as the District Governor shall from time to time require and shall be delivered to him not later than thirty (30) days prior to convening date of the convention at which they are to be voted on.  Procedure to be followed in investigation of bids and in presentation of the same to conventions, as well as action to be taken by a convention in the event no bids are acceptable to, or received by the District Governor, shall be determined by the District Governor.

Section III

 The Officers of the District Cabinet shall govern the Annual District Convention.

Section IV

A Convention Sergeant-at-Arms, Committee Chairman for the Credentials, Resolutions, Elections, Constitutions and by-laws, and Rules Committees as shall be appointed by the District Governor.

Section V

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 (1) voting delegate and one alternate for each ten (10) members, or major fraction thereof, of said Club as shown by the District records on the first day of the month  last preceding that month during which the convention is held or as the District Governor may from time to time direct.  The major fraction referred to in this section shall be five (5) or more members.  All Past District Governors residing within the  constitutional boundaries of District 5M-13, who are members of a Lions Club in said District, shall have full delegate status independent off the club quotas.  Each certified delegate present in person may cast one (1) vote only for each office to be filled by, and one (1) 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 the delegates voting on any question shall be the act of the convention.

Section VI

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 VII

The District Governor shall retain and have power to change at any time, for good reason, the convention site chosen at a Previous District Convention, 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 VIII

Within sixty (60) days after the close of the Convention an official report of the Convention proceedings shall be mailed to Lions International and made available to each Club in the District by the Cabinet Secretary-Treasurer.

ARTICLE VII - DISTRICT CONVENTION FUND

Section I

The Lions Club Hosting the Convention and as approved by the District Governor, shall charge a hospitality fee set at such amount as may be necessary or desirable to pay, satisfy and settle all costs, charges and expenses incurred or likely to be incurred by the Host Club or by the District in organizing , prompting and operating the District Convention, and in addition  each Lion attending the Convention, shall be assessed the sum of $1.00 which shall be included in and form part of the registration and hospitality fee charged by the Host Club and which shall be paid over to the District at the time and in the manner mentioned in Section II hereof.

Section II

A             If a profit is realized from the promoting, organization or operation of the District Convention, such profit shall be shared   by and between the Host Club and the District, with the Host Club receiving 60% of such profit and the District receiving the remaining 40%.  The District’s share of the profits from the Mid-Winter Convention shall be put into a District  Convention Fund to reduce the price of the hospitality books at the next Convention.

B             Be it resolved that 1998 Mid-Winter Convention be the last convention that a $1.00 per member assessment for the District be charged for the Disaster Fund.

C            The Fund, which shall be known as the Convention Disaster Fund, shall be placed in the control and under the direction of  a Board of Trustees comprising of three (3) Past District Governors, whose duty it shall be to administer the Fund in accordance with the objective and intent thereof as herein expressed.

D            The Trustees shall be appointed by the District Governor, one Past District Governor shall be appointed  for a term of two (2) years and the remaining appointee shall be appointed for a term of one (1) year, the intention being that in each year thereafter the District Governor shall appoint one Past District Governor to the Board of Trustees for a term of three (3) years.  In the event one of the trustees is unable to complete a term, the District Governor shall appoint a successor Past District Governor to serve for the unexpired term.

E             The Lions Club hosting the District Convention shall be solely responsible or liable for all losses suffered from organizing, promoting or operating a District Convention, except to the extent that funds are available from the District for that purpose as herein before mentioned.

Section III

 The Host Club responsible for the promotion, organization and operation of a District Convention shall, within a period of sixty (60) days after the completion thereof, prepare or cause to be prepared and submitted to the District Governor, a Financial Report off the Convention , including details of all income or other funds received and all expenses or disbursement made, and at the time of such accounting, the Host Club shall pay to the District, the Districts share of any profit which may have been made or realized from the promotion, organization, or operation of the District Convention.

Section IV

The District Governor shall cause a copy of the Financial Statements submitted to him by the Host Club to be made available to each Lions Club in the District, within a reasonable period off time following the District Governor’s receipt of the financial statement.  If required, the District Governor may ask the Host Club for an audited statement.

Section V

Raffle tickets shall not be sold at any official function at the Annual District Convention without the written approval from the Convention Committee.

ARTICLE VIII - AMENDMENTS

Section I

This Constitution may be amended only at a District Convention by resolution reported by the Convention Committee on Constitution and By-laws and adopted by the affirmative vote of two-thirds off the registered delegates present.

Section II

No amendment shall be so reported or voted upon unless the same shall have been furnished in writing to each Club not less than thirty (30) days prior to the convening date of the Annual District Convention such notice the same will be voted upon at said Convention.

Section III

Each amendment shall take effect at the close of the Convention at which adopted, unless otherwise specified in the amendment.

Section IV

Any proposed amendment of the Constitution and By-laws submitted to the Convention may be further amended by the delegates present and entitled to vote at the Convention, provided the further amendment does not materially change the nature and scope of the original amendment proposed to the Convention.  In the event of any dispute arising, as to whether or not, the further amendment materially changes the nature and scope of the original amendment proposed to the Convention, the decision of the District Governor shall be final and binding upon the Convention.

BY-LAWS

ARTICLE I - DISTRICT NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS

 Section I

The District Governor shall appoint, by written notification received at least sixty (60) days prior to the District Convention, a nominating committee of three (3) members, each of who shall be a member in good standing of a different Lions Club in good standing of the District, and shall not at the time of their appointment hold any District or International Office.  The names and addresses of Lions so appointed shall be sent to all the Clubs in the District at least thirty (30) days prior to the convening day of the District Convention.

Section  II

Any member of a Club in the District seeking the office of District Governor, and/or Vice District Governor shall file his intention to so run in writing with the Nominating Committee prior to the day of it’s report to the Convention, and furnish therewith evidence of his compliance with the qualifications for said office set out 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 so qualified, then, but then only, nominations for the office may be made from the floor.  Each candidate shall be allowed one nominating speech of no more than five minutes duration, and one seconding speech of no more than three minutes duration.  The District Governor’s election shall be conducted by secret written ballot, with the District Governor candidate required to secure a simple majority of votes cast by the delegates and voted in order to be elected.

Section III

The election shall be by secret written ballot, unless there shall be only one nominee, in which a voice vote may be taken.  The candidate receiving the largest number of votes cast shall be declared elected.  In case of a tie on any ballot, balloting shall continue on the tied candidates until one is elected.

Section IV

In the event of a vacancy in the office of District Governor, the same shall be filled in accordance with the provisions of the International Constitution.  The remaining Cabinet Officers and members of the District Governor’s Honorary Committee shall convene at a date, time, and place called and determined by the Immediate Past District Governor to pick a replacement for recommendation to the International Board of Directors.

Section V

The District Governor shall cause an election for Directors to the “Lions Foundation of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Inc.” and the “Lions Eye Bank of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario ” at each Mid-Winter Convention as follows:

A            District 5M-13 shall have three (3) Directors on the Lions Foundation of Manitoba and Northwester Ontario Board and the Lions Eye Bank of Manitoba and Northwester Ontario Board, each for a three (3) year term.  No Director may serve more than two (2) elected terms.

B             District 5m-13 will be divided into three (3) areas, Directors to be elected at each Mid-Winter from the respective area as required.  

C             The Boundaries  for 5M-13 are as follows

a)     Area Number One – From the Western Border to the Eastern Border and all that area North of P.T.H. #5 and P.T.H. #68 including all those Clubs on P.T.H. #5 and #68.

b)     Area Number Two – From the Western Border to the Eastern Border and all that area between P.T.H #1 and P.T.H. #5 and #68 but not including and clubs on these highways.

c)     Area Number Three- From the Western Border to the Eastern Border and all that area between P.T.H. #1, South to the U.S.A. border including Clubs on these highways.

D        Rotation of election will be as listed hereafter:

d)     Area Number One – elect a Director in 2003 for three (3) years

e)     Area number Two - elect a Director in 2004 for three (3) years

f)     Area Number Three - elect a Director in 2005 for three(3) years.

g)     Then Rotate to area Number One in 2003 etc..

 ARTICLE II  - DUTIES

 Section I  - District Governor

The District Governor 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.  In addition he shall:

A        Further the purpose and objects of Lions International; promote the knowledge of Lions and Lions activities through a Newsletter to each Lion member in District 5M-13.  This Newsletter is to be known as the “District 5M13 Lion” and to have no less than ten (10) issues per year;

B        Supervise organization of new Lions Clubs;

C        Promote cordial relations among the Chartered Lions Clubs;

D        Preside over all Cabinet, Convention, and other District meetings;

E         Endeavor to visit each Club at least once during his term of office;

F         Exercise such supervision and authority over Cabinet officers and District Committee appointees as is provided in this Constitution, including, but not by way of limitation, the following:

a)        Supervise the collection of all annual per member dues by the Cabinet Secretary-treasurer, designate a depository(s) for  said funds and authorize the payment there from all legitimate expenses or commitments pertaining to the administration of the affairs of the District;

b)       Secure, set the amount of and approve the surety company issuing the surety bond for the Cabinet Secretary-Treasurer;

c)        Secure, semi-annually or more frequently, District financial reports from the Cabinet Secretary- Treasurer;

d)       Provide for an annual or more frequent audit of the books and accounts of the Cabinet Secretary-Treasurer and set up a definite schedule of dates, times, and places of Cabinet meetings to be held during the fiscal year;

e)        Submit a current itemized statement of total District receipts and expenditures to the annual District Convention;

f)        Submit such other reports and perform such other duties as may be required by the international Board of Directors;

g)        Deliver forthwith, within ninety (90) days following the termination of his term of office, all District accounts, funds, and records to his successor in office.  Deliver an audited Financial Statement concerning the financial state of the District during his term of office.

 Section II  - Vice District Governor

Under the supervision and direction of the District Governor, the Vice District Governor shall:

A            Further the purpose and objects of Lions International.

B             The Vice District Governor shall become familiar with the duties of the District Governor so in the event of a vacancy in the office of District Governor, the Vice District Governor will be prepared to assume the duties and responsibilities of said office in accordance with Article V, Section I, item “G” of this Constitution.

C             Perform such administrative duties as may be assigned by the District Governor.

D            Also perform such other functions and duties as may be required by the District Cabinet.

Section III - Cabinet Secretary-Treasurer

Under the supervision and direction of the District Governor, the Cabinet Secretary-Treasurer shall:

A         Keep an accurate record of the proceedings of all meetings of the Cabinet, and within fifteen (15) days after each meeting forward copies of the same to all members of the Cabinet, and the office of Lions International;

B          Take and keep minutes of the District Convention and furnish copies of the same to Lions International, the District Governor , and the Secretary of each Club in the District;

C          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 from time to time by the District Governor or the Cabinet;

D         Sign all notices and documents issued by the District;

E          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 Cabinet may require;

F          .  Collect and receipt for all per capita dues levied hereunder on members and Clubs in the District, deposit the same in such bank or banks as the District Governor shall determine and disburse the same by order of the District Governor;

G         .  Remit and pay over to the Multiple District Council Treasurer, the Multiple District Convention Fund per capita dues, if any, collected in the District, and secure a proper receipt therefore;

H         Keep accurate books and records of account, and minutes of all Cabinet and District meetings and permit inspection of the same by the District Governor, any Cabinet member, and any Club (or any authorized agent of any of them) at any reasonable time for any proper purpose.  Under the direction of the District Governor or the Cabinet, he shall furnish any such books and records as requested to any auditor appointed by the District Governor;

I            Secure bond for the faithful performance of his duties in such sum and with such sureties as may be required by the District Governor.

 Section IV - Zone Chairmen

Under the control and supervision of the District Governor, the Zone Chairman shall:

A         Make a report of each District Governor’s Advisory Committee meeting and send copies within five (5) days thereafter to Lions International and to the District Governor;

B          Endeavor to have every Club within his Zone operating under a duly adopted Club Constitution and By-laws;

C          Arrange regularly scheduled zone meetings;

D         Encourage inter-club meetings and social activities;

E          Promote attendance at charter nights for newly organized clubs

F          Promote representation at International and District Conventions by at least the full quota of delegates to which clubs in his zone are entitled.

In the event the Zone Chairman for any reason cannot or, in the judgment of the District Governor, does not perform the duties of his 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 VI - District Governor’s Cabinet

The District Governor shall:

A            Assist the Zone Chairmen in the performance of his duties and in the formulation of administrative plans and policies affecting the welfare of Lionism within the District;

B             Serve in an advisory and administrative capacity;

C             Receive, from the Zone Chairmen, reports and recommendations which concern the Clubs and Zones.

Section VII  - District Governor’s Advisory Committee

 

    It shall assist the Zone Chairman in an advisory capacity; procedure recommendations affecting the welfare of Lionism and the Clubs in the Zone, and relay the same through the Zone Chairman to the District Governor and his Cabinet.

Section VIII  - District Governor’s Honorary Committee

It shall act under the direction of the District Governor in the promotion of Lionism throughout the District.

Section IX - 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 office under Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised.

ARTICLE III  - COMMITTEES

Section I

The Credential Committee of the District Convention shall be composed of the Cabinet Secretary-Treasurer as Chairman, and two other non-officers of the District 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 II

The District Governor shall appoint, designate the Chairman of, and fill any vacancies occurring in, the following District Convention Committees: Resolutions, Elections, Nominating, Constitution and By-laws, Rules and International Convention.  Each Region shall have at least one representative on each such committee.  These committees shall perform such duties as the

District Governor shall designate.

ARTICLE IV - RULES FOR CONVENTION PROCEDURE

 Section I

The District Governor shall arrange the Order of Business for the District Convention, and the same shall be the order of the day for all sessions.

Section II

Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Constitution and By-laws, or in the Rules of Procedure adopted for a meeting, all questions of order and Procedure in any District meeting or convention, any meeting of the District Cabinet, Zone, or Club or any group or committee of any one of them shall be determined by Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised.

ARTICLE V - NOMINATION AND ENDORSEMENT INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR AND THIRD VICE-PRESIDENT NOMINEES

Section I

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 Third 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, by January just prior to the convening date of the respective convention at which such questions of endorsement is to be voted on.

B             Deliver with said Notice of Intention evidence of fulfillment of the qualifications for such offices set forth in the International Constitution and By-laws.

Section II

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 qualifications as may be necessary under the International 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 constitutional requirements.

Section III

Each such nominee for endorsement shall be allowed one nominating speech of no more than five(5) minutes duration.

Section IV

The vote on the question of endorsement shall be by secret written ballot, unless there shall be only one nominee seeking the same, in which event a voice vote may be taken.  The nominee receiving a majority of the votes cast shall be declared endorsed (elected) as the candidate of the Convention of the District.  In the event of a tie vote, of failure of one nominee to receive the required majority, on any ballot, balloting shall continue with respect to the two nominees only who received the largest number of votes on the previous ballot until one receives the required majority of the votes cast.  

Section V

Certification of Endorsement by the respective convention shall be made in writing to the International Office by the District Official designated, and in accordance with the requirements therefore set forth, in the International constitution and by-laws.

Section VI

No endorsement on any candidacy of any member of a Lions Club in this District shall be valid unless and until the provision of this article have been met.

ARTICLE VI - FISCAL YEAR

Section I

 The fiscal year of this District shall be from July 1st to June 30th

ARTICLE VII - AMENDMENTS

Section I

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 an affirmative vote of two thirds of the registered delegates.

Section II

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 at said Convention.

Section III

Each amendment shall take effect at the close of the Convention at which adopted unless otherwise specified in the amendment.

ARTICLE VII - EFFECTIVE DATES

This Constitution and by-laws shall take effect when adopted by the District Convention at which the same is adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast.

       Original dated July 1, 1981

Revised, District Convention at Flin Flon, February 6, 1987 ...

Revised, District Convention at Dauphin, February 27, 1988 ...

Revised, District Convention at Brandon , February 11, 1989 ...

Revised, District Convention at Swan River , February 1992 ...

Revised, District Convention at Flin Flon, February 12, 1994 ...

Revised, District Convention at Brandon , February 8, 1997 ...

Revised, District Convention at Dauphin, February 20, 1998 ...

Revised, District Convention at Swan River , February 13, 1999

Revised, District Convention , February, 2000

Revised, District Convention at Flin Flon, February, 2003

 GOVERNOR AND CABINET MEMBERS EXPENSE GUIDELINES

All expenses mentioned here after shall be guided by the current rules of audit as set down by Lions International,         Re: rooms, meals, and travel.

1           Governor Elect training in March (paid by 5M council).

2           Governor Elect school, International Convention (paid by International).

3           Leader Dog and International Headquarters visit (Leader Dog pays part) District remainder (Governor only).

4           5M Council meetings, three, one being at Multiple Convention (paid by Lions International).

5           5M13 Cabinet Meetings, four, one being Sub-District Convention (paid by Lions International).

6           Governor Elect, 5M Convention and Council Meeting (paid by District).

7           All club visits, once, also 25th and 50th Anniversary Nights, 2 Charter Nights (paid by International).

8           Lioness and Leo Charter Nights (paid by District).

9           Canada/U.S.A. Forum, paid by District, (Governor only) (not include registration).

10        International Convention at end of Governor’s year (paid by District) note: In the event International is outside North America, the District should consider a fund in advance.  (Not include registration).

11        District Officers School (paid by International).

12        Governor must claim newsletter allowance and postage from International and return to the District, also a stationary allowance.

13        Governor allowed to spend up to $100.00 on any single item without prior budget approval.  Any amounts of unbudgeted items in excess of the afore-mentioned must be approved by the Cabinet.

14        Cabinet member’s expense paid by the District up to the amount approved in the budget (not to include Mid-Winter or Multiple Convention registrations). Consideration to be given as some clubs do help pay their delegates expenses to conventions.

15        Zone Chairmen, four Cabinet Meetings a year (two being as in above at conventions).

16        Zone Chairmen, three zone meetings a year.  Zone Chairmen visit each club in their zone once a year.

17        Charter Nights, Anniversary Nights, and other special visits would have to be considered by the Cabinet above the budgeted amount.

18        Lions that serve their District must put some of their own expenses into the work and expansion of Lionism.

19        Every effort must be made by each year’s Cabinet to stay within the guidelines they set down in their budget.