Constitution and By-Laws

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

OF THE

SUN CITY CENTER LIONS CLUB

Chartered by and Under the Jurisdiction of

The International Association of Lions Clubs

SUN CITY CENTER LIONS CLUB

PREAMBLE

Following are the approved Constitution and By-Laws of the Sun City Center Lions Club. In event of conflict with International Clubs Constitution and By-Laws, the latter shall prevail.

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

ARTICLE I

Name, Slogan and Motto

Section A. The name of this organization shall be Sun City Center Lions Club chartered by, and under the jurisdiction of The International Association of Lions Clubs (hereinafter referred to as “Association”).

Section B. Its Slogan shall be Liberty, Intelligence, Our Nation’s Safety

Section C. Its Motto shall be We Serve

ARTICLE II

Purpose and Objects

The Objects of this club shall be:

A. To serve as “Knights of the Blind” and provide care and assistance for blind and visually impaired peoples of the world.

B. To exert our best efforts in the elimination of preventable blindness in our world community.

C. To promote principles of good government and good citizenship while taking an active interest in the civic, cultural, social, and moral welfare of our community.

D. To unite Lion members in bonds of friendship, good fellowship, and mutual understanding.

E. To provide a forum for open discussion of all matters of public interest provided, however, that club members shall not debate partisan politics and sectarian religion.

F. To encourage service-minded men and women to serve their community without personal or financial reward.

ARTICLE III

MEMBERSHIP

Section A. Subject to provisions of Section B hereinafter, any person of legal majority and good moral character and good reputation in the community, may be granted membership in this Lions Club. Wherever the male gender or pronoun appears in this Constitution and By-Laws, it shall be interpreted to mean both male and female persons.

Section B. Membership in this Lions Club shall be as follows:

(1) ACTIVE: A member entitled to all rights and privileges and subject to all obligations which membership in a Lions Club confers or implies. Without limiting such rights and obligations, rights shall include eligibility to seek, if otherwise qualified, any office in this club, district or Association and the right to vote on all matters requiring a vote of the membership. Obligations shall include regular attendance, prompt payment of dues, participation in club activities and conduct reflecting a favorable image of this Lions Club in the community.

(2) MEMBER-AT-LARGE: A member of this club who has moved from the community, or because of health or other legitimate reason is unable regularly to attend club meetings and desires to retain membership in this club, and upon whom the Board of Directors of this club desire to confer this status. The Board of Directors of this club shall review this status annually. A Member-At-Large shall not be eligible to hold office or vote in district or Association meetings or conventions, but shall pay dues the local club may charge, which shall include district and Association dues.

(3) HONORARY: An individual, not a member of this Lions club, having performed outstanding service for the community or the Lions Club, upon whom this club desires to confer special distinction. The club shall pay entrance fees, Association, and district dues of such a member, who may attend meetings, but shall not be entitled to any privileges of active membership.

(4) PRIVILEGED: A member who has maintained membership for fifteen or more years and because of illness, infirmities, advanced age or other legitimate reason, desires to relinquish Active status may become a privileged member with approval of the Board of Directors. A Privileged Member shall pay dues the club may charge, which shall include district and Association dues. He shall have the right to vote and be entitled to all other privileges of membership except the right to hold club, district, or international office.

(5) LIFE MEMBER: Any member who has maintained Active membership as a Lion for 20 or more years and has rendered outstanding service to this club, community, or Association, or any member who has maintained Active membership for 15 or more years and is at least 70 years of age may be granted Life Membership in the club upon:

Recommendation of this club to Association
Payment to Association of the amount currently required by this club in lieu of all future dues to Association, and
Approval by the International Board of Directors. Nothing herein shall prevent this club from charging a Life Member such dues, as it shall deem proper.

A Life Members shall have all privileges of Active Membership so long as he/she fulfills all obligations thereof.

A Life Member who desires to relocate and receive an invitation to join another Lions Club shall automatically become a Life Member of said Club.

(6) ASSOCIATE MEMBER: A member who holds his/her primary membership in another Lions club but maintains a residence or is employed in the community served by this club. This status may be conferred by the invitation of the Board of Directors and shall be reviewed annually. The club shall not report an Associate Member on its Membership and Activities Report. An Associate Member may be eligible to vote on club matters, at meetings where he/she is present in person, but may not represent the club as a delegate at district (single sub-, provisional and/or multiple) or international conventions. He/she shall not be eligible to hold club, district or international office, nor district, multiple district or international committee assignments through this club. International and district (single, sub-, provisional and/or multiple) dues shall not be assessed on the Associate. PROVIDED, however, nothing shall prevent the club from assessing an Associate such dues as it shall deem proper.

(7) AFFILIATE MEMBER: A quality individual of the community who currently is not able to fully participate as an Active member of the club but desires to support the club and its community service initiatives and be affiliated with the club. This status may be conferred by the invitation of the club’s Board of Directors. An Affiliate Member may be eligible to vote on club matters at meetings where he/she is present in person, but may not represent the club as a delegate at district (single, sub-, transitional, provisional, and/or multiple) or international conventions.

He/she shall not be eligible to hold club, district or international office, nor district, multiple district, or international committee assignment. An Affiliate Member shall be required to pay district, international and such dues as the local club may charge.

Section C. No person shall simultaneously hold membership, other than Honorary or Associate, in this and any other Lions club.

Section D. Membership in this Lions Club shall be acquired by invitation only. Nominations shall be made on forms provided by Association, signed by a member in good standing who shall act as sponsor, and submitted to Membership Chairman or club Secretary, who, after investigation, shall submit the same to the Board of Directors. If approved by a majority of said Board, prospect may then be invited to become a member of this club. A properly filled out membership form, entrance fee and dues must be in the hands of the club Secretary before the member may be officially inducted into the club or be reported to the Association as a Lion member.

Section E. Reinstatement of Membership: Any member dropped in good standing from membership in this club may be reinstated within six months from the date of termination of membership by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. In the event more than six months have elapsed between such termination and the reinstatement application, it will be necessary for the member to come into the club under the procedure set forth in Section D of this Article III. Association must authorize retention of prior Lions service.

Section F. Transfer Membership: This club may grant membership on a transfer basis to a Lion who has terminated or is terminating membership in another Lions club, provided that:

1) A completed transfer form is received by club Secretary within six months following the date of termination of membership in the former club or if the form is not available, member’s current membership card;

2) Such termination was in good standing; and,

3) The Board of Directors approves such transfer form or membership card. If more than six months have elapsed between termination of membership in another club and submittal of completed transfer form or current membership card, membership may be acquired in this club only under provisions of Section E of this Article III.

ARTICLE IV

Club Branch Program

Section A. Club may form branches to permit the expansion of Lionism into geographical areas where local populations may be too small to support a local club. The branch shall meet as a committee of the parent club and shall conduct service activities in its community.

Section B. The members of the branch shall be granted membership in the parent club and the branch by membership invitation issued by the board of directors of the parent club. Membership shall be in one of the categories listed in Section B of Article III.

Section C. The Members comprising the branch shall elect a coordinator and vice coordinator. The coordinator shall also be a member of the parent club’s board of directors and be encouraged to attend general and/or board meetings of the parent club to provide branch records and a report of planned branch activities, a monthly financial report and coordinate efforts to encourage open discussion and effective communication between the branch and parent club. Members of the branch are encouraged to attend scheduled meetings of the parent club.

Section D. The parent club shall designate a member of the parent club to oversee the progress of the branch and provide assistance to the branch, when necessary. The member serving in this capacity shall also serve as the third officer of the branch.

Section E. The members of the branch may vote on activities of the branch and are voting members of the parent club, when in attendance at meetings of the parent club. Branch members shall be calculated in parent club meeting quorum requirements only when present in person at the parent club meeting. Attendance at branch meetings fulfills regular club attendance requirements.

Section F. Project or public welfare monies raised by the branch by asking for public support shall be held in a fund established to record such purpose. They shall be distributed in the branch community unless otherwise specified. The board of directors of the parent club may authorize the branch coordinator to countersign checks and vouchers authorized for payment by the parent club’s board of directors.

Section G. The branch may be disbanded by a two-thirds vote of the entire board of directors of the parent club.

ARTICLE V

Fees and Dues

Section A. Each new, reinstated and transfer member shall pay club dues which shall include current Association entrance or transfer fees and be collected before such member is enrolled as a member of this club and before the Secretary may report such member to the Association. Provided, however, that the Board of Directors may elect to waive all or any part of the club portion of said entrance fee of a member granted membership by transfer or reinstatement within six months of termination of his/her prior Lions club membership.

Section B. Each member shall pay dues determined by majority vote of the club after recommendation by the Board of Directors, which shall include current Association and District dues and shall be paid semi-annually in advance at such times as the Board of Directors shall determine. The Treasurer of this club shall remit Association and District dues to the parties, and at the times specified by the respective Association and District constitution and by-laws. This club may require any member to pay club meeting meal costs in advance, but such costs shall not be assessed as part of regular annual dues. No dues, fees, or assessments in addition to those set forth herein may be levied on, or required of, any member by this club, its Board of Directors, or any officer or member of this club.

ARTICLE VI

Resignations

Any member may resign from this club, and resignation shall become effective upon acceptance by the Board of Directors. The Board may withhold acceptance until all indebtedness has been paid, all club funds and property have been returned, and all right to use of the name "LIONS," the emblem and other insignia of this club and this association have been surrendered.

ARTICLE VII

Forfeiture of Membership

Section A. The Treasurer shall submit to the Board of Directors the name of any member who fails to pay any indebtedness due this club within 60 days after receipt from Treasurer of written notice thereof. The Board shall decide whether member shall be dropped from or retained on the roster.

Section B. Any member may be expelled for cause by a two-thirds vote of the entire Board of Directors. Such members shall have the privilege of appearing before the Board prior to the vote.

Section C. The club shall encourage regular attendance at club meetings and activities. Where a member misses consecutive meetings or activities, the club will make every effort to contact the member to encourage and promote regular attendance.

Section D. The name of any Active member who is absent from four consecutive regular club meetings, without acceptable cause given to the Attendance Committee Chairman or club Secretary, shall be submitted to the Board of Directors by the club Secretary at the Board meeting following the fourth absence. The Board of Directors shall then direct the sponsor and/or attendance committee to investigate reasons for absences and report their findings to the Board who may elect to revoke membership.

ARTICLE VIII

Officers

Section A. Officers of this club shall be a President, Immediate Past President, First Vice-President, Second Vice-President, Third Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Lion Tamer, Tail Twister, Membership Director and all elected Directors.

Section B. No person shall be eligible to hold office in this club unless he/she is an Active member in good standing.

Section C. No officer shall receive any compensation for any service rendered to this club in his/her official capacity.

Section D. Duties:

(1) President: The President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the club; preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors and club; issue call for regular and special meetings of the Board of Directors and club; appoint Standing and Special Committees and cooperate with chairmen thereof to effect functioning and reporting of committees; cause regular elections to be duly called, noticed and held; and, cooperate with and be an active member of the District Governor’s Advisory Committee of the Zone.

(2) Immediate Past President: The Immediate Past President and other Past Presidents shall officially greet members and guests at club meetings and shall represent this club in welcoming all new service-minded persons in the community served by this club.

(3) Vice Presidents: If the President is unable to perform duties of the office for any reason, the Vice-President next in rank shall occupy the position and perform stated duties with the same authority as the President. Each Vice-President shall oversee, under direction of the President, the functioning of such committees of this club, as the President shall designate.

(4) Secretary: The Secretary shall be under supervision and direction of the President and the Board of Directors and shall act as liaison officer between the Club, District, and Association. In fulfillment of this, the Secretary shall:

a. Submit monthly membership and special reports to the Association containing such information as may be called for by the Board of Directors of Association;

b. Submit to the District Governor’s Cabinet such reports as it may require including financial, membership and activities reports;

c. Cooperate with and be an Active member of the District Governor’s Advisory Committee of the Zone in which this club is located;

d. Have custody and keep and maintain general records of this club, including minutes of club and Board meetings; attendance; committee appointments; elections; addresses; membership rosters and individual member records;

e. Chair the Awards and Attendance Committees.

(5) Treasurer: The Treasurer shall:

a. Receive all monies and deposit the same in a bank or banks recommended by the Finance Committee and approved by the Board of Directors;

b. Pay out monies in payment of club obligations only on authority given by the Board of Directors. All checks and vouchers shall be signed by any two of the following officers--the President, Secretary and Treasurer;

c. Have custody and keep and maintain general records of club receipts and disbursements;

d. Prepare and submit monthly and semi-annual financial reports to the Board of Directors;

e. Issue statements to each member for dues and other financial obligations owed to the club, collect and advise the club Secretary of payments and/or delinquencies, and report any delinquencies to the Board of Directors for action;

f. Give bond for the faithful discharge of his/her office in such sum and with such surety as determined by the Board of Directors.

(6) Lion Tamer: The Lion Tamer shall have charge of and be responsible for property and paraphernalia of the club, including flags, banners, gong, gavel, song books, and other items. He/she shall put each in its proper place before each meeting and return to storage after each meeting; shall act as sergeant-at-arms at meetings; see that those present are properly seated; and distribute bulletins, favors, and literature as required at club and Board meetings. The Lion Tamer shall give special attention to assure new members sit with different groups at each meeting so they can become better acquainted.

(7) Tail Twister: The Tail Twister shall promote harmony, good fellowship, life, and enthusiasm in the meetings through appropriate stunts and games and judicious imposition of fines on club members. There shall be no ruling from the Tail Twister’s decision in imposing a fine, provided, however, no fine shall exceed the amount approved by the majority of the club after recommendation by the Board of Directors, and no member shall be fined more than twice at any one meeting. The Tail Twister may not be fined except by unanimous vote of all members present. All monies collected by the Tail Twister shall be immediately turned over to the Treasurer and a receipt be given therefore.

(8) Membership Director: The Membership Director shall be chairperson of the Membership Committee. The responsibilities for this position shall be:

a. Development of a growth program specifically for the club and presented to the Board of Directors for approval,

b. Regular encouragement at club meetings to bring in new, quality members,

c. Ensuring proper recruitment procedures,

d. Preparation and implementation of orientation sessions,

e. Reporting to the Board of Directors on ways to reduce loss of members,

f. Coordination with other club committees in fulfilling these responsibilities,

g. Serving as a member of the zone level membership committee.

ARTICLE IX

Board of Directors

Section A. The members of the Board of Directors shall be the President, Immediate Past President, Vice-Presidents, Secretary, Treasurer, Lion Tamer, Tail Twister, Membership Director, Branch Coordinator, if so designated, and all elected Directors.

Section B. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held monthly at a time and place the Board shall determine.

Section C. Special meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held when called by the President or when requested by five or more members of the Board of Directors, at a time and place the President shall determine.

Section D. The presence in person of a majority of its members shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of the Board of Directors. Unless otherwise specifically provided, the act of a majority of the Directors present at any meeting of the Board shall be the act and decision of the entire Board of Directors.

Section E. In addition to duties and powers, express and implied, set forth elsewhere in the Constitution and By-Laws, the Board of Directors shall have the following duties and powers:

1. It shall constitute the Executive Board of this club and be responsible for the execution, through club officers, of policies approved by the club. All new business and policy shall be considered and shaped, first, by the Board of Directors for presentation to and approval by the club members at a regular or special meeting.

2. It shall authorize all expenditures and shall not create any indebtedness beyond current income of this club, nor authorize disbursal of club funds for purposes inconsistent with the business and policy authorized by the club membership.

3. It shall have power to modify, override, or rescind action of any officer of this club.

4. It shall annually audit books, accounts, and operations of this club and may require an accounting or have an audit made of handling of any club funds by any officer, committee, or member of this club. Any member of this club in good standing may inspect any audit or accounting upon request at a reasonable time and place.

5. It shall appoint, after considering recommendation of the Finance Committee, a bank, or banks for deposit of the funds of this club. It shall maintain at least two bank accounts. The first account is for ADMINISTRATION monies such as dues, tail twisting fines and other internally raised club funds. A second account shall be established to deposit FOUNDATION monies raised by asking support from the public. Disbursement from the latter account shall be in strict accordance with Section E (7) of this Article IX.

6. It shall appoint the surety for bonding any officer of this club. It may, at its discretion, vote to forgo bonding for any office on an annual basis.

7. It shall not authorize, nor permit, the expenditure, for any administrative purpose, of net income of projects or activities of this club by which funds are raised by the public or by donations to the FOUNDATION.

8. It may submit matters of new business and policy to the respective standing or special committee for study and recommendation to the Board.

9. It shall name and appoint, subject to approval of club membership, delegates, and alternates of the club to District and Association Conventions.

ARTICLE X

Elections

Section A. The President shall appoint a standing nominating committee that shall submit names of candidates for club offices to the club membership at the regular meetings held in March. Meeting notices and the slate of candidates will be mailed or hand delivered to each club member prior to the March meetings. At these meetings, nominations for all offices to be filled in the succeeding year may also be made from the floor.

Section B. If between the nomination meetings and elections meetings any nominee is unable to serve in the office for which nominated, and there was no other nominee, the nominating committee shall submit, at the election meeting, names of additional nominees for that office. Nominations may be opened to the floor for such offices only.

Section C. The election meeting shall be held at the first regular meeting in April with prior notice mailed or hand delivered to each club member. Such notice shall include names of all nominees approved at preceding nomination meetings, and subject to Section B above, a statement that these nominees will be voted upon at this election meeting. Nominations may not be made from the floor at the election meeting unless there has been no nominee presented for that office.

Section D. Subject to the provision of Section G of this Article X, all officers, other than Directors, shall be elected annually and take office on July 1^st and hold office for one year from that date, or until their successors shall have been elected and qualified.

Section E. A membership committee shall be composed of three elected members for a three-year term. Initially three members will be elected. One member shall serve for one year, the second member for two years, and the third member for three years. Each year thereafter, a new member will be elected. Each member shall serve three continuous years on a rotation system. Thus, the first year member shall be a member of the committee, the second year member shall be its vice chairperson, and the third year member shall serve as chairperson and Membership Director on the club’s Board of Directors.

Section F. One-half of the Directors shall be elected annually and shall take office on July 1^st following their election, and shall hold office for two years from that time, or until their successors shall have been elected and installed.

Section G. The election shall be by voice, hand, or written ballot by those present and qualified to vote. A plurality vote shall be necessary to elect.

Section H. Any officer of this club may be removed from office for good cause by a two-thirds vote of the Active club membership (versus a quorum).

ARTICLE XI

Vacancies

Section A. If the office of President or of any Vice-President shall become vacant for any reason, the Vice-Presidents shall advance in office, according to their rank. In the event such provision for advancement shall fail to fill the office of President, or First or Second Vice-President, the Board of Directors shall call a special election, giving each member in good standing prior notice of the time and place, which shall be determined by said board, and such office shall be filled at said election meeting.

In the event of a vacancy of Third Vice-President, the Board of Directors may appoint a member to fill the unexpired term. In the event of a vacancy in any other office, the Board of Directors shall appoint a member to fill the unexpired term.

In the event vacancies shall be of such number as to reduce the number of Directors to less than the number required for a quorum, the membership of the club shall have power to fill such vacancies by an election held at any regular meeting of the club upon prior notice, and in the manner, specified in Section B hereinafter. Such notice may be given by any remaining Officer or Director, but if none, then by any member.

Section B. In the event any officer-elect, before the term of office commences, is unable, or refuses for any reason to serve therein, the President may call a special nomination and election meeting to elect a replacement for such officer-elect. Prior notice of such meeting, setting forth purpose, time and place thereof, shall be given to each member, by mail or personal delivery. The election shall be held immediately after nominations have been closed and a plurality vote shall be necessary for election.

ARTICLE XII

Meetings

Section A. Regular meetings of this club shall be held, no less than twice in each month, at a time and place recommended by the Board of Directors, and approved by the club. All meetings shall begin and end promptly, at regular set times. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Constitution and By-Laws, notice of regular meetings shall be given in such manner as the Board of Directors deems proper.

Section B. Special meetings of this club may be called by the President, at his/her discretion, and shall be called by the President when requested by the Board of Directors, at a time and place determined by the person or body requesting the same. Notice of special meetings setting forth purpose, time, and place thereof shall be given to each member of this club, by mail or personal delivery, at least two weeks prior to the date.

Section C. A Charter anniversary meeting of this club may be held each year, at which time special attention shall be devoted to the objects and ethics of Lionism, and history of this club.

Section D. An Annual Meeting of the club shall be held in May or June of each year at a time and place determined by the Board of Directors, at which meeting the final reports of the retiring officers shall be read and newly elected officers shall be installed.

Section E. The voting members in good standing present in person shall constitute a quorum at any regular meeting of this club.

Section F. Any member who fails to pay any indebtedness due this club within 60 days after receipt from the Secretary of written notice thereof shall thereon forfeit his/her good standing and shall so remain until such indebtedness is paid in full. Only members in good standing may exercise the voting privilege and hold office in this club.

Section G. Except as otherwise specifically provided, the act of a majority of the members present at any meeting shall be the act and decision of the entire club.

ARTICLE XIII

Emblems, Colors, Fiscal Year

Section A. The emblem and colors of this club shall be the same as the emblem and colors of the Association.

Section B. The fiscal year of this club shall be July 1 through June 30.

ARTICLE XIV

Delegates to Association and District Conventions

Section A. Inasmuch as Association is governed by Lions club in convention assembled, and so this club may have its voice in Association matters, this club shall have power to pay designated expenses of its voting delegates to each annual convention of the Association. This club shall be entitled in any convention of this Association, to one delegate and one alternate for every 25, or major fraction thereof, of its members as shown by records of Association office on the first day of the month last preceding that month during which the convention is held; PROVIDED, however, this club shall be entitled to at least one delegate and one alternate. The major fraction referred to in this section shall be 13 or more members. The selection of each delegate and alternate shall be evidenced by a certificate signed by the President or Secretary or any other duly authorized officer of this club, or in event no such club officer is in attendance at the convention, by the District Governor or District Governor-Elect of the District.

Section B. Inasmuch as all District matters are presented and adopted at District conventions, this club may send its full quota of delegates to all such conventions and have power to pay designated expenses of such delegates attending such conventions. This club shall be entitled in each annual convention of its District to one delegate and one alternate for each 10 members, or major fraction thereof, who have been enrolled for at least one year and a day in this club, as shown by the records of Association office on the first day of the month last preceding that month during which the convention is held; PROVIDED, however, this club shall be entitled to at least one delegate and one alternate. Each certified delegate present in person shall be entitled to cast one vote of choice for each office to be filled by, and one vote of choice on each question submitted to, the respective convention. The major fraction referred to in this section shall be five or more members.

ARTICLE XV

Honorary Mailing List

The International Association of Lions Clubs and the district governor shall be included on the mailing list of this club.

ARTICLE XVI

Parliamentary Practices

Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Constitution and By-Laws, all questions of Order or Procedure with respect to any meeting or action of this club, its Board of Directors, or any committee appointed hereunder shall be determined in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, as revised from time to time. The President shall have the power to appoint a Parliamentarian, if required, to rule upon parliamentary procedures. Such appointee should be familiar with the Constitution and By-Laws of this club and with Roberts Rules of Order.

ARTICLE XVII

Dispute Resolution

All disputes arising between any member or members, or a former member or members, and the club, or any officer on the board of the club, relative to membership, or the interpretation, breach of, or application of the club’s constitution and by-laws, or the expulsion of any member from the club, or any other matter whatsoever which cannot be satisfactorily resolved through other means, shall be settled by dispute resolution.

Any party to the dispute may file a written request with the district governor asking that dispute resolution take place. Within 15 days of receipt, the district governor shall appoint a conciliator to hear the dispute. The conciliator shall be a past district governor who is currently a member in good standing of a club in good standing, other than a club which is a party to the dispute, in the district in which the dispute arises. The selected conciliator shall be acceptable to the parties. Upon being selected, the conciliator shall arrange a meeting of the parties for conciliating the dispute. The meeting shall be scheduled within 30 days of the appointment of the conciliator. If such conciliation efforts are unsuccessful, the conciliator shall have the authority to issue his or her decision relative to the dispute, which decision shall be final and binding on all parties.

ARTICLE XVIII

Amendments

Section A. Any proposed amendment to this Constitution may be made by a Member of the club in good standing and submitted to the President and Secretary. The Secretary shall forward any proposed amendment to the Constitution and By-Laws Committee who shall rule on its agreement with Association Constitution and By-Laws and recommend approval or disapproval. The Constitution and By-Laws Committee chairperson shall submit the proposed amendment to the Board of Directors who shall recommend approval or disapproval by a simple majority.

Section B. A Constitutional amendment may be voted upon at any regular or special meeting of this club after proper notification as specified in this Article XVIII, Section C below, at which a quorum of active members is present, and shall pass only by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members present in person and voting.

Section C. No Constitutional amendment shall be put to vote, unless written notice thereof, stating the proposed amendment, shall have been mailed or delivered personally to each member of this club prior to the meeting at which the vote on the proposed amendment is to be taken.

BY-LAWS

No. 1

This club shall not endorse or recommend any candidate for public office, nor shall members in meetings of this club debate partisan politics or sectarian religion.

No. 2

Except to further progress in Lionism, no officer or member of this club shall use his membership as means of furthering any personal, political, or other aspiration, nor shall the club, as a whole, take part in any movement not in keeping with its purposes and objects.

No. 3

No funds shall be solicited from members of the club during meetings by any individual or individuals who are not members of the club. Any suggestion or proposition made at any meeting of the club calling for expending of money for other than regular obligations shall be referred to the Finance Committee.

No. 4

Section A. The following Standing Committees may be appointed by the President, except for the members and chairperson of the Membership Committee, who are elected:

Administrative Committees

Attendance Awards

Constitution & By-Laws Bulletin (Lions Tale)

Convention Community Service

Finance Nominations

Information Technology Social

Lions Information Chaplain/Sunshine

Membership Lions Apparel

Program 50/50

Public Relations Sight Conservation

Greeter Hearing & Speech

Foundation Committees

Blind Seal

Rummage Sale

White Cane

Fruitcake Sale

LCIF

Section B. Special Committees: From time to time, the President may appoint Special Committees as may be necessary in his or her judgment or the judgment of the Board of Directors.

Section C. The President shall be an ex-officio member of all committees, except the Nominating Committee and the LCIF Committee.

Section D. All committees shall consist of a chairperson and, subject to Section B above, as many members as shall be considered necessary by the President and Committee Chairman.

Section E. Each committee, through its Vice-President, shall report, either verbally or in writing, each month to the Board of Directors.

Section F. All problems pertaining to either administrative or FOUNDATION matters may be referred to the proper committee for study and recommendation to the Board of Directors.

No. 5

There shall be a 25-cent limit on fines by the Tail Twister except for birthday fines, which shall be limited to $1.00.

No. 6

Upon recommendation by the Finance Committee and the Treasurer, the Board of Directors may approve the following expenses:

Section A. International Convention: Partial payment of expenses of attending voting club delegates.

Section B. State Convention: Partial payment of expenses of attending voting club delegates with priority to President; Secretary; President and Secretary Elect; and club members who are Sub-District Cabinet Officers. (See Article XIV, Section B)

Section C. Sub-District Cabinet Meetings: Payment of meal costs for member attending (up to one attendee for each 10 club members) including the President and Secretary and any club member attending who is a Cabinet Officer.

Section D. Region/Zone Meetings: Payment of meal costs for President and Secretary or alternate and any club member acting as Zone Chairman.

No. 7

In cases of member/spouse death, the club may make a donation to a Lions supported organization, determined by the Board of Directors, in memory of said member/spouse using

FOUNDATION account funds.

No. 8

Prospective members should attend at least two meetings before invitation to join is extended.

No. 9

A member must attend a minimum of 20 meetings to qualify for a 100% attendance award during the 12-month period April 1 through March 31. Make-up meetings may be counted.

N0. 10

There shall be a no smoking policy in effect at club meetings.

No. 11

All dues shall be payable semi-annually on June 15 and December 15. New member dues shall be prorated. New member dues shall be in addition to Association, District, and Initiation fees. Life Members will pay all dues except International. Increases of International and District dues shall be added to the existing dues without action of the Board of Directors or club membership. Any increases of club dues shall take place only after recommendation by the Board of Directors and majority approval of the club in a regular meeting.

No. 12

Awards

Section A. Routine Awards: The Awards Committee will submit to the Board of Directors for approval, the names of members determined to be eligible for Attendance, Longevity, Service, Governor’s Achievement, Anchor, Golden Chain, etc. awards.

Section B. Special Awards: These awards will be based on merit and special achievement and be of long-standing significance. The President, Vice-Presidents, and Awards Committee Chairman will select nominees for such awards for consideration by the Board of Directors.

Section C. President’s Award: The selection of candidates for the President’s Achievement Award is a prerogative of the Club President.

Section D. Melvin Jones Fellowship: a LCIF committee comprised of at least three Melvin Jones Fellows shall make the selection of candidates for a Melvin Jones Fellowship.

No. 13

Except for action necessitated by changes in the Lions International Standard Club Constitution and By-Laws, these by-laws may be altered, amended, or repealed at any regular meeting or special meeting of the club by a majority affirmative vote of the members present and voting. The Board of Directors may present a resolution to the club for amendment or modification of the by-laws at any regular meeting after prior notice to the members.

No. 14

Any by-law except By-Law No. 1 and No. 2 may be suspended at any meeting of the club at which a quorum is present by the unanimous vote of all members present.

Revised July 2004 as a result of amendments to the International Standard Club Constitution; and changes resulting from the establishment of the Sun City Center Lions Foundation, Inc.