SUN CITY CENTER LIONS CLUB

 

ORIENTATION MANUAL

  

            PART I               INTERNATIONAL LEVEL

 

            PART II              LIONISM IN FLORIDA

 

            PART III             CLUB LEVEL

 

            PART IV             AWARDS

 

 

PART I - INTERNATIONAL

 

WHO ARE THE LIONS AND WHAT DO THEY DO

The Lions are men and women dedicated to serving those in need whether in their own community or halfway around the world. A great deal of autonomy is allowed to individual clubs and practical service is an outstanding feature of Lions. This provides momentum that leads to Lion growth and progress.

 

Membership in a Lions club is by invitation only. In addition to humanitarian service, Lions enjoy fellowship and develop leadership capabilities. Long the largest service club organization, Lions was the first to admit women worldwide.

 

WHAT MEMBERSHIP MEANS

Membership in a Lions club means members have the opportunity to meet and to work with other individuals in a spirit of fellowship, striving toward a common idea or goal.

 

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF NEW MEMBERS

New members are expected to give freely of their time and energy whenever possible, attend all club meetings (unless they are ill or out of town), be available for committee assignments, be knowledgeable about the objectives and aims of Lionism, and support club officers at all times.

 

All active members are required to attend meetings regularly. Awards for perfect attendance are given to members who so qualify. Lions who have maintained continuous membership for ten or more years will receive appropriate Monarch Chevrons.

 

GUESTS AT MEETINGS

Guests are always welcome at Lions’ meetings. The Lion who extended the invitation, unless previously agreed upon by the club to absorb the cost, especially in the case of a speaker, generally pays for their guest’s meal. The guests are to be introduced at an appropriate time by the Lion who extended the invitation.

 

OFFICIAL NAME

The LIONS official name is “THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LIONS CLUBS,” or simply, “LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL.”

 

AIMS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF LIONISM

The primary aim of Lionism is service; first to the club’s own community, then to those in need, wherever they may be.

 

Each year Lions clubs perform services and provide goods to thousands of persons throughout the world. We can proudly say that Lions clubs perform far more activities and help more people than any other service organization in the world today.

 

HISTORY OF LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL

Beginning in 1917, a Chicago businessperson, Melvin Jones, an active member of a business club, of which there were several in the area, wondered why these clubs could not be combined and expanded from a purely business concern to concentrate on community betterment, both locally and the world at large.

 

His idea seemed agreeable within his group and he was authorized to explore this idea with similar organizations around the United States. As a result of his efforts, an organizational meeting took place at a Chicago hotel on June 7, 1917, and the “Association of Lions Clubs” was formed.

 

A national convention was called for the various clubs in the United States participating in this organization and was held in Dallas, Texas in October 1917. Attending this convention were 36 delegates from 22 clubs. Thus, the “Lions Clubs” organization was officially born. Melvin Jones never held the office of President, but he served in the capacity of Secretary/Treasurer for many years. As a sidelight, individual Lions may be designated “Melvin Jones Fellows” for their humanitarian services, a fellowship in honor of our founder. This fellowship is one of the highest honors an individual Lion may receive.

 

A Constitution and By-Laws were adopted during the 1917 convention, as well as the Lions Code of Ethics and Objectives, under which we operate today.

 

The purple and gold colors of the Lions organization were also chosen at this convention: purple standing for loyalty to friends and oneself and for integrity of mind and heart, gold symbolizing sincerity of purpose, liberality of judgment, and purity in life and generosity in mind, heart and purpose toward humanity.

 

LIONS EMBLEM

The Lions emblem consists of a letter “L” on a circular field; bordering it is a circular gold area with a Lion’s profile at either side facing away from the center. The word “Lions” appears at the top and “International” at the bottom. Symbolically, Lions face both the past and the future - proud of the past and confident of the future.

 

OUR MOTTO AND THE MEANING OF THE LIONS NAME

The Lion's motto is WE SERVE. The name "LIONS" means Liberty, Intelligence, Our Nations Safety.

 

ACTIONS FOLLOWING THE 1917 CONVENTION

Clubs began to be organized throughout the United States, then Canada, Mexico, and Cuba. Thus Lions became an international organization. Currently, Lions Clubs International is the largest service organization in the world with 1,357,985 members, in over 46,366 clubs, in over 739 districts, located in over 192 countries and geographic areas as of February 2004.

 

THE 1925 INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION

Helen Keller, who was born in 1880, lost her sight and hearing at the age of 18 months. In 1925, she addressed the Lion’s International Convention in Cedar Point, Ohio, accompanied by her mentor, Anne Sullivan-Macy, who assisted her in overcoming her handicaps. Helen Keller was the first woman to become a member of the Lions, followed by Anne Sullivan-Macy. The impact of Helen Keller’s presence and following her challenge to become “Knights of the Blind,” Lions International embarked on its primary function--to assist those who suffered visual impairment and hearing loss. Today, the principal focus of Lions International is helping those who suffer from visual impairment and the never-ending task of eliminating the causes of blindness.

 

THE INTERNATIONAL CONSTITUTION, OBJECTIVES, AND CODE OF ETHICS

The International Constitution of Lions Clubs International provides a structure around which the International Association functions. It also serves as a guide for the Standard Form Constitution and By-Laws under which individual Lions clubs may function.

 

The Lions Clubs objectives outline the aims and goals of Lionism.

 

The Code of Ethics is a guideline for the personal values that each Lion should exemplify.

 

INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIP AND UNDERSTANDING

It may appear that the language barrier would make international understanding almost impossible. But international understanding and fellowship is a matter of spirit rather than language. Thousands of Lions clubs throughout the world establish activities with clubs in other countries to create and foster a spirit of understanding among people of the world.

 

INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS

The International Headquarters, with a staff of more than 300 full-time employees, is located in Oak Brook, Illinois. Offices are maintained in several countries in the world of Lionism. Records of Lionistic activities are kept in the Oak Brook office. This office is also responsible for the printing and distribution of materials to individual districts and clubs.

 

THE INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION

The officers of the International Association of Lions Clubs include the President, Immediate Past President, 2 Vice Presidents, and 31 Directors representing all the various areas of the world.

 

SERVICE AND INFORMATION FROM THE INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS

The International Headquarters provides a variety of brochures and manuals that will be of help to Lions at both the district and club levels. (More of the district and club organization will be discussed later.)

 

Merchandise items are also available through the Club Supplies and Distribution Division. These items can be seen in the Lions Supply Catalog, a copy of which every new Club secretary receives every year from the International Headquarters.

 

OFFICIAL DIRECTORY OF LIONS CLUBS

The Directory of Lions Clubs contains a list of all the clubs in the world of Lionism. The listing includes the name, address and telephone number of the club Presidents and the meeting place and time for each club. It also provides information relative to Executive Officers, including the International Board of Directors, as well as the names and addresses of all District Governors, District Secretaries, and Council Chairpersons.

 

THE LIONS MAGAZINE

The official magazine of Lions Clubs International, the “LION,” which was established as the official organ of the Association, was initially published in October 1917, and has been published continuously ever since. Every member of the Association receives it regularly. The annual subscription price is included in the International dues. The “LION” is published in English and other language editions. The magazine has four major functions:

1.      To publish official notices for the information of the membership.

2.      To serve as a trading post for ideas and project methods that has been proven successful.

3.      To supply information about all the countries and areas of Lionism, enabling all Lions to better understand and serve International’s programs, world understanding, world unity, and world peace.

4.      To present the story of Lions Clubs International in the best possible manner that not only Lions, but the casual reader, will receive a favorable impression of our Association.

 

THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION

The International Convention is held in late June or early July; it constitutes the annual meeting of the members of the Association. These conventions are held in various locations around the world, changing countries, usually annually.

Some of the activities held during the convention include:

INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS

PRIMARY PROGRAM - In 1990 Lions established Sight First--a US$145 Million-plus global initiative to rid the world of preventable and reversible blindness. This unprecedented program joins leading blindness prevention experts, blindness organizations, governments, and Lion volunteers in an effort to establish long term solutions in eye health infrastructure, training of eye care professionals, treatment, and public education.

 

OTHER SIGHT-RELATED ACTIVITIES - In addition to Sight First, Lions clubs continue to support other sight-related activities:

LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION (LCIF) - This foundation is a great vehicle through which Lions of every nation can help other Lions to help people. Monies donated to LCIF are channeled to well-planned, well-controlled projects that are essentially Lionistic in character. As an example, funds were donated to the Southeastern Guide Dog School, located in Palmetto, Florida, to assist in the construction of new kennels, improve the dormitory for students training with their guide dogs, and to provide additional structures to enable the school to better its role in assisting those with visual impairment.

 

DRUG AWARENESS PROGRAM - Drug and alcohol abuse threaten the lives of future young people everywhere. Lions clubs have responded with educational programs designed to help young people resist the lure of drugs and alcohol, particularly the Lions Quest “Skills for Adolescence” in the junior and middle school curriculums. It gives 10-14 year old youngsters the skills they need to make decisions about drugs and other important issues facing them. Lions Quest is now taught in thousands of schools and is being expanded to thousands more throughout the world.

 

EYEGLASSES - Almost everyone knows Lions clubs furnish eye care and glasses for needy persons. Ask any school nurse! You might have old glasses lying around, out of style, out of prescription, that will be treasured and valued by someone else. Donated glasses are cleaned, sorted, and distributed to poorer neighborhoods and countries where glasses are rare and costly. Donate old eyeglasses to your Lions club and help someone see. Preventing blindness never goes out of style!

 

GLAUCOMA SCREENING - Internationally, Lions furnish over 600,000 professional screenings for glaucoma each year through traveling vans and services of local Lions clubs.

 

DIABETES SCREENING - If you’re over 40, overweight, or diabetes runs in your family, you are at risk. Detected early, diabetes can usually be controlled. Untreated, it can lead to heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, amputation, blindness, and death. If you are diabetic you have four times the probability of losing your sight! Each summer young diabetics spend time together in Lions sponsored camps learning to independently manage their disease in a nurturing recreational atmosphere with peers and professionals who understand their problems. Lions also sponsor camp sessions for blind, deaf, and other physically disabled youngsters.

 

LIONS WORLD SERVICES FOR THE BLIND - LWSB (Little Rock, Arkansas) is a rehabilitation center offering personal adjustment programs, vocational courses, vision rehabilitation training, and a college prep course. LWSB has served over 6,400 individuals from the US and other countries and graduated nearly 12000 guide dogs. Our Sun City Center Lions charter president, Lion Milt Brummer, is a former LWSB President.

 

INTERNATIONAL YOUTH PROGRAMS

LEO CLUB PROGRAM - The Leo Club program is a youth activity of Lions whereby young people are provided with an opportunity to contribute to their communities by conducting civic and social activities in the true spirit of Lionism.

 

LIONS INTERNATIONAL YOUTH EXCHANGE - For more than 25 years, Lions International Youth Exchange has involved hundreds of thousands of Lions, host families, and young people in cultural visits. It has brought together young and old alike from distant lands, established enduring friendships, and prompted international tolerance and understanding.

 

LIONS YOUTH OUTREACH - Young people develop essential life and citizenship skills through this comprehensive outreach program.

 

LIONS INTERNATIONAL PEACE POSTER CONTEST - Each year 200,000 students, ages 11-13, from 40 countries, creatively share personal ideas about world peace through artwork judged at local, regional, national, and international levels. Our club is active in this program through a local elementary school.

 

PART II - LIONISM IN FLORIDA

 

Countries and geographic areas around the world are designated as Districts. Where there is a grouping of clubs, the District is divided into Sub-Districts. Generally Districts are assigned numbers based on the order of affiliation with Lions International, e.g., Illinois is District 1, Texas is District 2, etc. Some Districts include more than one State, e.g., California and Nevada are combined. Some Districts include parts of the United States and Canada.

 

The State of Florida and Grand Bahamas Island is a Multiple District designated District 35, and is divided into seven Sub-Districts: F - L - O - R - I - D - A. Our geographic area encompasses Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus Counties and is designated Sub-District 35-R.

 

Between 1922 and 1925, 13 Lions clubs were chartered in Florida, the oldest, Orlando, on December 15, 1922. The 1st Annual State Convention was held in Orlando on May 28-29, 1925. Membership totaled 401. Franklin O. King had been appointed by International to serve as Governor until this Convention when he was elected to serve another term. The 11th State Convention was held in May 1935, a year of slow recovery from the Depression. There now were 37 clubs with 1,163 members. A Secretary, Treasurer, and six Deputy Governors assisted the District Governor.

 

The 14th Convention in June 1938 produced a District Governing Board “to take action and secure the books.” This Board included the Governor, six Deputy Governors, and 13 Zone Chairmen. This Convention also originated the Schools for Secretaries, Treasurers, Tail Twisters, and Lion Tamers.

 

Under the “Multiple District Governor Plan of Organization,” the 15th Annual Convention delegates voted to divide the State into two Sections. District 35N (North) with 33 clubs and 802 members, and District 35S (South) with 38 clubs and 1,413 members. Each District was organized with a Governor, Deputy Governor, and Zone Chairmen.

 

The last year for District 35N and 35S was 1948. The 24th Convention divided District 35 into 5 Sub-District: L - I - O - N - S, with 107 clubs and 5,609 members. This was the forerunner of the District Council of Governors and Sub-District Governors Cabinet.

 

In May, 1959, the 35th Convention refined the duties of the District Council of Governors, State Secretary, and reorganized the District into 7 Sub-Districts, to wit: F - L - O - R - I - D - A. Completing the organization we know today, the 50th Convention in 1974 accepted the Freeport Bahamas Lions Club into Sub-District 35-D; and the first Presidents School was held at this convention.

 

Other than Constitution & By-Laws changes, business matters, meetings, ceremonies, awards, etc., the functions of the Districts and Sub-Districts remain substantially the same. The Council of Governors and Sub-District Governors Cabinets meet periodically to oversee club membership, activities, finances, etc. The Sub-Districts generally are divided into Regions and Zones, each having supervising Chairpersons. The Sub-District Governor may determine the number of Regions and Zones in the Sub-District.

 

SUB-DISTRICT 35-R

There are 40 Lions clubs in this District, including Sun City Center.

 

The District Governor is elected at the District Convention (if a District Convention is convened) or at the State Convention if no District Convention is held. The District Governor is elected to serve for one year and is the executive officer for the District. The new Governor takes office at the conclusion of the International Convention. The term of office extends from July through June.

 

Under the general supervision of the International Board of Directors, the District Governor represents the Association in the District. In addition to being the chief administrative officer in the District, the Governor has direct supervision over the Vice District Governor, the Cabinet Secretary/Treasurer, the Region Chairpersons, the Zone Chairpersons, and all other cabinet members. The Governor’s specific responsibilities are:

The Vice District Governor is elected in the same manner as the District Governor and shall assist the District Governor under his/her direction. The Vice District Governor’s specific responsibilities are:

The Cabinet Secretary/Treasurer acts under the supervision of the District Governor and has the following responsibilities:

SUB-DISTRICT ORGANIZATION

Under the International Constitution a Sub-District must maintain a minimum of 35 clubs with 1,250 members in good standing. There are some 40 clubs in District 35-R with a total membership of about 1150 Lions. Depending on the desires of the Governor, the District may be organized with Regions and subordinate Zones supervised by Region and Zone Chairpersons or a number of freestanding Zones. Presently the District is organized with 8 Zones overseen by 8 Chairpersons. We are one of five clubs in Zone 8 that includes Brandon, Keysville, Plant City, South Hillsborough, and Sun City Center.

 

The Zone Chairperson operates under the supervision and direction of the District Governor and functions as the chief administrative officer in the Zone responsible for:

The Zone Chairpersons are members of the District Governor’s Cabinet. Usually the District Governor appoints them but in some Districts they are elected.

 

DISTRICT COMMITTEES OFFICIALLY RECOGNIZED BY INTERNATIONAL

            Diabetes Awareness                Drug Awareness                     Environmental

            Sight First                              Hearing                                 International Relations

            LCIF                                      Youth Exchange                     Membership

            Leo                                       Conventions                           Information Technology

            Leadership Forum                   Peace Poster Contest              Sight Conservation

 

DISTRICT CONFERENCES (CABINET MEETINGS)

The District Conference (Cabinet Meeting) is held for the purpose of training seminars for club officers and reporting of the various committees within the District. Club Presidents and Secretaries, District Cabinet officers, and interested grassroots Lions, attend these meetings.

 

FLORIDA LIONS MAGAZINE

This magazine is published by the Multiple District and sent to every Lion in the State. This publication contains information about State club activities and its content is similar to that of the International Lions Magazine. Annual subscription cost of this magazine is included in Multiple District dues.

 

DISTRICT NEWSLETTERS

A District Newsletter is published by the District Governor and distributed to clubs within the District. Excerpts of interest are usually published in the club’s monthly bulletin

 

DISTRICT GOVERNOR’S DIRECTORY

The District Governor publishes a directory that is similar to that issued by the International Association. The District directory lists all the clubs in the District, to include the name, address, and telephone of the Club President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Membership Chairperson. In addition, the times and meeting places of the various clubs are shown. Also included are names, addresses, phone numbers of Cabinet Chairpersons and personal data regarding Past District Governors.

 

PART III - CLUB LEVEL

 

THE SUN CITY CENTER LIONS CLUB & SUN CITY CENTER LIONS FOUNDATION, INC.

The Sun City Center (Sun Center) Lions Club was chartered in April 1985 with 32 charter members. As of April 2005, the club has 58 men & women Lions. Two charter members still belong. So far 36 members have been recognized as Melvin Jones Fellows, the highest individual honor LCIF can bestow in recognition of humanitarian service. The South Hillsborough Lions Club was our sponsor. The Club name was changed to Sun City Center Lions Club after the Sun City Center Lions Foundation, Inc. was created in June 2003.

 

The mission of our club is to serve the handicapped with emphasis on the visually impaired--to the best of our capabilities. The club has raised over $300,000 during our first 20 years. Monies realized through donations to our fund-raising activities are used to help Community projects and to support charitable entities such as the:

            Florida Lions Camp for the Visually Handicapped

            Florida Lions Foundation for the Blind

            Lions Clubs International Foundation

            Southeastern Guide Dogs, Inc.

            Florida Lions Conklin Center for the Multiple Handicapped Blind

            Central Florida Lions Eye & Tissue Bank

            Diabetes Foundation

            Greater Tampa Lions Sight Fund

            International Hearing Dog, Inc.

            District Hearing & Speech Foundation

            WUSF Radio Reading Service (University of South Florida)

            Tampa Lighthouse for the Blind, and others as the needs arise.

 

The club also supports various local needs and commitments approved by the club Board of Directors and membership. Some local projects assisted by the club have included: arranging for guide dogs for 3 individuals, providing assistance to South Hillsborough school nurses with the county eye screening program for elementary school students, participation in health fairs, diabetes screening, distribution of radios for the WUSF visually handicapped reading service program, placing benches along the cart path of the south side of State Road 674, and regularly providing large-type Reader’s Digest and other books to the Sun City Center Library. In addition, the club participates with other local service clubs and the community association in various activities such as Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day ceremonies and other special events.

 

Members of the Sun City Center Lions Club have been very active in District 35-R, serving on many district committees as chairpersons, vice chairpersons and committee members, 1 District Governor, 2 Deputy District Governors, 1 Cabinet Secretary, 2 Region Chairpersons and 5 Zone Chairpersons. The club and individual Lions have received numerous International and District Awards. We are the home club for the 2005-2005 District Governor.

 

CLUB ORGANIZATION - BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Consistent with our International charter, our club and Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors, consisting of a President, who is the chief executive officer, the Immediate Past President, 3 Vice Presidents, Secretary, Treasurer, Lion Tamer, Tail Twister, 4 Directors and a Membership Director. These officers are elected annually to coincide with the International Association’s fiscal year (July 1 - June 30). Meetings of this Board occur monthly or in special meetings called as the occasion arises.

 

DUTIES OF THE BOARD

President - oversees the total functions of the club and determines whatever actions are deemed appropriate in the successful accomplishment of those functions.

Immediate Past President - assists the President as required and provides continuity of scheduled activities.

Vice Presidents - supervise the various committees assigned to them and render necessary reports to the President and the Board on an as-required basis.

Secretary - maintains all records of the club involving personnel, administration, and supply requirements. This position is the key office in the club. The success of every Lions club depends on the performance of its Secretary. All reports required to be submitted and maintenance of matters and records pertinent to the club and Foundation are the Secretary’s role in the continued success of the club. The Secretary also chairs the Awards and Attendance committees and acts as a member of the Governor’s Zone advisory board.

Treasurer - responsible for all monies received and all monies authorized for disbursement as determined by the Board. This officer chairs the Finance Committee and maintains the Administrative and Foundation bank accounts:

1.      Administrative Account - used for the operation of the club. Monies received for this account are realized from dues, the 50/50 program, Tail Twister fines, and other means of income purely for administrative purposes. Expenditures from this account include dues payment to International, State and District, club supplies and any other item of an administrative nature.

2.      Foundation Account - for the receipt/disbursement of monies donated to the club through the various fund-raising activities. All these funds are donated to the various organizations the club helps to support. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES ARE FUNDS FROM THIS ACCOUNT TO BE USED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE PURPOSES!

Lion Tamer - responsible for all club property and equipment, and also functions as Sergeant-At-Arms during meetings, preparing the meeting site with required materials, distributing items of interest to the membership and generally oversees meeting conduct.

Tail Twister - this is a position requiring a sense of humor and keeping the membership in a “fun” mood. The Tail Twister levies fines for “misdeeds” and in general keeps the club in a cheerful and attentive frame of mind. A good term for this position is that of a “pepper-upper” and one who succeeds in fostering an enjoyable meeting.

Directors - normally the club elects 4 Directors, 2 who are elected for 2-year terms, and 2 who are elected to 1-year terms. These Directors serve to assist the Board in matters of the business of the Club/Foundation and as directed by the President.

Membership Director - responsible for programs covering the recruitment of new members; reporting on ways to reduce membership loss; preparation of orientation programs; review of membership applications; and advising the Board of any matters pertaining to membership; Chairs the Membership Committee.

 

COMMITTEES

The President appoints various committees to prepare, oversee, and conduct functions of the club in both Administrative and Foundation matters. Conduct of these committees is under the supervision of the Vice Presidents who convene such meetings as are deemed necessary in the performance of their assigned areas of responsibility. Reports of their actions are made to the supervising Vice President who will report, in turn, their actions to the Board.

 

ADMINISTRATIVELY, these are a few of the organized committees:

 Other committees are formed within the club and are also predominately administrative in nature. They are:

            Convention                 Membership                            Nominations

            Programs                    Public Relations                      Greeter/Callers

            Bulletin                       Community Service                 Lions Apparel

            Social                         Chaplain/Sunshine                  50/50

            Hi-Neighbor                Information Technology          Song Leader

            Safety/Insurance         Audit

 

FOUNDATION-WISE, these committees are organized to conduct the club’s fundraising:

FOUNDATION service committees include:

            Hearing & Speech                   Sight Conservation                 Youth Activities

            Peace Poster Contest               LCIF                                     Vision Screening

 

All the monies received through scheduled fund-raising activities are deposited in the Foundation’s bank account and are donated, in turn, to supported organizations.

 

OUR LIONS FOUNDATION IS AN IRS 501(c)(3) DESIGNATED CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION AND DONATIONS ARE TAX EXEMPT. NONE OF THE FUNDS RAISED BY THESE DONATIONS ARE USED FOR CLUB ADMINISTRATION.
 

PART IV - AWARDS

 

The purpose of this section is to highlight some of the individual awards for which members are eligible. There are numerous other Club, District and International awards that can be achieved based on superior performance to include Lions International Foundation’s most prestigious recognition for humanitarian service, The Melvin Jones Fellowship.

 

ANCHOR AWARD

Purpose: This is a Club award which provides recognition for “grass root Lions” that are the anchors and stability of the organization.

 

Eligibility: All Lions except the current President, Secretary, Region & Zone Chairs, Cabinet Secretary and Treasurer, District Committee Chairs, District Governor, Vice District Governor, and International Officers & Directors.

 

Time Frame: Contest runs from July 1 through June 30 of the current year. Many Lions can qualify at the Club level but only one candidate per Club can compete for the District level award.

 

Rules: Lions who have put in at least 125 hours in any recognized Lions activities may compete. Actual hours may not exceed 50 hours for any one project or activity, sleep and travel time excluded. The Club President or Secretary must verify hours. The following is a partial list of acceptable activities: Community service, Club meetings/projects; District meetings/projects; International projects, seminars & training courses; Cabinet/Zone meetings; Conventions and

Governor’s Conferences; International Club visits; and visits to other Lions entities.

 

100% ATTENDANCE AWARD

Purpose: Provides recognition for Lions who attend a minimum of 20 regular club meetings, including Christmas Party, Installation of Officers, Fellowship Luncheon, and other special events.

 

Eligibility/Time Frame: All club members are eligible for this award. The contest runs from April 1 through the following March 31.

 

Rules: (1) Lost attendance through absence from a regular meeting may be made up within 13 days prior to or 13 days following the date of the meeting missed in any one of the following ways:

                        Attendance at another club’s meeting

                        Attendance at a Board of Directors meeting

                        Attendance at a Committee meeting

                        Attendance at a District, Region, or Zone meeting

                        Attendance at an International, State, or District Convention

                        Attendance at any other recognized Lions meeting or functions

                        Visiting Lions International or any other Lions supported activity

                        Participating in a fund-raising or Lions service activity

 

(2) A member who is forced to miss meetings by reason of illness, military service, jury duty, elected government position or other statutory requirement may be given credit upon furnishing acceptable evidence to the club Secretary. The Secretary is responsible for verifying that members have fulfilled the attendance requirements for this award.

 

GOLDEN CHAIN AWARD

Purpose: This award provides recognition for participation in Lions activities. The award consists of two parts. Part I includes 5 mandatory activities; Part II consists of 20 optional activities. To qualify, a Lion must complete all 5 mandatory items in Part I and 11 of the 20 optional items in Part II.

 

Eligibility/Time Frame: This District award is available to every Lion. The contest year runs from January 1 through December 31. The award may be earned each year the criteria are met. The awards are presented at the annual State Convention. The club Secretary is responsible for verifying that all award requirements are satisfied.

 

DISTRICT GOVERNOR’S ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Purpose: This award is designed to assist new Lions and new transfers to become oriented, thoroughly familiar with and fully involved in the activities of District 35-R. This award, with modified criteria, is available to the sponsors of new members.

 

Eligibility/Time Frame: The award is available to new transfers in their first year in Florida and new members in their first year of membership beginning with induction.

 

Rules: Qualification for this award requires mandatory completion of 10 Lions service activities. In the case of new members, the sponsoring Lion is responsible for assisting the new member in pursuit of these requirements. The sponsor will date and initial each item of achievement and obtain certification of the club Secretary. For new transfers, the club Membership Committee is responsible for assisting the new transfer in the pursuit of the requirements, dating and initialing, and obtaining the Secretary’s certification. The completed forms will be forwarded to the District Awards Chairperson.

 

MEMBERSHIP KEY AWARDS

Purpose: These awards are earned for a total of new members sponsored, starting with the “2 Member Key” with subsequent Keys for each 5 additional members sponsored.

 

Eligibility: All Lions are eligible and encouraged to sponsor new members.

Rules: Each new member sponsored must remain a Lion for one year and a day before the name may be used as credit toward a Key, to be issued by Lions International in the 13th month; except where the sponsor’s member dies, transfers, or moves from the area. The name of the new member and the sponsor must be reported on the club’s Membership Report with the sponsor’s member number and club number. Charter, transfer, and reinstated members cannot be used for credit for a Key. Only one sponsor can receive credit for a new member.

 

 CHARTER AND MONARCH CHEVRON AWARDS

Purpose: These awards are designed to honor individuals for total length of service in Lionism.

Eligibility: Members who have maintained membership in Lionism for 10 years are eligible for these awards. Additional chevrons will be issued for continuous service in multiples of 5 years. Formerly this program was handled at the International level and chevrons were issued automatically. Effective July 1, 1999, chevrons became saleable items through the club supplies catalog and club Secretaries assumed responsibility for maintaining member longevity records and ordering chevrons for eligible members; all costs to be borne by the club.

 

Revised: April 2005