AND BY-LAWS

OF THE

RICHMOND HOST LIONS CLUB

CHARTERED FEBRUARY 5, 1922

Chartered by and under the jurisdiction of:
THE INTERNATIONAL
ASSOCIATION
OF
LIONS CLUBS

Lions Clubs International Objects:

TO CREATE and foster a spirit of understanding among the peoples of the world.

TO PROMOTE the principles of good government and good citizenship.

TO TAKE an active interest in the civic, cultural, social and moral welfare of the community.

TO UNITE the clubs in the bonds of friendship, good fellowship and mutual understanding.

TO PROVIDE a forum for the open discussion of all matters of public interest; provided, however, that partisan politics and sectarian religion shall not be debated by club members.

TO ENCOURAGE service-minded people to serve their community without personal financial reward, and to encourage efficiency and promote high ethical standards in commerce, industry, professions, public works and private endeavors.

Lions Code of Ethics

TO SHOW my faith in the worthiness of my vocation by industrious application to the end that I may merit a reputation for quality of service.

TO SEEK success and to demand all fair remuneration or profit as my just due, but to accept no profit or success at the price of my own self-respect lost because of unfair advantage taken or because of questionable acts on my part.

TO REMEMBER that in building up my business it is not necessary to tear down another’s; to be loyal to my clients or customers and true to myself.

WHENEVER a doubt arises as to the right or ethics of my position or action towards others, to resolve such doubt against myself.

TO HOLD friendship as an end and not a means. To hold that true friendship exists not on account of the service performed by one to another, but that true friendship demands nothing but accepts service in the spirit in which it is given.

ALWAYS to bear in mind my obligations as a citizen to my nation, my state and my community, and to give them my unswerving loyalty in word, act and deed. To give them freely of my time, labor, and means.

TO AID others by giving my sympathy to those in distress, my aid to the weak, and my substance to the needy.

TO BE CAREFUL with my criticism and liberal with my praise; to build up and not destroy.

CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE I
Name, Slogan and Motto

Section A. The name of this organization shall be the Richmond Host 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
Purposes and Objects

The Objects of this club shall be:
A. To encourage sight & hearing conservation and prevent sight & hearing loss is the high calling of the Richmond Host Lions.
B. To create and foster a spirit of understanding among the peoples of the world.
C. To promote the principles of good government and good citizenship.
D. To take an active interest in the civic, cultural, social and moral welfare of the community.
E. To unite the members in the bonds of friendship, good fellowship and mutual understanding.
F. To provide a forum for the open discussion of all matters of public interest; provided, however, that partisan politics and sectarian religion shall not be debated by club members.
G. To encourage service-minded people to serve their community without personal financial reward, and to encourage efficiency and promote high ethical standards in commerce, industry, professions, public works and private endeavors.

ARTICLE III
Membership

Section A. Subject to the provisions of Section B hereinafter, any person of legal majority and good moral character and good reputation in his/her community, may be granted membership in this Lions club. Wherever the male gender or pronoun presently 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, such 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; and such 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 desires to confer this status. This status shall be reviewed each six months by the board of directors of this club. A Member-at- Large shall not be eligible to hold office or to vote in district or international meetings or conventions, but shall pay such dues as the local club may charge, which dues shall include district and international dues.

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

(4) PRIVILEGED: A member of this club who has been a Lion fifteen or more years, who, because of illness, infirmities, advanced age or other legitimate reason, as determined by the board of directors of this club, must relinquish his/her active status. A Privileged Member shall pay such dues as the local club may charge, which dues shall include district and international dues. He/she 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 of this club who has maintained Active membership as a Lion for 20 or more years and has rendered outstanding service to this club, his/her community, or this Association; or any member who is critically ill; or any member of this club who has maintained such active membership for 15 or more years and is at least 70 years of age may be granted Life Membership in this club upon:
(1) recommendation of this club to the association,
(2) payment to the association of $300.00, or its equivalent in the respective national currency, by this club in lieu of all future dues to the association, and
(3) 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 Member shall have all privileges of active membership so long as he/she fulfills all obligations thereof.
A Life Member who desires to relocate and receives 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 this 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; and no person shall simultaneously hold membership, other than Honorary, in this Lions club and any other service club of like character.

Section D. Membership in this Lions club shall be acquired by invitation only. Nominations shall be made on forms provided by the international office, which shall be signed by a member in good standing who shall act as sponsor, and be submitted to the membership chairman or the club secretary, who, after investigation, shall submit the same to the board of directors. If approved by a majority of said board, the prospect may then be invited to become a member of this club. A properly filled out membership form duly signed, as well as, the entrance fee and dues must be in the hands of the secretary before the member is reported to and officially recognized by the association as a Lion member.

Section E. Reinstatement of Membership: Any member dropped from membership in good standing may be reinstated by the club’s board of directors, and will retain their prior Lions service record as part of their total Lions service record.

Section F. Transfer Membership: This club may grant membership on a transfer basis to one who has terminated or is terminating his/her membership in another Lions club, provided that (1) a completed transfer member form is received by the secretary of this club within six (6) months following the date of termination of membership in his/her former club or if the form is not available, the member’s current membership card; (2) such termination was in good standing; and (3) such transfer member form or membership card is approved by the board of directors. If more than six (6) months have elapsed between termination of his/her membership in another club and submittal of completed transfer member form or current membership card, he/she may acquire membership in this club only under the 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 traditional 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. Activity 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 two thirds
vote of the entire board of directors of the parent club.

ARTICLE V
Fees and Dues

Section A. There shall be a membership fee of $30.00 for each new member of this club; such fee shall be collected before the proposed member is identified as a member of this club and before the secretary shall be permitted to report the new member to Lions International. When a new member is reported to the Lions International Office, the pro-rated Lions Clubs International entrance fee must accompany report.

Section B. The dues of this Club shall be set by the Board of Directors in a regularly scheduled board meeting, assuming a majority approval, and shall be then brought to the club at a regular meeting in the form of a recommendation from the Board. The issue will be voted upon by the membership and must have a quorum to vote and a majority of those present and voting to approve.

In order to promote attendance, a portion of the club dues will be allocated for the cost of the luncheons. The club dues will cover the member’s Lions International annuals dues, subscription to the Lions International magazine and the Lions International Convention fund tax, in addition to the club portion of the lunches.

Section C. Each honorary member, so elected, shall not be required to pay club dues, but in all cases the club shall pay, out of its regular administrative funds, the regular Lions International entrance fee, as well as the Lions International dues, magazine subscription and Lions International Convention fund tax.

Section D. Each life member elected to this status by the club after the application and qualifications have been approved and accepted by the Board of Directors of Lions International, shall be required to pay such dues as the local club may prescribe. The local club, after the member has been qualified as a Life Member by the Board of Directors of this Association shall not be billed for International dues, magazine subscription or Lions International Convention fund tax on such member.

Section E. This club may, in the discretion of its Board of Directors, elect to waive its regular entrance fee for any former member of another Lions Club or any former member who wishes to be reinstated, who is now eligible for membership in this club; however, in addition to the payment of the regular club dues in effect at that time, such transfer member shall be required to pay the club's transfer fee of $25.00 out of which the Lions Internationa1 transfer fee shall be sent to Lions International with the report of the transfer. The Lions International transfer fee covers the cost of establishing the member's previous affiliation, actually making the transfer on the records and includes the member's Lions International per capita for the remainder of that semi-annual period, except in cases where the transferring members dues are paid up in his or her former club for the full semiannual period in which the transfer of membership is made when no Lions International transfer fee is charged.

Section F. The club shall set aside the International annual dues of active, privileged, member-at-large, and honorary members. Dues shall be remitted to Lions International in accordance with the Constitution and by-laws of Lions International.

ARTICLE VI
Resignations

Any member may resign from this club, and said resignation shall become effective upon acceptance thereof by the board of directors. The board may withhold acceptance, however, until all indebtedness has been paid, all club funds and property have been returned, and all right to the 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 secretary 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 the secretary of written notice thereof. The board shall thereafter decide whether the member shall be dropped from or retained on the roster.

Section B. Any member may be expelled from the club for cause by a two-thirds vote of the entire board of directors. 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.

ARTICLE VIII
Officers

Section A. The officers of this club shall be a president, immediate past president, the vice presidents, secretary, treasurer, Lion tamer, tail twister (optional), 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 with the exception of the secretary, whose compensation, if any, shall be fixed by the board of directors.

Section D. DUTIES.

(1) PRESIDENT: He/she shall be the chief executive officer of this club; preside at all meetings of the board of directors and this club; issue the call for regular and special meetings of the board of directors and the club; appoint the standing and special committees of this club and cooperate with chairmen thereof to effect regular functioning and reporting of such committees; see that regular elections are duly called, noticed and held; and cooperate with, and be an active member of, the district governor’s advisory committee of the zone in which this club is located.
The newly elected President may be assisted in defraying their expenses to the Lions International Convention or the US/Canadian Forum, the amount of such assistance to be determined annually by the Board of Directors.

(2) IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT: He/she and the other past presidents shall officially greet members and their guests at club meetings and shall represent this club in welcoming all new service-minded people in the community served by this club.

(3) VICE-PRESIDENTS: If the president is unable to perform the duties of his/her office for any reason, the vice president next in rank shall occupy his/her position and perform his/her duties with the same authority as the president. Each vice president shall, under the direction of the president, oversee the functioning of such committees of this club as the president shall designate.

(4) SECRETARY: He/she shall be under the supervision and direction of the president and the board of directors and shall act as the liaison officer between the club and the district (single or sub- and multiple) in which this club is located, and the association. In fulfillment of this, he/she shall:

(a) Submit regular monthly and other reports to the international office of the association on blanks provided by it containing such information as may be called for therein and otherwise by the board of directors of the association;

(b) Submit to the district governor’s cabinet such reports as it may require including copies of regular 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 records of minutes of club and board meetings; attendance; committee appointments; elections; classifications (if any); addresses and telephone numbers of members; members club accounts;

(e) Issue quarterly or semi-annual statements to each member for dues and other financial obligations owed to this club, collect and turn the same over to the club treasurer and obtain a receipt therefor;

(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.

(5) TREASURER: He/she shall:

(a) Receive all monies, from the secretary and otherwise, 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 over $500.00 shall be signed by the treasurer and countersigned by one other officer, determined by the board of directors;

(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 international office of the association and the board of directors of this club;

(e) 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 the property and paraphernalia of the club, including flags, banners, gong, gavel, song books and button board. He/she shall put each in its proper place before each meeting and return the same to the proper storage area after each meeting. He/she 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. He/she shall give special attention to assure that each new member sits with a different group at each meeting so that he/she can become better acquainted.

(7) TAIL TWISTER (Optional): He/she shall promote harmony, good fellowship, life and enthusiasm in the meetings through appropriate stunts and games and the judicious imposition of fines on club members. There shall be no ruling from his/her decision in imposing a fine, provided, however, that no fine shall exceed an amount fixed by the board of directors of this club, and no member shall be fined more than twice at any one meeting. The tail twister (optional) may not be fined except by the unanimous vote of all members present. All monies collected by the tail twister (optional) shall be immediately turned over to the treasurer and a receipt be given therefor.

(8) MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR: The membership director shall be the chairman 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 meeting 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 the 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, the vice presidents, secretary, treasurer, Lion tamer, tail twister (optional), membership director, and all elected directors.

All Past District Governors or other International Officers (who were elected to that position while serving as an active member of the Richmond Host Lions Club) shall serve as ex officio and non-voting members of the Board of Directors..

Section B. Regular meetings of the board of directors shall be held monthly at such time and place, as 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 (5) or more members of the board of directors, at such time and place as 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. Except as 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. Duties and Powers: In addition to those duties and powers, express and implied, set forth elsewhere in this 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 the club officers, of the policies approved by the club. All new business and policy of this club 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 club meeting.
(2) It shall authorize all expenditures and shall not create any indebtedness beyond the 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 the action of any officer of this club.
(4) It shall have the books, accounts and operations of this club audited annually or, in its discretion, more frequently and may require an accounting or have an audit made of the 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 such audit or accounting upon request at a reasonable time and place.
(5) It shall appoint, on recommendation of the finance committee, a bank or banks for the deposit of the funds of this club.
(6) It shall appoint the surety for the bonding of any officer of this club.
(7) It shall not authorize, nor permit, the expenditure, for any administrative purpose, of the net income of projects or activities of this club by which funds are raised from the public.
(8) It shall submit all matters of new business and policy to the respective standing or special club committee for study and recommendation to the board.
(9) It shall name and appoint, subject to approval of the club membership, the delegates and alternates of this club to district (single or sub- multiple) and international conventions.
(10) It shall maintain at least two separate funds governed by generally accepted accounting practices. The first fund to record administrative monies such as dues, tail twisting fines and other internally raised club funds. A second fund shall be established to record activity or public welfare monies raised by asking support from the public. Disbursement from such funds shall be in strict compliance with Section E. (7) of this Article IX.

ARTICLE X
Elections

The officers of this club, excluding the immediate past president, shall be elected as follows:

Section A. A nomination meeting shall be held in March of each year, with the date and place of such meeting to be determined by the board of directors and notice thereof mailed to each member of this club at least ten days prior to the time of the holding thereof.

Section B. The president shall appoint a nominating committee, which shall submit the names of candidates for the various club offices to the club at the nomination meeting. At this meeting nominations for all offices to be filled in the succeeding year may also be made from the floor.

Section C. If in the interim between the nomination meeting and the election meeting any nominee is unable for any reason to serve in the office to which he/she was nominated and for which office there was no other nominee, the nominating committee shall submit, at the election meeting, names of additional nominees for that office.

Section D. An election meeting shall be held in April of each year, at a time and place determined by the board of directors, and two weeks prior written notice thereof shall be given to each member of the club by the secretary, by mail or personal delivery. Such notice shall include the names of all nominees approved at the preceding nomination meeting, and, subject to Section C above, a statement that these nominees will be voted upon at this election meeting. No nominations may be made from the floor at the election meeting.

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

Section F. 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 (1) year, the second member for two (2) years and the third member for three (3) years. Each year thereafter, a new member will be elected. Each member shall serve for three (3) 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 chairman and the third year member shall serve as its chairman and as membership director on the club’s board of directors.

Section G. One-half of the directors shall be elected annually and shall take office on the July 1st next following their election, and shall hold office for two years from that time, or until their successors shall have been elected and qualified, with the exception that at the first election held after the adoption of this Constitution and By-Laws, one half of the directors shall be elected for two year terms and the other one-half of the directors shall be elected for one year terms.

Section H. The election shall be held by standing vote, voice vote or secret ballot as the Board of Directors shall determine prior to each election meeting.

• If by voice vote, the President shall rule on "aye" or "nay" vote and announce the decision.

• If by standing vote or secret ballot, the President shall appoint a "ballot" Committee of three (3) who shall count the vote or collect and count all ballots and announce the election results in writing to the President who in turn shall announce the results to the membership.

This shall be considered official. Prior to voting the Secretary or the Assistant Secretary of the Club shall determine that a quorum of membership is present. This quorum shall be fifty per cent (50%) of the membership of the club plus 1. The Secretary shall also determine and announce to the President the presence of any member who is not qualified to vote. A member abstaining from the vote shall so announce.

If there is any nomination for any office from the floor, in addition to the slate of the nominating committee, the vote shall be taken by secret ballot on that office or offices only.

A majority of the members present and voting shall be necessary to elect.

Section I. REMOVAL: Any officer of this club may be removed from office for good cause by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the entire club membership.

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 any office of vice president, the board of directors shall thereon call a special election, giving each member in good standing prior two (2) weeks notice of the time and place thereof, which time and place shall be determined by said board, and such office shall be filled at said election meeting. 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 his/her 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. Two (2) weeks prior notice of such meeting, setting forth the 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 weekly, at a time and place recommended by the board of directors, and approved by the club. All meetings shall begin and end, promptly, at the 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 the club may be called by the president, in 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 the purpose, time and place thereof shall be given to each member of this club, by mail or personal delivery, at least ten (10) days prior to the date thereof.

Section C. A charter night 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 the history of this club.

Section D. An annual meeting of this club shall be held in 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 presence in person of a majority of the members in good standing shall be necessary for a quorum at any 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
Emblem, Colors, Fiscal Year

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

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

ARTICLE XIV
Delegates to International and
District (Single or Sub- and Multiple) Conventions

Section A. Inasmuch as The International Association of Lions Clubs is governed by Lions clubs in convention assembled, and in order that this club may have its voice in association matters, this club shall have power to pay the necessary expenses of its delegates to each annual convention of the association. This club shall be entitled in any convention of this association, to one (1) delegate and one (1) alternate for every twenty-five (25), or major fraction thereof, of its members as shown by the records of the international office on the first day of the month last preceding that month during which the convention is held, PROVIDED, however, that this club shall be entitled to at least one (1) delegate and one (1) alternate. The major fraction referred to in this section shall be thirteen (13) or more members. The selection of each such 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 the event no such club officer is in attendance at the convention, by the district governor or district governor-elect of the district (single or sub-) of which this club is a member.

Section B. Inasmuch as all district matters are presented and adopted at the district (single, sub- and multiple) conventions, this club shall send its full quota of delegates to all such conventions and have power to pay the necessary expenses of such delegates attending such conventions. This club shall be entitled in each annual convention of its district (single or sub- and multiple) to one (1) delegate and one (1) alternate for each ten (10) members who have been enrolled for at least one year and a day in this club, or major fraction thereof, of this club as shown by the records of the international office on the first day of the month last preceding that month during which the convention is held, PROVIDED, however, that this club shall be entitled to at least one (1) delegate and one (1) alternate. Each certified delegate present in person shall be entitled to cast one (1) vote of his/her choice for each office to be filled by, and one (1) vote of his/her choice on each question submitted to, the respective convention. The major fraction referred to in this section shall be five (5) 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.

ARTICLE XVlI
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 fifteen (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 the purpose of conciliating the dispute. The meeting shall be scheduled within thirty (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 XVIlI
Amendments

Section A. This constitution may be amended at any regular or special meeting of this club, at which a quorum is present, by the affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the members present in person and voting, provided the board has previously considered the merits of the amendments.

Section B. No 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 at least two (2) weeks prior to the meeting at which the vote on the proposed amendment is to be taken.

ARTICLE XVIV
Subordinate Organizations

Section A. The Richmond Host Lions Club shall sponsor the Richmond Host Lions Club Memorial Trust Fund for the general purpose of advancing its work in eyesight conservation and research.

Section B. The subordinate organization shall have its own constitution and by-laws which are herewith incorporated into and made a part of this Constitution.

Section C. This subordinate organization shall be governed by its own trustees. The nomination of and election of these trustees in the required number will be accomplished in the same manner and by the same procedures as listed in this Constitution for the election of the officers of the Richmond Host Lions Club

BY-LAWS

No. 1

This club at no time shall endorse or recommend any candidate for political office, nor shall politics or political candidates be discussed at the meetings. Also no religious discussions shall be tolerated at the meetings

No. 2

No officer or member of this club shall use it as a means of furthering any personal, political or other aspirations, nor shall the club, as a whole, take part in any movement not in keeping with the real purpose and objects of the club.

No. 3

No funds shall be solicited from members of the club during the meetings by any individual or individuals who are not members of the club. Any suggestions or propositions made at any meeting of the club calling for the expenditure of money for other than regular obligations, shal1 be referred to the treasurer who acts in an advisory capacity in financial matters to the Board of Directors
No. 4

Section A. The following committees will form the committee government of the Club and shall be appointed by the President and will serve the same tenure of office as the President:

• Attendance • New Member Orientation
• Audit • Nominating
• Bland Memorial * • Paw and Press
• Budget • Peace Poster *
• Chaplain • Program
• Christmas Party * • Region/District Relations
• Constitution * • Safety
• Diabetes Awareness • Salvation Army
• Drug Awareness • Sight conservation
• Greeters • Social Activities
• Health & Welfare • Special Activities
• Hearing Conservation • Stamps for the Wounded
• International/State Relations • State Convention
• Leo Club Planning * • Tail Twister
• Long Range Planning • White Cane
• Membership Retention

* Ad hoc committee appointed by the President, at time of need.

Section B. The President may appoint any other Special Committees that he deems necessary for the special events or special actions during his or her administration, such as Ladies' Night Committee, Picnic Committee. These Committees shall vary in number with each new President. The President shall be ex-officio member of all Committees.

Section C. All committees shall consist of a chairman and as many members as shall be considered necessary by the President.

Section D. Each Committee, through its chairman, shall report either verbally or in writing each month to the Board of Directors as required by the Board of directors.

Section E. The Secretary of the club shall report to Lions International on forms provided, the names of club officers as required by Lions International

No. 5

The duties of all committees, both activities and administrative committees, shall be the duties assigned to that committee at the Lions Internationa1 level of organization. These duties may be found in the Lions International publication "Lion President, This is Your Year ".

No. 6

Section A. All problems, pertaining to either administrative or activities matters, shall be referred to the proper authorities (committee) for solution or action by that committee, as authorized by the Board of Directors.

Section B. The Secretary of the Richmond Host Lions Club shall have published, for the membership, a list of all committees with the designated Chairman and the membership of each committee. This shall be accomplished as soon as the committee appointments have been made and well in advance of a new club year.

Section C. It shall be the duty of the President with the assistance of the Vice-presidents and the Club Secretary to instruct all committee chairmen in the duties of their respective committees at the time of appointment. A school for committee chairmen shall be held following appointment

No. 7

These By-laws may be altered or amended at any regular business meeting of the club at which there is a quorum, by a two-thirds vote of the members present, providing the Board has previously considered the merits of the amendment and recommends its adoption.

No. 8

No amendment shall be brought to a vote unless written notice shall have been mailed to each member of the club at least two weeks previous to the meeting at which the amendment is to be voted upon. The proposed amendment shall have been stated in such notice.

No. 9

Any by-law may be suspended at any meeting of the club by the unanimous vote of all members present providing that a quorum of membership is present as prescribed in this Constitution.

No. 10

In all questions of dispute over actions of the club in open meeting, and which dispute is based upon questions of procedure, the method of procedure shall be referred to the club secretary for decision and direction.

No. 11

All members are expected to have 100% attendance. Attendance at another Lions Club will be accepted in lieu of attendance at a regular scheduled meeting or a meeting of the Board of Directors or an official committee meeting of any standing committee, when meeting is called by the committee chairman to transact official business. A Club function or a club activity shall also be counted in lieu of attendance at a regular Club meeting for attendance purposes.