DISTRICT 4-L3 CONSTITUTION & BYLAWS - AMENDED MAY 2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONSTITUTION

Article I         Name…………………………………..    3

Article II       Purposes and Supremacy……………… 3  -  4

Article III      Membership……………………………    4

Article IV      Territory, Region & Zones…………….   4  -   5

Article V       Officers………………………………...   5  - 10

Article VI      Finances………………………………..  10 - 19

Article VII    Convention……………………………..   19 - 21

Article VIII   Committees…………………………….   21 - 24

Article IX      Financial Responsibility……………….  24 - 25

Article X       Amendments……………………………  26

Article XI      Disputes………………………………...   26 - 28

BYLAWS

Article I         Election…………………………………  29 - 31

Article II       Duties…………………………………...  31 - 38

Article III      Solicitation……………………………..   38

Article IV      Rules……………………………………  38

Article V       Resolution………………………………  39

Article VI      Amendments……………………………  39

Article VII    District Partner Service Project………... 39 - 40

 

 

CONSTITUTION OF DISTRICT 4-L3

Article I

NAME

Section 1. This organization shall be known as District 4-L3 of Multiple District 4, California Lions Clubs, Lions Clubs International, hereinafter referred to as the "District."

Section 2.  Emblem. The emblem of this association and each chartered club shall be of a design as follows:

Section 3.  Use of Name and Emblem.  Use of the name, goodwill, emblem and other logos of the association shall be according to the guidelines established from time to time in the bylaws.

Section 4.  Colors.  The colors of this association and of each chartered club shall be purple and gold.

Section 5.  Slogan.  The Slogan of this association and of each chartered club shall be: Liberty, Intelligence, Our Nation’s Safety.

Section 6.  Motto.  The Motto of this association and of each chartered club shall be: We Serve.

Article II

PURPOSES AND SUPREMACY

Section 1.  Purposes.  The purposes of this district shall be: 

a.To provide an administrative structure with which to advance the  Purposes of Lions Clubs International in this district.

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. 

Section 2.  Supremacy.  The Standard Form District Constitution and Bylaws shall govern the district unless otherwise amended so as not to conflict with the Multiple District and International Constitution and Bylaws and policies of Lions Clubs International.  Whenever there may exist a conflict or a contradiction between the provisions set out in the district constitution and bylaws and the multiple district constitution and bylaws then the multiple district constitution and bylaws shall govern.  Whenever there may exist a conflict or a contradiction between the provisions set out in the district constitution and bylaws and the International Constitution and Bylaws, then the International Constitution and Bylaws shall govern. 

Article III

MEMBERSHIP

The membership of this organization shall consist of all Lions Clubs in the Territory of this District duly chartered by Lions Clubs International and in good standing.  A chartered club in good standing is defined as a club which is current with the payment of per capita tax to Lions Clubs International and to Multiple District 4.  The determination of whether or not a Lions Club member is in good standing is up to the individual Lions Club.  Wherever the male gender or pronoun appears in this District 4-L3 Constitution and Bylaws, it shall be interpreted to mean both male and female persons. 

Article IV

TERRITORY, REGIONS AND ZONES

Section 1: The territory embraced by District 4-L3 shall be that portion of the areas designated as District 4-L3 by Lions Clubs International and which shall be subject to change from time to time by Multiple District 4 and Lions Clubs International.

Section 2:  District 4-L3 shall be divided into Regions of no more than sixteen (16) and no less than ten (10) Lions Clubs, in accordance with the Constitution and Bylaws of this district, or, in the absence of such provision, at the direction of the District Governor.

Section 3:  Each Region shall be divided into Zones of no more than eight (8) and no fewer than four (4) Lions Clubs, giving due regard to the geographical locations of the clubs, in accordance with the Constitution and Bylaws of this district, or, in the absence  of such provision, at the direction of the District Governor.  Each Zone shall have a Zone Chairperson to be appointed by the District Governor.  The Presidents and Secretaries of the Clubs within each Zone, under the chairmanship of the Zone Chairperson, shall be the District Governor’s Advisory Committee for the Zone.  Said committee shall meet no less than four times each year to discuss the welfare of the Zone and the clubs therein, and shall make recommendations to the District Governor for the extension and improvement of Lionism in the Zone.  The Zone Chairperson shall have such other duties as are assigned to him/her by the District Constitution and Bylaws and/or the District Governor.

 

Article V

OFFICERS

Section 1: There shall be a District Governor and a First and Second Vice District Governor, who shall be elected at the annual District Convention by secret written ballot. The District Governor’s Cabinet shall consist of the District Governor as Chairperson, the First and Second Vice District Governors, the Immediate Past District Governor, and the appointed officers of Cabinet Secretary, Cabinet Treasurer, Region Chairpersons, Zone Chairpersons and Cabinet Chaplain.  All members of the Cabinet must be members in good standing of clubs in good standing in District 4-L3 and shall retain their good standing throughout their term of office.

Section 2: The District Governor and First and Second Vice District Governor candidates shall be required to secure a majority of the votes cast by the delegates present and voting at the District’s Annual Convention in order to be declared elected; for purpose of such election, a majority is defined as a number more than one-half (50% plus 1 vote) of the total valid votes cast excluding blanks and abstentions.  The results of the election shall be reported to the International office by the current District Governor.

lf District 4-L3 fails to so elect a qualified District Governor or if the District Governor-Elect shall die, refuse or be found by the International Board of Directors to be unable, by reason of illness or other disability, to take such office prior to the day his/her term would otherwise begin, or if a vacancy will exist as a result of a District Governor election protest or legal action, then District 4-L3 may have a District Governor appointed by the International Board of Directors.  In such case, the Immediate Past District Governor or if he/she is not available, the most recent Past District Governor who is available, shall call a meeting to be held within fifteen (15) days of notification by the International Board of Directors to fill the vacancy in the office of District Governor.  Invitations shall be issued to the members of the District Cabinet, to all Past International Presidents, Past International Directors and Past District Governors who are members in good standing of clubs  in good standing within  District 4-L3.   Each Lion who is entitled to receive an invitation to attend and is present at said meeting shall be entitled to cast one vote for the Lion of his/her choice as the recommended Lion for the appointment to the office of District Governor.  The Past District Governor who calls the meeting shall issue the invitations, preside at the meeting and convey the results to the International Board of Directors within seven (7) days, together with evidence of invitations sent and attendance at said meeting. 

In order for a Lion to be eligible and qualified to be selected to fill a vacancy in the office of District Governor, he/she must:

  1. Be an Active Member in good standing of a chartered Lions Club in good standing in District 4-L3.b.
  2. Have served or will have served at the time he/she takes office as District Governor:
  1. As President of a Lions Clubs for a full term or major portion thereof; and2.
  2. As a member of the District Cabinet for two (2) full terms or major portion  thereof; and
  3. With none of the above being accomplished concurrently.

Section 3: A candidate for the office of District Governor shall:

  1. Be an Active Member in good standing of a chartered Lions Club in good standing in District 4-L3.b.
  2. Secure the endorsement of his/her club or a majority of the clubs in District 4-L3. 
  3. Currently be serving as the First Vice District Governor of District 4-L3.
  4. Only in the event the current First Vice District Governor does not stand for election as District Governor, or if a vacancy in the position of First Vice District Governor exists at the time of the District Convention, or if a vacancy in the position of Second Vice District Governor also exists at the same time of the District Convention, any club member who fulfills the qualifications for the office of Vice District Governor as set forth in Section 4 of this Article V and who is currently serving or has served one (1) additional year as a member of the District Cabinet, shall fulfill the requirements of sub-Section (c) of this Section.

Section 4: A candidate for the office of First Vice District Governor shall;

  1. Be an Active Member in good standing of a chartered Lions Club in good standing in District 4-L3.
  2. Secure the endorsement of his/her club or a majority of the clubs in District 4-L3. 
  3. Currently be serving as the Second Vice District Governor of District 4-L3.
  4. Only in the event the current Second Vice District Governor does not stand for election as First District Governor, or if a vacancy in the position of Second Vice District Governor exists at the time of the District Convention, any club member who fulfills the qualifications for the office of Second Vice District Governor as set forth in Section 5 of this Article V and who is currently serving or has served one (1) additional year as a member of the District Cabinet, shall fulfill the requirements of sub-Section (c) of this Section.

Section 5: A candidate for the office of Second Vice District Governor shall:

  1. Be an Active Member in good standing of a chartered Lions Club in good standing in District 4-L3.
  2. Secure the endorsement of his/her club or a majority of the clubs in District                 4-L3. 
  3. Have served or will have served at the time he/she takes office as Second Vice District Governor:
    1. As President of the Lions Club for a full-term or major portion thereof, and a member of the Board of Directors of a Lions Club for no less than two (2) additional years; and
    2. As Zone Chairperson or Region Chairperson or Cabinet Secretary and/or Treasurer for a full term or major portion thereof; and
    3. With none of the above being accomplished concurrently.

Section 6: The District Governor, First Vice District Governor, and Second Vice District Governor shall serve for a term of one year, which term shall commence with the close of the International Convention held in the year of their election, if so held, but if not, then on July 1 next following their election and shall terminate with the close of the International Convention held in the calendar year next following the calendar year of their election, if so held, but if not, then on June 30 of the next calendar year following the calendar year of their election. They shall serve in accordance with the Constitution and Bylaws of Lions Clubs International, of Multiple District 4, and of District 4-L3.  No incumbent District Governor of District 4-L3,  elected or appointed and serving a full term, may stand for election or be appointed to succeed himself/herself from this District. He/she may hold the same office, after the passing of at least one association year, for one additional term only, and only for special urgent or serious circumstances as approved by the International Board of Directors. Neither the First, or Second Vice District Governor shall be permitted to succeed himself/herself in the same office except with the approval of the International Board of Directors.

Section 7: In the event a vacancy occurs in the office of District Governor, the First Vice District Governor shall act as District Governor and shall perform the duties of, and have the same authority as, the District Governor, provided, however, that there shall be no automatic advancement if the First Vice District Governor expresses a timely written desire to complete his/her term as First Vice District Governor.  In such case, the procedure described in Article V, Section 2 of this constitution shall be followed to select a replacement for recommendation to the International Board of Directors.

Section 8: In the event a vacancy occurs in the office of First Vice District Governor, the Second Vice District Governor shall act as First District Governor and shall perform the duties of, and have the same authority as, the First District Governor, provided, however, that there shall be no automatic advancement if the Second Vice District Governor expresses a timely written desire to complete his/her term as Second Vice District Governor. In such case, the procedure described in Article V, Section 2 of this constitution shall be followed to select a replacement for recommendation to the International Board of Directors.

Section 9: In the event a vacancy occurs in the office of Second Vice District Governor, said vacancy shall be filled in the same manner provided in Section 7 of this Article V, of

this Article V, except that, in the case of filling a vacancy in the office of Vice District Governor, the vote taken at the said special meeting shall be the actual selection of a Lion to fill said vacancy.  In order for a Lion to be eligible and qualified to be selected to fill a vacancy in the office of Second Vice District Governor, he/she must meet the qualifications described in Section 5 of this Constitution.

Section 10: There shall be a Cabinet Secretary who shall be appointed by the District Governor before the time he officially takes office. The Cabinet Secretary also shall be the Secretary of the District’s Annual Convention. Within sixty (60) days after the close of the District’s Annual Convention, the Cabinet Secretary shall transmit one copy of the complete proceedings thereof to the International Office, one copy to the District Governor, the District Governor-Elect and one copy to each club of this District.  Such report shall contain an itemized statement of the receipts and expenditures  of District 4-L3 for the fiscal year, to be prepared by the Cabinet Treasurer.

Section 11: There shall be a Cabinet Treasurer who shall be appointed by the District Governor before the time he officially takes office.  Said Cabinet Treasurer shall be required to make bond in such amount as may be determined by the Budget and Finance Committee of this District.

Section 12: The District Governor shall have the option of combining the offices of Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Treasurer into one office for that year, in which event, the office shall be called Cabinet Secretary-Treasurer and the person holding that combined office shall assume all of the requirements, duties and obligations of both said offices.

Section 13: There may be a Region Chairperson for each Region, appointed by the District Governor by the time he officially takes office, provided however, the District Governor shall have the authority to determine whether the position of Region Chairperson will be used during his/her term. If not so used, the position of Region Chairperson shall remain vacant during the said District Governor’s term. If the position is used, said Region Chairperson shall be an active member in good standing of a chartered club in good standing in the region wherein he serves. 

Section 14: There shall be a Zone Chairperson in each Zone, appointed by the District Governor by the time he officially takes office. The Zone Chairperson shall be an active member in good standing of a club in good standing in the Zone where he serves.

Section 15: Each Region and Zone Chairperson shall have served or will have served at the time of taking office as Region or Zone Chairperson, as President of a Lions Club, for a full term or major portion thereof and as a member of the board of directors of a Lions Club for no less than two (2) additional years.

Section 16: In the event of a vacancy in any appointed office, the District Governor shall have the power to fill such vacancy for the unexpired term.

Section 17: In the event of a temporary inability or incapacity of the District Governor, the First Vice District Governor shall act as District Governor.

Section 18:  Removal.  Members of the District Cabinet other than the District Governor, First Vice District Governor and Second Vice District Governor may be removed from office for cause, by the affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the entire number of the District Cabinet. 

 

Article VI

FINANCES

Section 1: There shall be a Budget and Finance Committee consisting of three (3) members whose term of office shall be for a period of three (3) years. Each District Governor shall appoint one member to this Committee for a term of three years, such appointment to be made by the time the District Governor officially takes office. Vacancies on this Committee shall be filled through appointment by the District Governor.  All such terms of office shall begin July 1.

Section 2: The First and Second Vice District Governors shall serve as ex-officio members of the Budget and Finance Committee and as such shall be invited to and participate in the activities of this committee.

Section 3: The Chairperson of the Budget and Finance Committee shall be the senior member serving his/her third (3rd) and/or final year on the committee. In the event that the senior member serving his/her third year on the committee is unavailable, then the District Governor shall determine who the Chairperson should be.

Section 4: Immediately as of July 1 of each year, it shall be the duty of the incoming Budget and Finance Committee:                            

 (a)    To audit or cause to be audited each year, all five Constitutional fund accounts defined herein in Article VI Section 10, and all other accounts, if any, from the immediate outgoing District administration, for  the  immediate past Lion year July 1 to June 31.  This audit must be completed by December 31 of the same year it is undertaken.  

(b) This mandatory audit shall be performed by a qualified person(s), to be selected by the Budget and Finance Committee. 

(c)  It is the responsibility of the outgoing District Governor (aka the incoming Immediate Past District Governor) and outgoing District Treasurer (aka incoming Immediate Past District Treasurer), to provide all requested District financial books, records, statements, receipts, or reports, including checks, bank, accounting, and tax records, no later than July 31 of each year.  The official financial records of the District shall include at a minimum, the prior year's administrative budget, a listing of the actual expenses for each budget item, receipts or other documentation of all monies expended, checkbooks with check registers showing date and reason for every check written, and all monthly statements for all bank accounts.

(d)  This audit (cited in Section 4(a) and 4(b) immediately above) shall be started no later than August 1 of each year and be completed by August 31 of the same year.  If good cause is demonstrated, and justifies additional time, the Budget and Finance Committee by majority vote may extend said deadline to no later than October 30 of each year.  The Budget and Finance Committee, no later than October 30 of each year, must submit, in writing, a complete report of its audit to the incoming Governor, the incoming 1st Vice District Governor, the incoming 2nd Vice District Governor, and the Immediate Past District Governor (outgoing).  Additionally, said audit report, no later than November 1 of each year, shall be made available to all Lions in the District for review, using appropriate means and media for distribution.  Additionally, a summary of this audit report shall be in a written report, to be presented by the Budget and Finance Committee at the second Membership (Cabinet) Meeting of the particular District year.  Finally, said audit report shall be available for review by the District members attending the next annual District Convention.

(e) In the spring of each year, in consultation with the incoming candidate for District Governor, the Budget and Finance Committee is to  prepare a budget for the coming ensuing Lion year, and to present said budget at a duly constituted annual convention for this District, for approval by the attendees on the floor at said convention.  Said budget must include specific provisions for the following four items:

  1. the minimum $10,000.00 working balance within the   Administrative Fund, herein described in Article VI, Section 8(a), to be turned over to assist the incoming District Governor;
  2. an estimated amount for the cost of an annual audit at the beginning of the term of the incoming District Governor, as required in Article VI Section 4(b);
  3. the cost of bonding the District Governor as required by Bylaws  Article II, Section 1(l) and bonding the District Treasurer  as required by Bylaws Article II, Section 5(e); and
  4. an estimated amount of the net costs of a duly constituted annual convention for this District.                             

 (f)   Any Budget and Finance Committee, may direct and impose an order containing the above audit provisions, to any Past District Governor and/or any Past District Treasurer of any prior Lion year, by formally ordering and delivering in writing said above audit provisions to the subject Past District Governor and Past District Treasurer of such specific additional prior year(s), as deemed necessary and approved by a majority vote of those present at a duly constituted District Membership (Cabinet) meeting.  The authority and juris-diction of such order is based upon, and included in, the responsibility each District Governor, and each District Treasurer, faithfully promises and commits themselves to, in the taking of their respective oath to said specific office. 

(g)  By September 30 of each year, the Immediate Past District Governor along with the Immediate Past District Treasurer, must have prepared, completed, and filed a District tax return, with all required attachments, with both the U.S. IRS and the California FTB, for the recent Lion year that they just completed and served in office.  Additionally, by the same date, both the IRS and FTB tax returns must be submitted to the current District Budget and Finance Committee, for that Committee's review, and use as necessary. 

(h)  Any failure by either the District Governor, the District Treasurer, or the Chairperson of the Budget and Finance Committee, or any Past District Governor, Past District Treasurer, or Past Chairperson of the Budget and Finance Committee during the specific term of said office, or in combination thereof, to fully comply with any of the provisions in this Article VI Section 4, may result in any or all of the following sanctions and consequences:  

1. File a formal written report and/or complaint within the District to either any, or all of the following District committees:  a) PDG Advisory Board, b) Budget and Finance Committee,  or c) Dispute Resolution Committee.

2. Local District Sanctions may include further mediation, private reprimand, private written reprove, removal from District offices and committees, financial restitution, or public announcement or notification.

3. File a report or complaint to the Multiple District 4 (MD-4) or to Lions Clubs International (LCI), to the appropriate unit, section, and/or committee(s) within same, requesting review and consequences, said consequences to include public announcement or notification, or sanctions up to suspension or removal from MD-4 and/or LCI, or  any other consequence as deemed appropriate by the MD-4 and/or LCI.

4. De-recognition, including immediate removal of any reference by name everywhere in the  District Roster Book, for a period ranging from one year up to permanent  removal. 

5. Reporting and/or requesting enforcement of any appropriate civil or criminal remedy or provision available or applicable under law. 

Section 5: A majority of the Budget and Finance Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

Section 6: Neither the District Governor nor the Cabinet Secretary nor the Cabinet Treasurer nor the Budget and Finance Committee shall have the right or authority to create or incur any financial obligations whatsoever in excess of the amount of said budget.  However, if any additional money is collected during the year through District Cabinet approved activities or from any other source in excess of the overall approved budget, it can be used by the District Governor during his/her year with majority Cabinet approval.  All such additional funds will be accounted for separately from the approved annual budget and shall be duly reported to the District by the Cabinet Treasurer at the next Cabinet meeting.  The Budget and Finance Committee shall ensure that all such funds are added to a limited  supplemental budget, which is  separate and  distinct from  the  annual  budget.  The Budget and Finance Committee will ensure that all funds added to a supplemental budget will be clearly identified as to the purpose with actual expenses tracked against each listed activity.

Section 7: The Cabinet Treasurer, under the direction and control of the District Governor, shall handle the finances of the District, as pertaining to the Administrative Fund, the Special Purpose Fund, and the Disaster Fund.  Pursuant thereto, for each of these specified three separate Funds, he/she shall deposit all monies, initiate expenditures and disbursements, keep the financial records, make any financial reports as required by the District Governor, and this Constitution and Bylaws, and carry out any other duties assigned by the District Governor. 

Section 8: The income to this District shall be handled as follows:

a. Each year, Multiple District 4, from its annual per capita tax/dues received per member of District 4-L3, shall appropriate to District 4-L3 the sum of $18.00 for each District 4-L3 member who has paid their dues as required.  Said $18.00 is to be immediately divided as      follows: $3.00 per member of it shall be deposited into the Special   Purpose Fund, $3.50 per member of it shall be deposited into the Convention Fund, and $11.50 per member shall be deposited into the Administrative Fund, except that once the Administrative Fund has achieved a $10,000 balance, to be turned over as required to the incoming/new District Governor, the $11.50 shall be split: $9.50 to remain in the Administrative Fund, and $2.00 to be immediately deposited into the Reserve Fund. Additionally, the Administrative Fund shall budget no less than $200 each year transferred to the District’s Disaster Fund, until the Disaster Fund reaches a total of $4.000.00.  Thereafter, the Disaster Fund will be maintained at $4,000.00 plus any interest earned.  At the end of each District Governor year, on or before July 15 of each year, any balance over $4,000.00 in the Disaster Fund shall be transferred forthwith to the District 4-L3 Reserve Fund   

b. Any increase or decrease in the per capita tax/dues received by Multiple District 4, on a pro-rata basis, shall be included in the appropriation from Multiple District 4 to District 4-L3.

c. All other monies received by the District, from whatever source derived, including income for training, donations, tax refunds, registration for events, including honorary, or recognition events, meals, travel, advertising, programs, supplies, sale of any merchandize, goods or other materials, etc., shall in all instances be deposited in full into the Administrative Fund, unless specifically authorized differently by this Constitution and Bylaws.

Section 9:

(a). There shall be five funds, and only five funds, into which all income into the District shall be distributed, deposited, maintained, and appropriated.  Those five funds shall be designated as:

1)     Administrative Fund

2)     Convention Fund

3)     Special Purpose Fund

4)     Disaster Fund

5)     Reserve Fund 

 

        (b)   As to all five funds, the Constitutional requirements for each of the five funds includes:

1)  Keep all financial records, make any financial reports, as required by the District Governor, and this Constitution and Bylaws.

2)  Each of these five funds shall be maintained in a separate bank account.               

3)  Any and all parties responsible for each fund shall maintain said funds in                        the same bank account as in the prior year.  The financial institution, the                          financial institution location, and the financial institution account number shall not be      changed, except by approval of a majority of authorized delegates at a duly  constituted District 4-L3 Convention.

4)    For each new District Governor year, there must be at least three signatories authorized with the financial institution to approve/sign all withdrawals/checks from the account.   At least two or more of the signatories must be actually signed on each check in order to be  negotiated.  The identity and authority of all such signatories must be newly appointed or reappointed as authorized signatories at the   beginning of each fiscal year.  All changes in the identities of any of the signatories must be immediately and properly reported in writing to the appropriate financial institution.  The appropriate financial institution must also be advised in writing that the authority for any of the prior signatories is specifically withdrawn. 

Section 10: The specific five authorized funds allowed for District 4-L3 are as follows:

  1. Administrative Fund
    1. Administered by the Cabinet Treasurer as directed by the District Govern-or.  Administrative Funds are to be used as budgeted by the Budget and Finance Committee for administrative expenses and reimbursement, at the times and in the amounts as directed by the District Governor, for necessary and authorized expenses for the District, within the boundaries as set forth by the budget prepared by the Budget and Finance Committee, and approved by the Delegates at the District Convention. 
    2. Budget prepared by: Requested by the District Governor to the Budget and Finance Committee, Budget and Finance Committee to approve to present the budget to the District Convention.
    3. Budget approved by: presented by Budget and Finance Committee to be voted on for majority approval by Delegates present at the District Convention.    
    4.  Actual spending by Cabinet Treasurer as directed by the District Governor.
    5. Spending Authorized by: Three or more (1) the incoming District Governor, (2) the incoming First Vice President, and (3) the Incoming  Cabinet Treasurer.
    6. A working balance will be carried forward from this Administrative Fund each year to the next year to assist the incoming District Governor to handle initial expenses, such as supplies, hotel reservations for District functions, roster book preparation, and any other necessary expense. This working balance shall be not less than $10,000, less any advance payments made as provided herein. The working balance will be turned over to the incoming Governor sometime between the time the final election results are announced at the District Convention,  and July 1 when the incoming   governor assumes office.  The $10,000 will be included in the official budget both as additional income and as an additional expense specifically designated as the District working balance.  The outgoing District Governor shall be legally accountable and responsible to  the District if there is insufficient money available in the   Administrative Fund for this yearly transfer of the working balance.       
       
      ​
  2. Convention Fund

            1. Administered by: the Chairperson of the District Convention Committee.     

2. Budget prepared by: Requested by the Convention Committee to the Budget and Finance Committee, Budget and Finance Committee to approve to present to the District Convention.

3. Budget approved by: presented by Budget and Finance Committee to be voted on for majority approval by Delegates present at District Convention.

4. Actual spending by: District Convention Committee.

5. Spending Authorized by: Three or more: authorized Signators:  three (three highest ranking members on the Convention committee).

6.  The Convention Fund is for the purpose of financing the activities of the convention, and to reduce the expense burden of participating individuals and clubs at the convention.

7. It is a separate account, and shall be kept entirely separate and distinct from other funds of this District.  It shall be under the direction and supervision of the District Convention Committee, as prescribed in Article VII Section 4.

c)     Special Purpose Fund. 

         1.  Administered by: current District Budget and Finance Committee.

2. Funds may only be budgeted and dispersed for the sole purpose of financing the following District 4-L3 projects: Youth Exchange, Student Speakers Contest awards for Zones and Regions, Community Recognition Awards, New Members Orientation meetings, Leadership Development forums, and any other training seminars or forums approved by the District Governor.

3. Budget prepared by: Requested by the District Governor to the Budget and Finance Committee, Budget and Finance Committee to approve to present to the District Convention.

4. Budget approved by: presented by Budget and Finance Committee to be voted on for majority approval by Delegates present at District Convention.

5. Actual Spending by: The incoming District Governor shall be responsible for assigning formal allocation of these funds within the District budget as approved at the annual District Convention in May.  Such funds are only allowed to be provided to the authorized District 4-L3 projects specified herein.  The incoming District Governor is responsible for using any existing Special Purpose Fund checking account, or opening any new Special Purpose Fund checking account, for use by the appropriate Special Purpose Fund project, and is responsible for all accountability of these funds.

6. In the event of an urgent emergency need, that cannot wait for a District Convention, by one of the authorized District 4-L3 projects specified herein, a majority approval vote at duly noticed and constituted meetings of both the Budget and Finance Committee,         and the District Cabinet, will allow the District Governor to authorize the District Treasurer to make the expenditure.

7.  Any portion of these funds not used for any authorized Special Purpose Fund purpose, that was properly budgeted and approved, in any fiscal year, may be used in the following fiscal year, provided, however, that any such carryover funds, may only be used for the purposes within this Article VI Section 10(c), and the amounts to be used  must have been included in the District 4-L3 budget.  Accumulated funds not approved for the next year as prescribed, shall be transferred to the District Reserve Fund.

 

(d)   Disaster Fund

  1. Budget Prepared by:  No advance budget required.  This Fund is to be used only for disaster relief within District 4-L3, or elsewhere         within Multiple District 4.  This Fund shall have a separate checking account, designated as the District Disaster Fund.
  2. Expenditures Approved by:  Each specific expenditure, each as   and when needed, as proposed by the District Governor, and properly seconded, must be voted on and approved by a majority of current Cabinet members present at a duly noticed and constituted meeting of       the District 4-L3 Cabinet.  Each proposed expenditure is restricted to a specified emergency disaster need, as officially declared or recognized by a government disaster agency.
  3. Actual Spending controlled by: District Cabinet majority vote.  Account itself is maintained by the Cabinet Treasurer.
  4. Authorized Signators: Three (the District Governor, the Chairperson of the PDG Advisory Board, and the Chairperson of the District LCIF Committee) – two or more signatures required on each check.

(e)  Reserve Fund

        1.  Budget Prepared by: No advance budget required.

2. Expenditures Approval Procedure:  Each and every specific expenditure must be for a District 4-L3 related special need, appropriate purpose, and financial emergency.  All three of these expenditure requirements must be met.

3. Each expenditure, as and when needed, must first be proposed and seconded by any member of the PDG Advisory Board, at any duly noticed and constituted meeting of the PDG Advisory Board, and must       be voted on and approved by a majority of the PDG’s present at said meeting.

4. Actual Spending controlled by: PDG Advisory Board.

5. Authorized Signators: Three (the District Governor, Chairperson of PDG Advisory Board, and a PDG selected by the PDG Advisory Board.  Two or more signators are required on        each check.

Article VII

CONVENTION

Section 1: This District shall hold an annual convention in the spring of each year, at least thirty (30) days prior to the International Convention at a place selected by a previous annual convention of the district and at a date and time fixed by the District Governor.  The Delegates at the District 4-L3 Annual Convention shall select, by secret ballot, the convention site annually for three years in advance of each convention.  The successful bidder for any convention should enter into a contract in writing and on mutually acceptable terms within six months of the date voting for such convention or the site may be moved to different location by the Convention Committee with the approval of the District Governor.

Section 2: There shall be a Convention Committee consisting of three (3) members whose terms of office shall be for a period of three (3) years.  The members of this committee shall be the three (3) most recently serving Past District Governors.  Vacancies on this committee shall be filled by appointment for the unexpired term of the person being replaced by the District Governor.  All terms of office shall begin July 1.

Section 3: The Chairperson of the Convention Committee shall be the member serving his/her third (3rd) and/or final year on the committee.  In the event that the member serving his/her third year on the committee is unavailable, then the District Governor shall determine who the Chairperson should be.

Section 4: The convention funds shall be kept entirely separate and distinct from other funds of this District and shall be under the direction and supervision of the Convention Committee, provided, however, that prior to June 30th of each year, the convention funds shall be audited, including all receipts and disbursements, by the Budget and Finance Committee of the District and a financial statement shall be filed with the District Governor and the District Governor-Elect, and an oral and written report presented at the first cabinet meeting of the District after June 30th of each such year. The Convention Committee, further, shall submit to the Budget and Finance Committee, at least ten (10) days prior to the second cabinet meeting, held in November, December, or January of each Lion year, a proposed budget for the next following convention for review and approval at the second cabinet meeting.  Members of the Convention Committee shall be authorized to make all collections for and disbursements from the convention fund. All disbursements from the convention fund shall require the signatures of any two (2) of three (3) members of the Convention Committee.  Members of this committee shall be required to furnish bond in such amount as required by the District Governor.

Section 5: The Convention Committee shall operate under a Convention Manual to be prepared and adopted by the District 4-L3 cabinet which shall cover such matters as a mission statement, duties of the three members of the Committee, financial policies and any other matters relating to the District 4-L3 Convention.  The Convention Committee Chairperson may assign or reassign duties to the members of the Committee or to volunteers and make other changes as appropriate, except that the financial policy change which requires a Constitutional change must first comply with Article X AMENDMENTS below, and will only become effective on the July 1 next following the Cabinet Meeting at which such changes are approved, except in the event of an emergency.

Section 6: At conventions of this District, only delegates and alternate delegates of Lions Clubs in good standing may be certified by the Elections and Credentials Committee. Each delegate and alternate delegate must also be a member in good standing within his/her club as defined in Article III.  Good standing for a Lions Club may be acquired by paying delinquent dues and other monies owed to Lions Clubs International and Multiple District Four at any time during the convention prior to the close of credentials certification.  Any such payments tendered either (1) during the convention or (2) within one week prior to its commencement shall be made in the form of cash, cashier’s check, or money order only.

Section 7:  No person, whether a delegate, alternate delegate or otherwise, shall be permitted to attend or participate in any session or proceeding without first registering and paying such registration fees as may be fixed by the District Convention Committee.

Section 8: Each fiscal year, the First Vice District Governor shall be responsible for selecting and procuring sites for the Cabinet meetings for the next fiscal year.  This should be accomplished with the counsel of the District Governor.  Funds for the hotel deposits shall be forwarded by the Cabinet Treasurer upon selection of the sites.  The Budget and Finance Committee should provide for this expense in its budget.

Section 9:  The convention funds collected shall be used exclusively for defraying expenses of district conventions and shall be expended only by District Convention Checks drawn and signed by any two of the members of the Convention Committee.  Following each year’s convention, any balance remaining in the Convention Fund, after payment of all convention administrative expenses in that year, shall remain in said Convention Fund and become available for future convention  expenses and be treated as income in any fiscal year in which expended or otherwise budgeted for payment of such expenses.  No Convention Fund money may, and shall never, be transferred to any other account for any purpose, except only by approval  by a majority vote of the registered delegates attending a District 4-L3 Annual Convention. 

Article VIII

COMMITTEES

Section 1: There are four different types or designations of committees: General Committees, Standing Committees, Special Standing Committees, and Boards.

  a. District committees shall be designated as a General Committee, unless  specifically listed herein as a Standing Committee, a Special Standing   Committee, or a Board.  Any request to designate, rename, change any name of any District committee, or change any committee’s type or designation, must be presented as a proposed amendment to our District Constitution, voted and approved by the District members voting at a duly constituted District meeting or Convention. Only Lion members of District 4-L3 may belong to and serve on any of these four different types of committees.

b. A General Committee is discretionary and exists at the pleasure of each incoming District Governor, as determined by each incoming District Governor prior to or during his/her term.  The District Governor may form new General Committees just before or during his or her term, to exist during his or her term as Governor.  The Chairperson and members of all General Committees  serve by appointment and at the pleasure of  the District Governor. The District Governor is an ex-officio member of  every General Committee, and may appear and vote at any meeting if he/she is able to do so.

c. A Standing Committee stands regardless of any District Governor’s request, and shall be automatically renewed each year as a District Standing Committee, unless and until it is removed from this Constitution by a Constitutional Amendment.  The Chairperson and members all serve by appointment and at the pleasure of the District Governor.  The District Governor is an ex-officio member of every Standing Committee, and may appear and vote at any meeting if he/she is able to do so.

d. A Special Standing Committee is a Standing Committee, except that its members are appointed for a three year term.  They are initially named step up, and on their last year will serve as  Chairperson of that Special Standing Committee.  In the event of an early resignation or termination, the District Governor at the time of the resignation or termination, will appoint a replacement, but that replacement’s term will end when the term of the replaced prior occupant would have ended as scheduled with the prior occupant’s term.

e. A District 4-L3 Board is a District 4-L3 entity that is automatically renewed each year.  A Board may be organized separately and operates independently from the District leadership, however only District 4-3 Lions may serve on a Board.  A Board regulates itself, and has its own Constitution and/or Bylaws.  Its officers, members, and elections are administrated and determined by itself, and not by  either our District nor our District leadership.  An exception is the  PDG Advisory Board, who has a Chairperson each year selected by the District Governor.

 

Section 2:  The following shall be the Standing Committees in District 4-L3:

       (a)     Club Excellence Process Committee.

       (b)    Community Crime Prevention Committee

       (c)     Community Recognition Committee

       (d)    Constitution and Bylaws Committee.

       (e)     Information Technology Mentor Committee.

       (f)     Leo Clubs Committee.

       (g)    Lions Clubs International Foundation.

       (h)    Sight and Hearing Preservation Committee.

       (i)     Student Speakers Contest.

       (j)     Student Speakers Foundation

      (k)  USA-Canada Lions Leadership Forum

       (l)    Lions Youth Exchange Foundation                       

 

Section 3:   The following shall be the Special Standing Committees in District 4-L3.  Each term is for three years, unless removal is necessary for good cause.  These terms are step-up appointments, namely each District Governor gets one appointment to appoint a  “two year member”, who then goes up to a “one year member”, and for the third year serves as the Chairperson of the Committee.  Only PDG’s may be appointed to the Convention Committee, the Dispute Resolution Committee, and the Long Range Planning Committee.  Should any PDG decline appointment, the District Governor may select any PDG to replace the declining PDG.   On the Convention Committee,  PDG’s shall be appointed in sequence, in the immediate order of which they served as a District Governor.

       (a)     Budget and Finance Committee.

       (b)    Convention Committee.

       (c)     Dispute Resolution Committee.

       (d)    Elections and Credentials Committee.

       (e)     Long Range Planning

       (f)     Nominating Committee.

Section 4:   The following Boards are recognized and supported in District 4-L3.  While only District 4-L3 members may serve on these Boards, they are independent from the District Governor’s governing authority.  Each Board’s membership, leadership, and governing rules are to be decided by each Board.  The District Governor however remains an ex-officio member.   Additionally, each year the District Governor shall appoint the Chairperson of the PDG Advisory Board.

       (a)     Mobile Screening Unit Board

       (b)    PDG Advisory Board.

Section 5:  With respect to all General Committees, Standing Committees, and Special Standing Committees, except where otherwise specifically provided, all District Committee Chairpersons and members serve at the pleasure of the District Governor.  Additionally, the District Governor serves ex-officio, as a member of every committee in the District, and may at any and all times attend any committee meeting.  Vacancies, for whatever reason, unless otherwise indicated, shall be filled by appointment, by the District Governor, to complete the unexpired term of the person being replaced.  

Section 6:  The PDG Advisory Board is a mandatory group or panel composed of all Past District Governors of District 4-L3.

 
  1. They shall operate as an independent Board.  and maintain a respectful  status      consisting of District 4-L3 men and women offering the District a higher level of leadership, experience, and training.
  2.   Each year, the incoming District Governor shall appoint one of the Past District Governors as the Chairperson of the PDG Advisory Board for a one year term.
  3. They shall meet at least once every two months.
  4. At such meetings, the current District Governor, 1st Vice District Governor and 2nd Vice District Governor, should be invited.
  5. Serve in a variety of ways, including:
    1. provide financial overview and audit watchdog functions a authorized in the Constitution and Bylaws,
    2. review and ensure the District Governor and his/her Cabinet officers are complying with all Lion and governmental requirements of his/her office. 
    3. provide advice, guidance, and suggestions as requested by the District Governor and his/her vice presidents,
    4.  administer the District Reserve Fund, and
    5. remain available to serve the District in speaking  opportunities, installing officers, inducting new members,  providing teaching and training services as needed, when needed for mediator or dispute resolution matters, and in other ways when available.

Article IX

FINANCIAL RESPONDSIBILITY

Section 1:  Ours is an association of service, and the manner in which the service is rendered is fully as   important as the service itself.  Our District fully expects honest and ethical conduct from every District member every day.  No act or request on the part of any District member can justify the  breach of this guideline.  Honest and ethical conduct is defined by core values that serve as the foundation for our Ethical Standards.  These core values include:

(a)     Integrity – District 4-L3 insists on the highest standards of personal and professional integrity.  We must all make every possible effort to  safeguard the association’s assets.  We must also comply with all association policies and applicable laws. 

 

  1. Accountability – District 4-L3 expects all District Officers and members to honor commitments as authorized and made on behalf of LCI and the District, and take individual responsibility for all actions and outcomes.  It has no tolerance for ethical violations. 

 

Section 2:  District Officers are held to the highest level of accountability in the use of district funds.  District Officers shall receive no benefit from the use of district funds and shall remain vigilant to the improper use of district funds by any other Officers and Lions.  District Officers are aware that they must directly and immediately report to the District Governor, the PDG Advisory Board, and the Budget and Finance Committee, the indication of any unauthorized offer, promise, or completion of any direct or indirect benefit to any District Officer, or any other improper use of District funds.

 

Section 3:  A purpose of District 4-L3 is to encourage service-minded Lions to serve their community without personal financial reward, and to encourage efficiency and promote high ethical standards in commerce, industry, government, professions, public works, and private endeavors.

 

Section 4:  No elected or appointed officer of this District shall have the right or authority to create or incur any financial obligation whatsoever in connection with any organization, activity, project or program of any such District Project in excess of the amount specifically budgeted for such specific District Project by the Budget and Finance Committee, as provided by Article VI of this Constitution.

 

Article X

AMENDMENTS

 

Section 1: This constitution may be amended at any Convention of this District by two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of the votes cast by the delegates or alternates present and voting.

 

Section 2: Amendments to this Constitution may be proposed in writing by any Lion in good standing of this District upon written endorsement by his/her Club, or amendments may be proposed by the District Governor, or by the Constitution & Bylaws Committee of this District.  Such proposed amendments shall be accompanied by a statement of the purposes thereof and shall be submitted to the Constitution & Bylaws Committee no less than 60 days prior to the annual District 4-L3 Convention.

 

Section 3: No proposed amendments to this Constitution shall be considered at the District Convention unless a copy of such proposed amendment, accompanied with a statement or comment of purposes for each proposed change, which shall be mailed (email or regular mail shall suffice) to the District Governor, each Vice District Governor, the District Secretary, each member of the District Constitution and Bylaws Committee, the Convention Committee, the Elections and Credentials Committee, and to each club in this District no less than thirty (30) days prior to the said Convention.  Earlier notice is recommended.

 

Section 4: It shall be the responsibility of the Constitution & Bylaws Committee of this District, with reference to such proposed amendments, to receive such proposed amendments, to edit the same for clarity and accuracy,  and deliver the same as edited,  to each entity as required by Section 3 herein above.

 

Section 5:  Amendments to this Constitution shall become effective at the close of the convention at which adopted, unless otherwise provided in such amendment.

 

Section 6:  AUTOMATIC UPDATE. When amendments to the International Constitution and By-Laws are passed at the International Convention, any amendments that would have an effect on this District Constitution and By-Laws shall automatically be updated in this District Constitution and Bylaws at the close of the convention.

Article XI

DISPUTES

Section 1:  Disputes Subject to Procedure 

All disputes relative to membership, club boundaries, or interpretation, breach of, or application of the district constitution and by-laws, or any policy or procedure adopted from time to time by the district cabinet, or any other internal Lions district matters that cannot be satisfactorily resolved through other means, arising between any clubs in the district, or any club(s) and the district administration, shall be settled by the following dispute resolution procedure.  Except as otherwise provided herein, any time limits specified in this procedure may be shortened or extended by the district governor, or, in the event the complaint is directed against the district governor, the immediate past district governor, conciliators or the International Board of Directors (or its designee) upon a showing of good cause.  All parties to any dispute subject to this procedure shall not pursue administrative or judicial actions during this dispute resolution process. 

Section 2:  Complaints and Filing Fee

Any Lions club in good standing within the association (the “complainant”) may file a written request with the district governor or, in the event the complaint is directed against the district governor, the immediate past district governor (a “complaint”), with a copy to the Legal Division, asking that dispute resolution take place under this procedure.  The complaint must be filed within thirty (30) days after the complainant(s) knew or should have known of the occurrence of the event upon which the complaint is based.  The complainant(s) must submit minutes signed by the club secretary certifying that a resolution in support of filing the complaint has been adopted by a majority of the entire membership of the club.  A copy of the complaint shall be sent to the respondent(s). 

A complaint filed under this procedure must be accompanied by a US$750.00 filing fee, or its equivalent in the respective national currency, payable by each complainant to the district which shall be submitted to the district governor or, in the event the complaint is directed against the district governor, the immediate past district governor, at the time the complaint is filed.  In the event the complaint is settled or withdrawn prior to a final decision by the conciliators, US$100.00 shall be retained by the district as an administrative fee and US$325.00 shall be refunded to the complainant and US$325.00 shall be paid to the respondent (which shall be shared on an equal basis if there is more than one respondent).  In the event the selected conciliators find the complaint to have merit and the complaint is upheld, US$100.00 shall be retained by the district as an administrative fee and US$650.00 shall be refunded to the complainant.  In the event the selected conciliators deny the complaint for any reason, US$100.00 shall be retained by the district as an administrative fee and US$650.00 shall be paid to the respondent (which shall be shared on an equal basis if there is more than one respondent).  In the event the complaint is not settled, withdrawn, upheld or denied within the time frames established by this procedure (unless an extension has been granted for good cause), then the entire fee will be automatically retained by the district as an administrative fee and shall not be refunded to any party.  All expenses incurred relative to this dispute resolution procedure are the responsibility of the district,  unless established district policy provides that all expenses incurred relative to this dispute resolution procedure shall be paid on an equal basis by the parties to the dispute. 

Section 3:  Response to Complaint 

The respondent(s) to the complaint may file a written response to the complaint with the district governor or, in the event the complaint is directed against the district governor, the immediate past district governor, with a copy to the Legal Division, within ten (10) days of receiving notice of the complaint.  A copy of the response shall be sent to the complainant(s). 

Section 4:  Confidentiality

Once a complaint has been filed, communications between the complainant(s), respondent(s), district governor or, in the event the complaint is directed against the district governor, the immediate past district governor, and conciliators should be kept confidential to the extent possible. 

 

BYLAWS OF DISTRICT 4-L3

 

Article I

ELECTIONS

 

Section 1:  NOMINATING COMMITTEE:

  1. Any qualified individual seeking the office of District Governor, 1st Vice District Governor, or 2nd Vice District Governor must file his/her intention to run in writing with the Nominating Committee a  letter showing endorsement of his/her Club, or a majority of the Clubs in this District, at least one hundred twenty (120) days, but no more than one hundred fifty (150) days, prior to the convention, or he/she will not be qualified, then, but only then, may nominations be made from the convention floor.
  2. Each candidate must provide each member of the Nominating Committee with evidence of qualifications as set forth in the International Constitution and Bylaws, and District 4-L3 Constitution and Bylaws.  The Nominating Committee is to receive, review, and verify, from the evidence provided by each candidate, the qualifications of each nominated candidate and rule on the eligibility of the same, that said candidate is qualified to hold said sought office.  Good standing must be demonstrated at the time the District Nominating Committee reviews the qualifications of the candidates.      
  3. Said Nominating Committee shall then meet, for the purpose of interviewing               each of the candidates, but in no event earlier than one hundred twenty  (120) days, or later than one-hundred (100) days prior to the annual District  4-L3 Convention.

Section 2: At the opening session of the Convention, the report of the Nominating Committee shall constitute the nomination of each candidate.  Each candidate will be allowed a total of fifteen (15) minutes for seconding speeches, to address the convention personally, and for a demonstration.  The suggested format is three (3) minutes for a nominating speech, two (2) minutes each for two (2) seconding speeches, three (3) minutes for an acceptance speech by the candidate, and                five (5) minutes total for a demonstration.   

Section 3: The Nominating Committee shall place the names of the candidates for each office in alphabetical order on a printed ballot to be delivered to the Elections and Credentials Committee before election time.

Section 4: Except as provided in Article V, Section 2 of the District 4-L3 Constitution for the election of the District Governor, First Vice District Governor, and Second Vice District Governor, and, as provided elsewhere for the adoption of amendments to this Constitution and Bylaws, all other matter to be decided by secret written ballot, even if only one candidate is running for office, shall be required to receive a plurality of the votes cast for approval unless there is only one choice and in that event, a simple majority (50%  plus 1 vote) of affirmative votes cast by the delegates present and voting, shall be required for approval.

In elections for candidates, where there is only one candidate, “for” and “against” spaces or boxes are not allowed.  A valid election vote is an act of filling in a blank. A blank or empty space is not a vote.  A voter can vote against any candidate, by voting for another who has been nominated, or by writing in the name of another qualified District 4-L3 Lion. In the case of a motion or measure, either “yes” and “no”, or “for” and “against” boxes, are to be used.  Also in the case of a motion or measure, a blank or empty space is not a vote.  In all cases, a blank or empty space is regarded as a decision to not want to vote, an abstention.  A majority is defined as a number more than one-half of the total valid votes cast, excluding all blank and empty space abstentions, illegal, and disqualified votes. The polls shall be open on the final day of the Convention from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Section 5: The Elections and Credentials Committee, as provided in Article VIII, Section 3, of this Constitution shall conduct the election at all Convention elections, count the ballots and announce the results.  The Elections and Credentials Committee’s decision shall be final and binding.  Each candidate for the offices of District Governor, First District Governor, and Second Vice District Governor may name one observer to witness the counting of the ballots.

Section 6: Each chartered club in good standing in the association and District 4-L3 shall be entitled in each annual convention to one (1) delegate and one (1) alternate for each ten (10) members or major fraction thereof, who have been enrolled for at least one year and a day in the said club as shown by the records of the International office on the first day of the month last preceding that month during which the convention is held, provided however, that each such club shall be entitled to at least one (1) delegate and one (1) alternate; and further provided, that the District Governor and all Past District Governors of this District who are members in good standing of clubs in good standing in this district shall be granted full delegate status at all Conventions of this district, but shall not be included in the delegate quota of his/her club for any such convention. The major fraction referred to in this section shall be five (5) or more members.

Section 7: At all Conventions of this District, a Quorum shall consist of accredited delegates from at least 10% of the member clubs in good standing in this District.

Section 8: In the event of a failure to elect a candidate to the office of Second Vice District Governor or for the selection of a future convention site because of a tie vote, there shall be a re-balloting between the candidates or sites receiving the same number of votes.  For the purpose of re-balloting, the polls shall be opened for one hour as soon as possible after the announcement of the election results, with the time, location and any other information to be announced at the time the results of the original voting are announced.  Only those Lions holding their certification slips from the original voting shall be entitled to vote in the re-balloting.

Section 9:  CERTIFICATION OF ENDORSEMENT. Certification of endorsement by the respective convention shall be made in writing to the International office by the district officials designated (and if the district is a sub-district in the multiple district to the multiple district council of governors) in accordance with the requirements set forth, in the International Constitution and Bylaws. 

Section 10:   VALIDITY. No district endorsement of any candidacy of any member of a Lions club in this district shall be valid unless and until the provisions of this Article have been met. 

 

Article II

DUTIES

Section 1: The District Governor shall have general supervision over all the clubs in the District. Under the supervision of the International Board of Directors, he/she shall represent the association in this district. In addition, he/she shall be the chief administrative officer in this district and shall have direct supervision over the Vice District Governors, the members of the District Cabinet, and such others as may be provided for in this District Constitution and Bylaws.  His/her specific responsibilities shall be to:

  1. Further the purposes and objectives of Lions Clubs International.
  2. Administer and promote membership growth and new club development.
  3. Administer and promote leadership development at the club and district levels.
  4. Promote Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) and all service activities of the Association.
  5. Preside over all cabinet, convention and other District meetings.
  6. Promote cordial relations among the chartered Lions Clubs.
  7. Exercise such supervision and authority over Cabinet Officers and District Committee Appointees as provided in the Constitution and Bylaws of District 4-L3 and Multiple District Four.
  8. Ensure that each Lions Club in the District is visited at least once during his/her term of office and to submit a visitation report to the International Headquarters for each visit.
  9. Submit a current itemized statement of total District receipts and expenditures to his/her District Convention.
  10. Deliver, forthwith, at the termination of his/her term of office, all District accounts and records to his/her successor in office.  He shall further, within thirty (30) days following the end of his/her term, provide his/her successor with: (a) a copy of the budget under which he operated; (b) a financial statement showing the condition of the District; (c) all documents which are pertinent to the welfare of the District; (d) all monies, equipment and supplies belonging to the District and (e) such other information as to him/her may seem pertinent in assisting his/her successor in planning his/her year in office. A copy of the financial statement showing the condition of the District shall be forwarded to the Multiple District Four office at the same time as delivered to his/her successor.
  11. Submit such other reports and perform such other functions and acts as shall be required of him/her by the Lions Clubs International, Inc., Multible District 4, and District 4-L3 Constitutions, Bylaws, training manuals, tutorials, handbooks, and directives.
  12. At least on or before June 18 of each year, two weeks prior to             assuming the position of District Governor, the District Governor must have completed his or her securing a bond for the faithful performance of his/her duties,  in such sum and sureties of Sixty Thousand Dollars ($60,000.00).  

Section 2: The First Vice District Governor, subject to the supervision and direction of the District Governor, shall be the Chief Administrative Assistant to the District Governor. His/her specific responsibilities shall be to:

  1. Further the purposes and objects of the Association.
  2. Familiarize himself/herself with the duties of the District Governor so in the event of a vacancy in the office of District Governor, he/she will be better prepared to assume the duties and responsibilities of said office.
  3. Perform such administrative duties as may be assigned to him/her by the District Governor.
  4. Perform such other functions and acts as may be required of him/her by the Lions Clubs International, Inc., Multiple District 4, and District 4-L3 Constitutions, Bylaws, training manuals, tutorials, handbooks, and other directives, including the First Vice District Governor’s Manual.
  5. Actively participate in all Cabinet and Multiple District Four Council of Governors meetings and conduct all meetings in the absence of the District Governor.
  6. Participate in the preparation of the District budget and review the monthly financial report.
  7. Be actively engaged in all matters to be continued during the next year.
  8. Participate in the review of the strengths and weaknesses of the clubs in the District, identify potential weak clubs within the district, establish plans to strengthen them, and submit the plans to the International Headquarters at the end of the First Vice District Governor‘s term.
  9. At the request of the District Governor, supervise appropriate District committees. Attend a leadership training program of either Multiple District Four or District 4-L3.
  10. Serve as the District 4-L3 MERLO team Chairperson.
  11. Endeavor to attend at least one board meeting of each of the designated District Projects and the USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum.

Section 3: The Second Vice District Governor, subject to the supervision and direction of the District Governor, shall also serve as an Administrative Assistant to the District Governor. His/her specific responsibilities shall be to:

  1. Further the purposes and objects of the Association.
  2. Familiarize him/herself with the duties of the First District Governor so in the event of a vacancy in the office of the First District Governor, he will be better prepared to assume the duties and responsibilities of said office.
  3. Perform such administrative duties as may be assigned to him/her by the District Governor.
  4. Perform such other functions and acts as may be required of him/her by the Lions Clubs International, Inc., Multiple District 4, and District 4-L3 Constitutions, Bylaws, training manuals, tutorials, handbooks, and other directives, including the Second Vice District Governor’s Manual.  .
  5. Actively participate in all Cabinet and Multiple District Four Council of Governors meetings and conduct all meetings in the absence of the District Governor and the First Vice Governor.
  6. Participate in the preparation of the District budget and review the monthly financial report.
  7. Be actively engaged in all matters to be continued during the next year.
  8. Participate with the First Vice District Governor in the review of the strengths and weaknesses of the clubs in the District, and identify potential weak clubs within the district.
  9. At the request of the District Governor, supervise appropriate District committees. Attend a leadership training program of either Multiple District Four or District 4-L3.
  10. Serve on the District 4-L3 MERLO team to assist the First Vice District Governor.
  11. Endeavor to attend at least one board meeting of each of the designated District Projects and the USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum.

Section 4: The Cabinet Secretary shall:

  1. Further the purposes and objects of this Association.
  2. Keep accurate records of the proceedings of all meetings of the Cabinet and within five (5) days after each meeting forward copies of the same to all members of the cabinet and the office of Lions Clubs International (LCI)
  3. Take and keep minutes of the District Convention and furnish copies of the same to LCI, the District Governor and the secretary of each club in district.
  4. Make reports to the Cabinet as the District Governor or the Cabinet may require.
  5. Submit other additional reports, as may be required, to LCI, Multiple District Four, and the Cabinet and Clubs of District 4-L3.
  6. Perform such additional assignments as shall be given to him/her from time to time by the District Governor.
  7. Perform such other functions and acts as may be required by the Lions Clubs International, Inc., Multiple District 4, and District 4-L3 Constitutions, Bylaws, training manuals, tutorials, handbooks, and  directives. 

Section 5: The Cabinet Treasurer shall:

  1. Further the purposes and objects of this Association.
  2. Collect and receipt for, if required, all per capita taxes and other monies owed to this District whether now owed to the District or become due in the future, to deposit the same in the bank or banks as the District Governor shall determine and disburse funds only when authorized to so do by the District Governor acting on behalf of the cabinet.
  3. Keep accurate books and records of account and permit inspection of same by the District Governor, any Cabinet member and any Club in the District (or any authorized agent of any of them) at any reasonable time for any proper purpose.
  4. At or following his/her administration, upon any written request, direction, or subpoena from either the (a) incoming District Governor, (b) District 4-L3 Budget and Finance Committee, (c) District 4-L3 Dispute Resolution Committee, (d) District 4-L3 PDG Advisory Board, and/or (e) duly elected or appointed representative of MD-4 or LCI, shall fully comply
  5. At least on or before June 18 of each year, two weeks prior to assuming the position of District Treasurer, the District Treasurer must have completed his or her securing a bond for the faithful performance of his/her duties, in such sum and sureties of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00), or the sum total of the balances as of June 30 of each year, of the five Constitutional  funds defined in the Constitution, Article VI, Sections 8 and 9, whichever is lesser.
  6. Perform such additional assignments as shall be given to him/her from time to time by the District Governor.
  7. Perform such other functions and acts as may be required by the Lions Clubs International, Inc., Multiple District 4, and District 4-L3 Constitutions, Bylaws, training manuals, tutorials, handbooks, and directives.

Section 6: Each Region Chairperson shall:

  1. Further the purposes and objects of this Association
  2. Supervise the activities of the Zone Chairpersons in his/her Region and such District Committee Chairpersons, if any, as shall be assigned to him/her by the District Governor.
  3. Play an active role in organizing new clubs and strengthening weak clubs.
  4. Visit a regular meeting of each club in his/her region at least once during the year and in addition to any such visits he may make with the District Governor, reporting his/her findings to the District Governor.
  5. Visit a regular board of directors meeting of each club in his/her region at least once during the year and in addition to any such visits he may make with the District Governor, reporting his/her findings to the District Governor.
  6. Endeavor to have every club in his/her Region operating under a duly adopted club constitution and Bylaws.
  7. Promote attendance at International and District conventions by at least the full quota of delegates to which clubs in his/her region are entitled, and promote participation in District activities, projects and programs.
  8. Carry out such official visitations to club meetings and charter nights as shall be assigned to him/her by the District Governor.
  9. Perform such additional assignments as shall be given to him/her from time to time by the District Governor.
  10. Perform such other functions and acts as may be required by the Lions Clubs International, Inc., Multiple District 4, and District 4-L3 Constitutions, Bylaws, training manuals, tutorials, handbooks, and directives.

Section 7: Each Zone Chairperson shall:

  1. Further the purposes and objects of this Association.
  2. Serve as the Chairperson of the District Governor’s Advisory Committee in his/her Zone and as such Chairperson, to call regular meetings of said committee.
  3. Make a report of the District Governor’s Advisory Committee meeting and send copies within five (5) days thereafter to Lions Clubs International, the District Governor and the Region Chairperson.
  4. Play an active role in organizing any new clubs and in strengthening weak clubs in his/her Zone, at all times keeping informed as to the activities and the well-being of the clubs in his/her Zone.
  5. Represent each club in his/her Zone in any problems with District 4-L3, Multiple District Four, or Lions Clubs International.
  6. Serve as liaison between the clubs of his/her Zone and the District Governor and Cabinet.
  7. Attend cabinet meetings and report on the clubs in his/her when so requested by the District Governor.
  8. Visit a regular meeting of each club in his/her zone once or more in addition to the visit he may make with the District Governor, reporting his/her findings to the Region Chairperson and the District Governor;
  9. Supervise the progress of District, Multiple District and Lions Clubs International projects in his/her Zone.
  10. Promote attendance at International and District conventions by at least the full quota of delegates to which clubs in his/her Zone are entitled, and promote participation in District activities, projects and programs.
  11. Perform such additional assignments as shall be given to him/her from time to time by the District Governor or Region Chairperson.Perform such other functions and acts as may be required by the Lions Clubs International, Inc., Multiple District 4, and District 4-L3 Constitutions, Bylaws, training manuals, tutorials, handbooks, and directives.

Article Ill

SOLICITATION

Section 1: No money may be raised at any convention by any person, club or organization for any purpose, except when the same may be necessary to assist in  financing the convention, and then only under the supervision of the Convention Committee, with the approval of the District Governor.

Section 2: No money may be raised or solicitations made for same by any club in this District in any area under the jurisdiction of another club except with the approval of such other club, and furthermore, no club or member of any Lions Club shall solicit funds for anything of material or commercial value for any purpose whatsoever from any other Lions Club or club members, provided, however, that in the event of a major calamity or disaster,  the Cabinet of the District  and/or the Council of Governors  and/or Disaster Committee of Multiple District Four may authorize solicitation of relief and by a club from and among clubs within this District or Multiple District Four, as the case may be. Nothing herein shall preclude solicitation in cooperative projects among clubs and Districts which have been approved by the clubs of the District involved prior to solicitation.

Article IV

RULES

Section 1: Roberts Rules of Order, newly revised, shall constitute the rules governing the convention and all meetings of this District, unless otherwise provided for in the Constitution and Bylaws, or by resolution. The credential list certified by the Club President and Secretary and submitted to the Elections and Credentials Committee prior to the Convention shall constitute the authority of the delegates and/or alternates to conduct the business of the Annual Convention of this District.

Article V

RESOLUTIONS

Section 1: All resolutions must be submitted to the Resolutions Committee in writing no later than 6:00 p.m. on the day preceding the first session of this District’s Convention and must indicate thereon the sponsor of the Resolution before being given consideration by the Committee.  This Committee, with the approval of the District Governor, shall consider only those resolutions pertinent to and in the interest of this District.

Article VI

AMENDMENTS

Section 1: These Bylaws may be amended in the same manner as provided for in Article X of the Constitution of this District, except that only a majority affirmative vote shall be required.

Article VII

DISTRICT PARTNER SERVICE PROJECTS

Section 1:  There are several service organizations, activities, or programs, which our own District Clubs and members have actively, traditionally, and successfully participated in, which foster, enhance, and promote our own District’s WE SERVE objectives.  Here our District designates these service projects as DISTRICT PARTNER SERVICE PROJECTS.  This list includes:

(a) “District Projects” service projects from our former Constitutional  Article IX list,

(b)  service projects that have been traditionally been included and described in our annual District Roster Book, and

(c)  currently operating service projects that a significant portion of our District Clubs and members have been successfully and traditionally partnering with.    

Section 2: While this list does not include all of the service projects that District 4-L3 Clubs and members actively participate and volunteer in, this list does include service projects where our District 4-L3 Clubs and members serve with Lions from other Districts, and sometimes non-Lions as well, on the respective governing boards of these service projects.     

Section 3:  Any request to add or remove a service project to this list must be presented as a proposed amendment to this District Bylaws, voted and approved by District members voting at a duly constituted District meeting or Convention.   

Section 4: The following have been designated as District Partner Service Projects, officially recognized, supported, and partnered within our District and/or the Clubs in our District 4-L3:

        (a)    City of Hope

        (b)   CRE Theater by the Blind

        (c)    Diabetics Awareness and Action of MD-4

        (d)  L. A. Mission

        (e)    Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation (LSHF)

        (f)    Lions Low Vision Services Program (LOVE)

        (g)  Lions Camp at Teresita Pines

        (h)  Lions Project for Canine Companions for Independence (LPCCI)

        (i)    National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

        (j)    Rose Bowl Float Committee

        (k)  Special Olympics of Southern California

        (l)    The Lions of California “Wilderness Camp” for Deaf Children

        (l)    Youth Exchange Foundation of MD-4

 

 

 

(end of District 4-L3 Constitution and Bylaws - no amendments were made at the 2017 or 2018 conventions)

 

 

 

District 4-L3 Standing Committees and Special Standing Committees

  • Budget and Finance 
  • Club Excellence Process
  • Community Crime Prevention
  • Community Recognition
  • Constitution and Bylaws
  • Convention Committee
  • Dispute Resolution
  • Election and Credentials
  • Information Technology* / Marketing and Public Relations
  • Leo Club
  • Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF)
  • Long Range Planning
  • Nominating
  • Sight and Hearing Presevation*
  • Student Speaker Contest
  • Student Speaker Foundation
  • USA Canada Leadership Fourm
  • Youth Camp and Exchange Program

District 4-L3 General Committees 

  • City of Hope
  • Club Bulletin Contest
  • Club Scrap Book Contest
  • Diabetes Awarness*
  • Disaster Alert
  • Environmental*
  • Eyeglass Recycling
  • Inter-Club Activities
  • Lions Fight for Hunger*
  • Lions Flag Day
  • Lions Kid Sight USA
  • Lions Partnering in Sight
  • Peace Poster Contest

Projects:

  • Kases For Kids
  • Lions Eyes Across California

* Lions Clubs International Supported District Committee 
Lions Clubs International News
Connect with Us Online