Last update April 4, 2004

Temple Lions Club P O Box 544 Temple, Texas USA A Founder Club of Lions International

Officers and Directors: President, Immediate Past President, First Vice-President, Second Vice-President, Third Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Director (A Director at Large), Tail Twisters(2), Lion Tamer, Historian, Chaplain, Second Year Directors (5), First Year Directors (5), and Directors At Large (5).

Permanent Committees: Permanent Committees are authorized by and are listed and described in the by-laws of this club.

Special Committees: The executive officers or the Board of Directors may appoint any special committees as indicated, and these committees may be terminated when indicated.

The name of this organization Shall be the Lions Club of Temple, Texas chartered by, and under the jurisdiction of The International Association of Lions Clubs, hereinafter referred to as Lions Clubs International.

The purposes and objects of this club are 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 members 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.

Adult persons of good moral character and of good standing in the community, who are engaged in or retired from a legitimate and recognized line of business or professional calling shall be eligible for membership. When the male gender or pronoun presently appears in this Constitution and By-Laws, it shall be interpreted to mean both male and female persons.

Membership shall be graded as Active, Associate, Affiliate, Life, Privileged, Member-at-large and Honorary.

Active members of this club are those who attend the regular meetings, participate in club projects, and are current with their dues. Active members who are absent for four consecutive meetings without makeup meetings or a valid reason shall be given notice that his attendance record shall be brought before the Board of Directors for action. Investigation to determine why the member has not attended should be made and an attempt made to retain the member if it seems worthwhile. An active member is entitled to one vote in elections and other business matters.

Associate members of this club hold primary membership in another Lions club but maintain residence or are 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 or international conventions. He/she shall not be eligible to hold club, district or international office, nor district or international committee assignment through this club. International and district dues shall not be assessed on the associate; however, nothing shall prevent this club from assessing an associate such dues as the Board of Directors may deem proper.

Affiliate members of this club are quality individuals of the community who currently are not able to fully participate as an active member of the club but desire to support this club and its community service initiatives and be affiliated with this club. This status may be conferred by the invitation of the 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 or international conventions. He/she shall not be eligible to hold club, district or international office, nor district or international committee assignment. An affiliate member shall be required to pay district, international and such dues as the Board of Directors may deem proper.

A life member is any member who has maintained continuous active membership as a Lion for 25 years or more with at least 15 consecutive years as a member of the Temple Lions Club, at least 70 years of age, and who has rendered outstanding service as a Lion to his club, his community or Lions Clubs International upon (1) recommendation by his club, (2) payment to Lions Clubs International and (3) approval by the International Board of Directors. Local dues may be charged according to the desires of the Board of Directors of this club. Upon acceptance and qualification of such member as a life member by the Board of Directors of Lions Clubs International, an appropriate sterling silver non-tarnishable Life Membership Card and a certificate shall be issued to him. The total number of life memberships in the Temple Lions Club shall not exceed 10% of the club's membership, excluding associate, honorary, and affiliate members. The membership and attendance committee will annually review the membership for possible recommendations to the Board of Directors for additional life members.

Privileged members are members of this club who have been Lions for fifteen years or more and who, because of illness or infirmities or advanced age or other legitimate reason in the opinion of the Board of Directors of the club, have relinquished their active classification. These members are entitled to vote but are not eligible to hold elective office.

The Board of Directors shall have the power, in its discretion, to elect to membership-at-large members of the club who have moved from the community or members who because of health or legitimate reason are unable to regularly attend club meetings. Unless specifically extended by the Board, each such classification may be reviewed every six months by the Board of Directors. A member-at-large has no voting rights.

Honorary members of this club are residents of the community who have performed outstanding service for it or the Lions Club, upon whom the club may desire to confer special distinction, may be elected as honorary members. The club shall pay entrance fees and International and District dues on such members who shall not be entitled to hold active classification. Such members shall not be eligible to hold office in the club, district, or Lions Clubs International, nor to vote.

Membership shall be acquired by invitation only. Nominations can be made by members in good standing on blanks provided by the secretary of the club. The information on this blank should be obtained by the member from the prospect without implying that the member is being invited to join the club. The member should sign this "Proposal For Membership" form and becomes a sponsor for the prospect. The form is presented to the Secretary of the club who in turn presents it to a three member special committee appointed by and known only to the President and the Secretary. This special committee studies the proposal and returns the form with its recommendations to the Secretary for presentation to the Board of Directors of the club for final action. Only after a majority of the Board members present have approved a proposal for membership should the prospect be invited to become a member of the club. This does not mean that a prospect may not be invited to attend meetings of the club as a visitor and guest of a member of the club. When a prospect accepts the invitation to join and is advised of the club policies by the information committee, he should be formally inducted as soon as possible and only then is he reported as a new member to Lions Clubs International.

An applicant for reinstatement to membership in this club shall be passed by the special committee for membership and the Board of Directors in the same manner as the new member. Reinstatement must be within six months of date the member is dropped from the rolls.

The club may accept on a transfer basis a member of a Lions Club who has moved from the community served by his club to the territory of this club. The Application for transfer must be made within six months of the time of termination of membership in good standing from the former club. An officer of his former club should furnish this club with a statement showing his record in that club.

This club may admit to membership non-residents whose business interests are in Temple, Texas and residents of communities which do not have Lions Clubs.

No person shall simultaneously hold membership, other than honorary, in more than one Lions Club or any other service club of like character. This does not apply to the Toastmasters Club and the Jaycees.

A member shall be given credit for a makeup meeting toward his attendance by attendance at another Lions Club meeting or by attendance at any committee meeting, zone meeting, convention meeting, or any other recognized Lions Club function, provided that attendance at the makeup function occurs not more than thirteen (13) days following the missed regular meeting. The Secretary shall be notified promptly of such makeup meetings.

There shall be a membership fee for each new member of this club as determined by the Board of Directors.

The dues of this club per year for each active, privileged and member-at-large shall be determined by the Board of Directors. Dues are payable semi-annually in advance. Lions International dues, Lions Magazine subscriptions and district dues are included in the club dues. Any proposed change in dues must be discussed in a regular meeting and announced in the "Broadcaster" prior to Board action on such change. Dues for the President, Secretary and Treasurer of the club shall be waived for the period of time such office is held.

There shall be a fee for members who are accepted for transfer from another Lions Club as determined by the Board of Directors.

Each member is responsible to pay for his meal ticket and those of his guests. If a member expects a large number of guests as a part of the program he may bring it up before the Board of Directors to decide if the club should be responsible for the meal tickets.

Each honorary member shall not be required to pay club dues but the club shall pay out of its regular administrative funds the regular Lions International entrance fee as well as the Lions International dues and magazine subscription.

Each life member shall be required to pay such dues as the Board may prescribe. After a member has been qualified as a life member by the Board of Directors of Lions Clubs International, this club shall not be billed for International dues.

This club shall set aside the International and district annual dues and remit to Lions International and district in accordance with the Constitution and By-laws of Lions International.

Each active member, privileged member, member-at-large, associate member, and affiliate member is required to support the annual Lions Club show by the sale or purchase of a minimum of ten(10) adult admission tickets to the annual show.

Each active member, privileged member, member-at-large, associate member, and affiliate member is required to support additional fund raising projects by raising funds either by sale or purchase of items or tickets as prescribed by the Board of Directors.

Tail Twister fines shall be limited to a maximum amount as established by the Board of Directors each year. No member shall be fined more than twice at any one meeting.

Resignation of any member shall become effective upon written notice to the President or Secretary of the club, provided all dues to the date of resignation have been paid.

The Secretary shall submit to the Board of Directors the name of any member who refuses or neglects to pay any indebtedness due the club within thirty days after formal notice has been made by the Secretary. A member will automatically be dropped from membership after an obligation has remained unpaid for a period of three months unless the Board of Directors takes formal action to retain the member.

Active members are automatically dropped from membership after failure to attend or make up a meeting for a period of three months unless the Board of Directors takes formal action to retain the member.

Any member may be expelled for a good cause upon a two-thirds vote of the members present at any regular meeting of the club at which there is an attendance of a quorum of 51% of the members in good standing, provided that the Board of Directors have previously considered the merits and basis of same.

The officers of the club shall be President, Immediate Past President, First Vice-President, Second Vice-President, Third Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Lion Tamer, Tail Twisters (2), Historian and Chaplain. In addition there shall be fifteen directors, one of whom shall be Membership Chairman. The officers and directors shall constitute the Board of Directors, and a majority of these shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of the Board.

No person shall be eligible to hold office or be appointed to a committee in this club unless he is an active member in good standing. Privileged members, however, may be appointed to committees.

No officer of director shall receive any compensation for any service rendered the club with the exception of the Secretary and Treasurer whose compensation shall be fixed by the Board of Directors of this club, and waiver of dues for the President, Secretary and Treasurer as provided in Article IV, Section B, herein.

The officers and directors of this club shall be elected as follows: a Nominating Committee which consists of all Past Presidents of this club who are still members of the club shall hold a nomination meeting in March of each year with the Immediate Past President being chairman of the committee and the President to act as Secretary of the committee without voting privileges. This committee is to report its recommendations to the club at three regular meetings prior to the election date as announced by the President. Further nominations may be made at these three meetings but none will be considered after that. In addition the recommendations of the Nominating Committee are to be announced by the club's weekly bulletin, "The Broadcaster," in the two issues prior to the announced election day.

An election day shall be announced by the President; such election to be held at a regular meeting not later than April 15.

All officers and 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 be appointed or elected.

If in the interim between the nomination meetings and election meeting, some nominee is unable to serve for any reason, the President shall instruct the nominating committee to propose other names of candidates for that office. In the event the President-Elect, before assuming the office of President, finds he is unable to serve, a special meeting of the Nominating Committee and a special election may be called by the President. In this event no election shall be held on that office until two weeks after the members of the club are notified at two regular meetings and in one issue of the weekly bulletin, "The Broadcaster," of the recommendations of the Nominating Committee. Further nominations may be made only at these two meetings and election shall be in the same manner as the regular election.

If for any reason the President is unable to perform his duties, the Vice-Presidents next in rank shall occupy his position and perform his duties, having the same authority as the President.

If for any reason the office of the president shall become vacant, the Vice-Presidents shall succeed in office according to their rank. Should a vacancy occur in the office of a Vice-President, the Vice-President of the next lower rank shall be advanced. In the event of a vacancy in any other office, including that of Third Vice-President, the Board shall appoint a member to fill the unexpired term. Section D. Each Vice-President shall be assigned a group of permanent committees by the President and he is to assist the President to keep these committees active. In addition, the second Vice-President shall be responsible for editing, printing, and mailing of the weekly bulletin, "The Broadcaster."

The Secretary shall be under the supervision and direction of the President and the Board of Directors, and shall act as liaison officer between the club , the District and the Association. His duties in general shall be as follows:

TO LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL as provided in the Lions Clubs International Constitution and By-laws, he shall submit (1) regular monthly membership and activities reports to Lions Clubs International on blanks provided showing names of new members elected during the preceding month, names of members resigned or dropped during the month and changes in addresses, number of active members on the last day of the month, date of meetings of the club held during the month and percentage of attendance, copies of resolutions adopted, activities undertaken by the club and such other information and data concerning the activities of this club as may be called for by the International Board of Directors and (2) list of officers required by Lions Clubs International.

TO THE DISTRICT. He shall keep in touch with the District Governor and submit such reports as may be required by him, particularly a copy of the regular membership and activities reports. He shall also cooperate with and be an active member of the District Governor's Advisory Committee of the Zone.

TO THE CLUB. The Secretary shall keep the general club records, including minutes of the meetings of the club and Board meetings, committee appointments, officers list, attendance records, list of members showing the addresses and telephone numbers. He shall keep the members' club accounts and a detailed record of club receipts and disbursements. He shall issue regular semi-annual statements to each member for his dues or other financial obligations to the club and shall collect from members and others all monies due the club. He shall make all reports required by Lions Clubs International and issue payments to International and district as required. He shall give bond for the faithful discharge of his duties, in such sum and with such sureties as may be required by the Board.

The Treasurer shall prepare and submit monthly financial reports to the Board of Directors. He assists the Secretary in handling the financial matters of the club. He will be in charge of the handling of monies received and disbursed in the production of the club's fund raising projects. He shall give bond for the faithful discharge of his duties, in such sum and with such sureties as may be required by the Board.

The Immediate Past President shall be a member of the Board of Directors with all the rights and privileges of the other members of the Board. He is Chairman of the Nominating Committee.

The Lion Tamer has charge of and is responsible for the club's property and paraphernalia. He places flags, gong, gavel and member's badges in place before each meeting. He acts as Sergeant-at-Arms at meetings. He is in charge of seating at meetings and should encourage members to sit with different groups to become better acquainted with al members of the club.

The Tail Twisters should keep harmony, good fellowship, life and enthusiasm in the meetings. They shall collect fines from the members and there shall be no ruling from their decision in imposing a fine. The Tail Twisters may not be fined except by the unanimous vote of the members present. They shall promote fun and laughter at the meetings by the inauguration of appropriate stunts and games.

The Historian shall keep all material, programs, bulletins, pictures and other items pertaining to the club's history.

The Chaplain shall be available at meetings for invocations.

1. Development of a growth program specifically for the club and present to the Board of Directors for approval.
2. Regular encouragement at club meeting to bring in new quality members.
3. Ensuring proper recruitment procedures.
4. Preparation and implementation of orientation sessions.
5. Reporting to the Board of Directors on ways to reduce the loss of members.
6. Coordination with other club committees in fulfilling these responsibilities.
7. Serving as a member of the zone level membership committee.

The duties of the Board of Directors shall be as follows:

1. The Board shall constitute the Executive Board of the club, and shall be responsible for the execution, through the officers, of the authorized policies of the club; all new business of the club shall first be considered and shaped by the Board for presentation to the club members at a regular club meeting, if in the opinion of the Board it is advisable to do so.
2. It shall authorize all expenditures and shall not create any indebtedness beyond the income of the club, nor disburse funds for purposes non-essential to the objects of the club.
3. A majority vote of the Board shall govern, except where otherwise provided. The Board shall have the power to override or modify action of any officer of the club.
4. It shall finally approve or reject after due consideration of any Membership Committee report and recommendation, any nomination for membership before invitation is extended.
5. It shall call for an audit of the books and accounts at its discretion.
6. It shall determine the date, time and place of the annual nomination and election meetings and shall instruct the President to call these meetings.
7. It shall hold regular monthly meetings.
8. It shall hold official meetings when called by the President of the club or by written request of five members of the club in good standing.
9. It shall designate, on recommendation of the Finance Committee, a bank for the deposits of the funds of the club.
10. It shall approve the surety company in which the Secretary and Treasurer shall be bonded.
11. It shall determine the compensation, if any, of the Secretary.
12. It shall receive committee reports and recommendations, and shall submit to the club in regular meeting recommendations which it has approved affecting the administration or activities policies of the club.
13. It shall determine the time and place of the regular club meetings and shall have the authority to call any special meetings considered necessary.
14. It shall name the delegates and alternates to the District and International Conventions.
15. 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.
16. It shall have maintained 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 M. 15 of this ARTICLE X.

The Past Presidents shall be available to serve as chairmen of special committees and substitute for regular committee chairmen when necessary.

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

Inasmuch as Lions Clubs International is governed by Lions Club in conventions assembled, and in order that this club may have its voice in Lions Clubs International matters, this club will finance to the extent determined by the Board the sending of at least one delegate, the incoming President, to the annual convention of the Lions Clubs International. All delegates to any convention must be current members in good standing with the club and approved by the Board of Directors. The club is entitled to one delegate and one alternate for each 25, or major fraction thereof (13), of its members in good standing as shown by the month last preceding that month during which the convention is held.

Being fully cognizant of the fact that all district matters are presented and adopted at the District Conventions each year, this club shall send its full quota of delegates to all District Conventions, furnishing hospitality books for the delegates who attend. The club is entitled to one voting delegate for each ten members, or major fraction thereof (5), as shown by the records of the month last preceding that month during which the convention is held.

All disputes arising between any member or members or former member or members , and the club, or any officer on the board of the club, relative to membership, or the interpretation, breach, 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 the 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.

This constitution may be amended provided all the following conditions are met:

1. The Board of Directors must authorize placement of the proposed amendment before the membership for vote, and
2. The proposed amendment must be published in "The Broadcaster" at least two weeks prior to the regular business meeting at which the members will vote on the proposed amendment. The same issue of "The Broadcaster" shall give notice to the membership of the date of the meeting at which the members will vote on the proposed amendment, and
3. Two-thirds of the members in good standing present at the meeting must vote in favor of the proposed amendment.

1. This club at no time shall endorse or recommend any candidate for political office, nor shall partisan politics or political candidates be discussed at the meetings. Also no controversial religious discussions shall be tolerated at the meetings.
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.
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 expenditure of money for anything other than the regular obligations, shall be referred to the Finance Committee which acts in an advisory capacity to the Board of Directors.
4. The following permanent committees shall be appointed by the President who is an ex-officio member of each committee. The general duties of each committee is given and the President may give special instructions as indicated.

ATTENDANCE AND MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
Encourages 100% attendance at meetings by the use of personal contacts, calls, letters, etc. Investigate when a member becomes delinquent in attendance and attempt to get him to make his attendance regular.

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS COMMITTEE
Sees that a copy of the club's Constitution and By-Laws is kept up to date and that members are furnished with amendments and additions.

DISTRICT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Encourage and make plans for visiting other Lions Clubs. Invite members of other Lions Clubs to visit with this club.
GREETERS COMMITTEE
Greet visitors to the club and make them feel welcome. This committee should work closely with the Attendance and Membership Committee to encourage regular attendance by greeting members at meetings and seeing that new members are made to feel at home. Conduct fund raising activities at club meetings to send delegates to conventions.
PROJECT/CALENDAR COMMITTEE
To search for and investigate possible worthwhile projects for the club to undertake and plan campaign for completing any project the club begins.
PROGRAM COMMITTEE
In charge of programs for the regular and special meetings of the club.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Prepare annual budgets for the club. Recommends to the Board as to which financial institutions the club's funds may be kept.
PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE
Keeps public and club informed regarding all phases of the club. Furnishes newspaper, radio and TV stations with news of club activities, meetings and projects. Sees that highway and other signs are kept in good repair.
ANNUAL SHOW COMMITTEE
Plan and carry through preparations for the annual show each spring. Select Producer and Director for annual show. Assist in selection of key people for annual show and supervise all areas of annual show until completion.
TEXAS LIONS CAMP COMMITTEE
Promotes interest in the Texas Lions Camp for Crippled Children and searches out children who are eligible to attend the camp. Provides transportation for these children to the camp and back home.
SIGHT & HEARING COMMITTEE
Provide eye and/or hearing examinations, eye glasses and other aid for indigent children. Promote sight and hearing conservation.
SICK VISITATION COMMITTEE
Visit members who are ill or incapacitated. Send cards of encouragement and remembrance.
LIONS INFORMATION COMMITTEE
Informs members on the organization of the club, its function, history and accomplishments, Constitution and By-Laws, club offices, meetings, activities, income and expenditure and when and how dues are collected. Gives new members a thorough indoctrination.
YOUTH FAIR COMMITTEE
In charge of all actions required of the club in arranging for club support of the Bell County Youth Fair, including the joint effort with other civic clubs in serving a hamburger supper to youths participating in the fair.
5. The above list of committees is not intended to be all inclusive. Special committees may be appointed by the President at the direction of the Board of Directors as they are deemed necessary.
6. These By-Laws may be altered at any regular meeting of the club by a majority vote of the members present. Amendments may be made in the same manner.
7. No amendment shall be put to vote unless it is announced at least two weeks prior to vote by notice in the weekly bulletin, "The Broadcaster."
8. Any By-Law may be suspended at any meeting of the club by the unanimous vote of all members present.