District 11-E 1 LIONS OF MICHIGAN BY-LAWS April 1999

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ARTICLE 1	DISTRICT NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS
Section 1	The District Governor shall appoint, by written notification received at least one-hundred-twenty (120) days prior to the Convention, a Nominations Committee Chairman, who shall be a member in good standing of a Lions Club in good standing in the District and shall not, at the time of appointment, hold any District or International Office. Return to top
Section 2	The Nominations Committee Chairman of the District shall receive the written nomination of any qualified member in good standing for District Governor, Vice District Governor, or Region Chairman, provided that the nomination is endorsed by a majority of the members in good standing in his club.  Such nomination must be filed at least sixty (60) days prior to the opening session of the District Convention, with copies to the Cabinet Secretary and Multiple District Executive Secretary.  The Nominations Committee Chairman shall nominate and report to the District Convention the names of such nominees as have been qualified.  In the event no nominations are received as hereinbefore provided, nominations of Lions in good standing and qualified may be made from the floor of the Convention.  Nomination speeches shall be limited to one (1) of not over five (5) minutes duration and one (1) seconding speech of not over three (3) minutes duration for each candidate. Return to top
Section 3	The election shall be by secret written ballot and the candidate receiving a majority of the votes cast on any ballot shall be declared elected.  In the event there are three (3) or more candidates for District Governor, Vice District Governor, or Region Chairman, the candidate receiving the least number of votes on the second ballot shall be dropped from the succeeding ballots.  And on each succeeding ballot, the candidate receiving the least number of votes shall be dropped from succeeding ballots, until there are two (2) remaining candidates.  In case of a tie, balloting shall continue until one (1) candidate is elected.  Election for all district officers shall be conducted in accordance with Article V11, Section 9(a) of the Constitution of the International Association of the Lions Clubs as amended. Return to top
Section 4	In the event of a vacancy occurring in the office of District Governor, the vacancy shall be filled in accordance with the provisions of the International Constitution.  Upon the death or resignation of a District Governor, it shall be the duty of the President of Lions Clubs International to appoint a successor. Return to top
ARTICLE II	DUTIES
Section 1	District Governor.  The District Governor shall act under the general supervision of the International Board of Directors as the representative of Lions International in this District and shall have general supervision over all Lions Clubs therein.  In addition, he shall: a.  Further the Purposes and Objectives of Lions International. b.  Supervise organization of new Lions Clubs. c.  Promote cordial relations among the chartered Lions Clubs d.  Preside over all Cabinet, Convention and other District Meetings e.  Endeavor to visit each Club at least once during his term of office f.  Have the authority to dismiss any Zone Chairman, or any District officer other than Vice District Governor or Region Chairman, for good and sufficient reason.  The Vice District Governor or a Region Chairman may be removed only by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Cabinet. g.  Inasumch as the office of Region Chairman is an elective position, and  in order to give the candidate sufficient time in which to campaign, candidates for the office of District Governor shall declare their intention whether to utilize Region Chairmen on or before January 2 of the year in which they seek election; otherwise it is understood that the office of Region chairman shall be utilized. h.  Exercise such supervision and authority over cabinet officers and committee appointees as is provided in this Constitution, including, but not by way of limitation, the following: 1.  Supervise the collection of all per capita taxes by the Cabinet Secretary, designate a depository (s) for said funds, and authorize the payment therefrom of all legitimate expenses pertaining to the administration of the affairs of the District. 2.  Secure the surety bond for the Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Treasurer. 3.  Secure, semi-annually or more frequently District financial reports from the Cabinet Treasurer. 4. Provide for an annual, or more frequent examination of the books and accounts of the Cabinet Treasurer; and set up a definite schedule of dates, times, and places of Cabinet meetings to be held during the fiscal year. i.  Submit a current itemized statement of total District receipts and expenditures in duplicate or printed form to each delegate at the Annual District Convention, and prepare a yearly financial report at the end of his term. j.  Submit such other reports and perform such other duties as may be required by the International Board of Directors or by the District Cabinet. k.  Deliver, forthwith, at the end of his term of office, all District accounts, funds, records, and properties to his successor in office. Return to top
Section 2	Vice District Governor.  The Vice District Governor, subject to the supervision and direction of the District Governor, shall be chief administrative assistance to the District Governor.  His specific responsibilities shall be to: a.  Further the Purposes and Objects of this Association b. Familiarize himself/herself with the duties of the District Governor so, in the event of a vacancy in the office of District Governor, he will be better prepared to assume the duties and responsibilities of said office. c.  Perform such administrative duties as may be assigned by the District Governor. d.  Perform such other functions and acts as may be required by the International Board of Directors through the Vice District Governor’s Manual and other directives. e.  Actively participate in all cabinet and council meetings and conduct all meetings in the absence of the District Governor. f.  Participate in the preparation of the district budget. g.  Be actively engaged in all matters to be continued during the next  year. h.  Participate in the review of the strengths and weaknesses of the clubs of the district; and i.  At the request of the District Governor supervise appropriate district committees. Return to top
Section 3.	Cabinet Secretary.  Under the supervision and directions of the District Governor, the Cabinet Secretary shall: a.  Keep an accurate record of the proceedings of all meetings of the Cabinet; and, within five (5) days after each meeting, forward copies of the same to the District Governor, all members of the Cabinet, and the office of Lions International. b.  Take and keep minutes of the District Convention and furnish copies of the same to Lions International, the District Governor, and the Secretary of each Club in the District. c.  Assist the District Governor and the Cabinet in conducting the business of the District; and perform such other duties as are specified or implied in this Constitution and By-Laws, or as may be assigned to him from time to time by the District governor or the Cabinet. d.  Sign all notices and documents issued by the District. e.  Make an annual report to the Cabinet at its meeting immediately preceding the Annual District convention, and such other reports at such Other times as the District Governor or Cabinet may require. f.  Collect and receipt for all per capita taxes levied hereunder on members and Clubs in the District, and such other funds as shall be received. Submit promptly such funds to the Cabinet Treasurer, and obtain receipt therefore. g.  Keep accurate books and records of account, and minutes of all Cabinet and District meetings; and permit inspection of the same by the District Governor, and Cabinet member, and any Club (or any authorized agent of any of them) at any reasonable time for any proper purpose.  Upon direction of the District Governor or Cabinet, he shall furnish any such books and records as requested to any examiner appointed by the District Governor. h.  Secure bond for the faithful performance of his duties in such sum and with such sureties as may be required by the District Governor. i.  Shall perform all duties listed below for Cabinet Treasurer when so designated. Return to top
Section 4	Cabinet Treasurer.  Under the supervision and direction of the District Governor, the Cabinet Treasurer shall: a.  Receive from the Cabinet Secretary all per capita taxes and such other receipts of the District, and deposit same in such bank or banks as the District Governor and Cabinet shall determine, and disburse same by order of the District Governor. b.  Remit and pay over to the Multiple District Treasurer the per capita taxes collected on behalf of the Multiple District from the Clubs of this District, and secure receipt therefore. c.  Keep accurate books and records of account, and permit inspections of the same by the District Governor, any Cabinet member, and any Club (or authorized agent of any of the above named) at any reasonable time for any shall furnish any such books and records as requested to any examiner appointed by the District Governor. d.  Secure bond for faithful performance of his duties in such sum and with such sureties as may be required by the District Governor. e.  Shall perform all duties of the Cabinet Secretary when so designated. Return to top
Section 5	Region Chairman.  He shall: a.  Attend regular and special meetings of the Cabinet. b.  Assist the District Governor in promoting Lionism in his Region by performing such duties as may be delegated to him from time to time by the District Governor. c.  Recommend qualified Lions in his Region for appointment as Zone Chairmen. d.  Endeavor to have every Club in his Region operating under a duly adopted Club Constitution and By-Laws. e.  Promote representation at International, Multiple District, and District Conventions by at least the full quota of delegates to which Clubs in his Region are entitled. f.  Supervise and assist the Zone Chairmen of his Region in the performance of their official duties, and cooperate with them in arranging and holding District Governor’s Advisory Committee meetings (Zone Meetings). In the event the Region Chairman for any reason cannot or does not, in the judgment of the District Governor, perform the duties of his office, or in the event the office is for any reason vacated, the District Governor shall appoint a successor to serve for the unexpired term, subject to the provisions of Article II, Section 1(f) of these By-Laws. Return to top
Section 6.	Zone Chairman.  Under the control and supervision of the District Governor and his Region Chairman, he shall: a.  Conduct, with the cooperation of his Region Chairman, regularly scheduled District Governor’s Advisory Committee Meetings (Zone Meetings). b.  Make a report of each District Governor’s Advisory Committee meeting; and send copies within five (5) days therafter to Lions International, the District Governor, and the Region Chairman. c.  Endeavor to have every Club within his Zone operating under a duly adopted Club Constitution and By-Laws. d.  Encourage Inter-Club meetings and social activities. e.  Promote attendance at Charter nights of newly organized clubs. f.  Promote representation at International, Multiple District, and District Conventions by at least the full quota of delegates to which Clubs in his Zone are entitled. In the event the Zone Chairman for any reason cannot or, in the judgment of the District Governor, does not perform the duties of his office, or in the event the office is for any reason vacated, the District Governor shall appoint a successor to serve the unexpired term. Return to top
Section 7.	District Governor’s Cabinet.  The District Governor’s Cabinet shall assist the District Governor in the performance of his duties and in the formulation of administrative plans and policies affecting the welfare of Lionism within the District. Return to top
Section 8.	District Governor’s Advisory Committees.  Each Committee shall assist the respective Zone Chairman in an advisory capacity; procure recommendations affecting the welfare of Lionism and the Clubs in this Zone; and relay the same through the Zone Chairman to the District Governor and his Cabinet. Return to top
Section 9.	District Governor’s Honorary Committee.  It shall act under the direction of the District Governor in the promotion of harmony throughout the District.  The Chairman of this Committee shall attend meetings of the Cabinet when requested by the District Governor. Return to top
Section 10.	Sergeant-at-Arms.  The Sergeant-at-Arms shall maintain order and decorum at the respective Conventions and meetings and perform such other duties as are incident to his office under Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised.  He shall also serve on Multiple District 11 Sergeant-at-Arms Committee at Multiple District 11 Convention. Return to top
ARTICLE III	COMMITTEES
Section 1.	The District Governor shall appoint, designate the chairman of, and fill any vacancies occurring in the following District Committees including those required by Multiple District 11: 1. ALL-STATE BAND 2.  CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS 3.  CREDENTIALS 4.  DIABETES EDUCATION 5.  DISTRICT CONVENTION 6.  DISTRICT EDITOR 7. DISTRICT PIN 8.  DRUG AWARENESS & YOUTH OUTREACH 9.  ELECTIONS 10.  ENVIRONMENTAL 11.  EXTENSION 12.  HEARING & SPEECH ACTION & WORK WITH THE DEAF 13.  HONORARY 14.  INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION 15.  INTERNATIONAL UNDERSTANDING 16.  L.C.I.F. 17.  LEADER DOGS FOR THE BLIND 18.  LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT 19.  LEO & YOUTH ACTIVITIES 20.  LIAISON 21.  LIONESS 22.  MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT 23.  MICHIGAN EYE-BANK AND TRANSPLANTATION CENTER 24.  MULTIPLE DISTRICT CONVENTION 25.  NOMINATIONS 26.  PUBLIC RELATIONS 27.  PUBLICATION ADVISORY 28.  RESTRICTED FUND ADVISORY 29.  RULES AND RESOLUTIONS 30.  SERGEANT-AT-ARMS 31.  SIGHT CONSERVATION AND WORK WITH THE BLIND 32.  SPORTS 33.  WELCOME HOME FOR THE BLIND 34.  WHITE CANE 35.  YOUTH EXCHANGE The Chairman of each of the above listed District Committees shall serve as District Representative on the corresponding Multiple District 11 Standing Committee, except the L.C.I.F. appointee.  The L.C.I.IF.* shall be for a 3 year term.  1st year as new member, 2nd year as Vice-Chairman and 3rd year as Chairman. Return to top
Section 2	The Chairman of the District Restricted Fund Advisory Committee shall have served one (1) year as a District Governor and shall be appointed for a three (3) year term. Return to top
Section 3.	The Chairmen of the following District Committees shall be appointed for two (2) year terms: 1.  CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS 2.  HEARING & SPEECH ACTION & WORK WITH THE DEAF 3. INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION 4.  LEADER DOGS FOR THE BLIND 5.  MICHIGAN EYE-BANK TRANSPLANTATION CENTER 6.  PUBLICATION ADVISORY 7.  PUBLIC RELATIONS 8.  SIGHT CONSERVATION AND WORK WITH THE BLIND 9.  SPORTS 10.  WELCOME HOME FOR THE BLIND 11.  WHITE CANE 12.  YOUTH EXCHANGE Return to top
Section 4.	The Chairmen of the following District Committees shall beappointed for three (3) year terms: 1.  EXTENSION 2.  MEMBERHSIP DEVELOPMENT Return to top
Section 5.	The District governor shall be an ex-officio member of all Committees. Return to top
ARTICLE IV	RULES FOR CONVENTION PROCEDURE
Section 1	The District Governor and Cabinet shall arrange the Order of Business for the District Convention, and the same shall be the order of the day for all sessions. Return to top
Section 2	The Rules Committee Chairman has the responsibility, with the Governor’s Cabinet concurrence, to formulate rules of the Convention and present same delegates in Convention.  Following adoption, they govern the proceedings. Return to top
Section 3	Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Constitution and By-Laws or in the Rules of Procedure adopted for a meeting, all questions of Order and Procedure in any District meeting or Convention, any meeting of the District Cabinet, Region, Zone, or member Club, or of any group or committee of any one on them shall be determined by Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised.  Return to top
ARTICLE V	NOMINATION AND ENDORSEMENT INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR & SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT NOMINEES
Section 1	Subject to the provisions of the International Constitution and By-Laws, any member of a Lions Club in the District seeking endorsement of a District Convention as a candidate for the office of International Director or Second Vice-Present shall: a.  Deliver (by mail or in person) written Notice of Intention to seek such endorsement to the District Governor and to the Multiple District Council Secretary, no less than sixty (60) days prior to the convening date of the respective Convention at which such question or endorsement is to be voted upon. b.  Deliver with said Notice of Intention evidence of fulfillment of the qualifications for such office set forth in the International Constitution and By-Laws.
Section 2	Each Notice of Intention so delivered shall be transmitted forthwith by the District Governor to the District Nominations Committee which shall review and perfect the same by obtaining from each prospective candidate any additional evidence of such intention and qualifications as may be necessary under the International Constitution and By-Laws, and shall place in nomination at District Convention the name of each such prospective candidate who has fulfilled said procedural and constitutional requirements.
Section 3.	Each such nominee for endorsement shall be entitled to one (1) nominating speech of no more than five (5) minutes duration, and one (1) seconding speech of no more than three (3) minutes duration.
Section 4.	The vote on the question of endorsement shall be by secret written ballot, unless there shall be only one (1) nominee seeking the same, in which event a voice vote may be taken.  The nominee receiving a majority of the votes cast shall be declared endorsed (elected) as the candidate of the Convention and District.  In the event of a tie vote, or failure of one (1) nominee to receive the required majority, on any ballot, balloting shall continue with respect to the two (2) nominees only who received the largest number of votes on the previous ballot until one receives the required majority of the votes cast.
Section 5	Certification of Endorsement by the respective Convention shall be made in writing to the International Office by the District Officials designated, and in accordance with the requirements therefore set forth, in the International Constitution and By-Laws.
Section 6.	No endorsement of any candidacy of any member of a Lions Club in this District shall be valid unless and until the provisions of Article V have been met.
ARTICLE VI	NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF THE DISTRICT TRUSTEE FOR LIONS OF MICHIGAN SERVICE FOUNDATION, INC.
Section 1.	District 11-E1 shall be represented by the District Governor and two (2) elected trustees on the Board of Trustees of the Lions of Michigan Service Foundation, Inc. Elected Trustees shall be elected by delegates assembled at the Annual Convention of the District; shall take office immediately upon adjournment of the Annual convention of Lions Clubs International held in the calendar year of their election; and shall hold office until adjournment of the Annual Convention of Lions International held in the second year following. The two (2) Trustees shall be elected on alternate years to provide overlapping terms of office.
Section 2	Subject to the provisions of the Constitution and By-Laws of the Lions of Michigan Service Foundation, Inc., any member of a Lions Club in the District seeking election as a Trustee at a District Convention shall: a.  Be an active member in good standing of a Lions Club in the District. b.  Have served as President or Secretary of a Lions Club for a full term or major portion thereof, or as a member of the Board of Directors of a Lions Club for no less than three (3) years, and as a member of a District Cabinet for a full term or a major portion thereof.
Section 3	Nominations for the office of Trustee of the Foundation shall be written and shall be certified by the President or Secretary of the Nominee’s Lions Club as being the act of a majority of the members of the Club, and shall be filed with the District Nominations Committee Chairman.not less than sixty (60) days prior to the convening date of the District Convention.  The procedure and rules for nominating and electing a Trustee of the Foundation shall be the same as for District Officers, which are indicated in Article I of these By-Laws.
Section 4	Any vacancy occurring in the office of Elected Trustee shall be filled temporarily by a person elected by the District Cabinet.  A Trustee so filing a vacancy shall hold office until the next Annual District Convention, at which time a Trustee shall be elected to either complete and unfinished term or to fill a regular two (2) year term as specified in Article VI, Section 1.
Section 5	A Trustee may not serve consecutively more than two (2) full terms of office.
ARTICLE VII	FISCAL YEAR
Section 1	The fiscal year of this District shall be from the day followingthe close of the International Convention through the last day of the next succeeding International Convention.
ARTICLE VIII	ADMENDMENTS
Section 1.	These By-Laws may be amended only at a District Convention by resolutions reported by the Committee on Constitution and By-Laws at such meeting, and adopted by an affirmative vote of a majority of the registered delegates present and voting.  The procedure and rules for amending these By-Laws are the same as for amending the District Constitution and are indicated in Article XIII of the Constitution.
Section 2	The provisions as designated above shall not be operative in the event of a Special Convention called in accordance with Article XI, Section 2 of the Constitution.