District 37 Bylaws
ARTICLE I Nominations and Endorsement for Third Vice President and International Director Nominees
Section 1: Endorsement Procedure
Subject to the provisions of the International Constitution and By-Laws, any member of a Lions Club in the district seeking endorsements of a district convention as a candidate for the office of international director or third vice-president shall follow the instructions as outlined in the International By-Laws.
ARTICLE II District Nominations, Elections and Appointments
Section 1: Nominating Committee
Each District Governor shall appoint, by written notification, received at least sixty (60) days prior to the District Convention, a Nominating Committee of not more than five (5) members, each of whom shall be a member in good standing of a different Lions club in good standing in the District, and shall not at the time of their appointment hold any elected District or International Office. In addition to the above, a Chairperson is to be appointed and the Clubs notified of the Chairperson appointed. Then Clubs in good standing may submit nominations to such Chairperson or District Governor for the consideration of the Nominating Committee. Notifications must be in writing. They can be by e-mail, or United States Postal Service, or hand delivered. Verbal communications need to be reduced to a written format and provided to the Nominating Committee Chairperson or other appointed Nominating Committee Member.
Section 2: District Governor, First & Second Vice District Governors Election Procedure
Any qualified member of a Club in the District seeking the office of District Governor; First or Second Vice District Governor shall file his/her intention to run in writing with the Nominating Committee a minimum of thirty (30) days prior to its report to the convention, and furnish evidence of his/her compliance with the qualifications for said office set out in the International Constitution and By-Laws. The Nominating Committee shall place in nomination at the district convention the name(s) of all candidate(s) so qualified. If none are so received and/or so qualified, then, but then only, nominations for the office may be made from the floor. A candidate shall be allowed one nominating speech of no more than five (5) minutes duration, and one seconding speech of no more than three (3) minutes duration.
Section 3: Ballot
The election shall be by secret written ballot, with the candidate or candidates required to secure a majority of the votes cast by the delegates present and voting in order to be declared elected; for purpose of such election, a majority is defined as a number more than one-half of the total valid votes cast excluding blanks and abstentions. If, on the first ballot, and subsequent ballots, no candidate receives a majority, the candidate or tied candidates receiving the lowest number of votes shall be eliminated and balloting shall continue until one candidate receives a majority. In case of a tie on any ballot, balloting shall continue on the tied candidates until one is elected.
Section 4: District Governor Vacancy
In the event of a vacancy in the office of district governor, the same shall be filled in accordance with the provisions of the International Constitution and By-Laws. The immediate past district governor, first and second vice district governors, the region chairpersons, zone chairpersons, the cabinet secretary and cabinet treasurer (or cabinet secretary/treasurer) and all Past District Governors shall convene at a date, time and place called and determined by the immediate past district governor to select a replacement for recommendation to the International Board of Directors. (See Exhibit B in the Policy Manual.) 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: (See District 37 Policy Manual).
Section 5: First and Second Vice District Governors and Other Vacancies
Any vacancy in office except that of district governor and first and second vice district governors shall be filled by appointment from the district governor for the unexpired term. In event of a vacancy arising in the office of first or second vice district governor, the district governor shall convene a meeting of the members of the existing cabinet as provided for in the International Constitution and By-Laws and all Past District Governors who are members in good standing of a chartered Lions club in good standing in the district. It shall be the duty of the attendees at this meeting to appoint a qualified club member as first or second vice district governor for the remainder of the term. In filling said vacancy, it shall be the duty of the district governor, or if not available, the most recent past district governor who is available, to send out invitations to attend said meeting and it shall also be his/her responsibility to preside as chairperson of the meeting. The chairperson shall convey the results to the international office within seven (7) days together with evidence of invitations sent and meeting attendance. 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.
Section 6: Region/Zone Chairperson Qualifications
Each region and zone chairperson shall:
Be an Active Member in good standing of a chartered Lions club in good standing in his/her single or sub-district.
Section 7: Appointment/Election of Region/Zone Chairperson
The district governor shall appoint, by the time he/she takes office, one region chairperson for each region (if the position is utilized during the district governor’s term), and one zone chairperson for each zone, in the district.
Section 8. Region/Zone Chairperson Vacancy
If any region chairperson or zone chairperson shall cease to be a member of a club in the region or zone, as the case may be, to which he/she was appointed, his/her term of office shall thereon cease and the district governor shall appoint a successor to fill said office. Provided, however, the district governor, in his/her discretion may determine not to use the position of region chairperson for the remainder of the current Lions year.
ARTICLE III Duties of District Officers/Cabinet
The duties of district officers and cabinet members are described in the Lions Clubs International By-Laws, Article III; except for District Administrator which are included in this document.
Section 1: Duties of District Governor
Under the general supervision of the International Board of Directors he/she shall represent the association in his/her District. In addition, he/she shall be the chief administrative officer in his/her District and shall have direct supervision over the first and second vice District Governor, region chairpersons, the zone chairpersons, the cabinet secretary-treasurer and such other cabinet members as may be provided for in the District Constitution and By-Laws. His/her specific responsibilities shall be to:
Further the Purposes and Objects of Lions Clubs International (LCI).
Oversee the Global Membership Team at the District level and administer and promote membership growth and new club development.
Oversee the Global Leadership Team at the District Level and administer and promote leadership development at the Club and District levels.
Promote the Lions Clubs International Foundation and all service activities of the association.
Preside, when present, over cabinet, convention and other district meetings. During any period, he/she is unable to so preside, the presiding officer at any such meeting shall be the first or second vice District Governor, but if she/he is not available, the district officer chosen by the attending members shall preside.
Appoint by the time she/he takes office (1July), a Cabinet Secretary, a Cabinet Treasurer, or a Cabinet Secretary-Treasurer; a Region Chairperson for each Region; a Zone Chairperson for each zone and a District Sergeant-at-Arms. (Per Article 1, Section 6 of the District Constitution and By-Laws). In addition, the District Governor will appoint a nominating committee, at least 60 days prior to the District Convention. (Per Article 1, Section 1 of the District Constitution and By-Laws).
Participate in the preparation of the District budget.
Set a definite schedule of dates, times and places of Cabinet meetings to be held during the fiscal year.
Constitute such committees, as he/she deems necessary to advance the purposes and objects of Lions Clubs International in the District and to appoint Committee Chairpersons to supervise the functions of such committees.
Promote harmony among the chartered Lions clubs.
Review the strengths and weaknesses of the Clubs in the District.
Exercise such supervision and authority over the cabinet officers and district committee appointees as is provided in the District Constitution.
Ensure that each Lions club in the District be visited by the District Governor or other district officer once every year to facilitate successful administration of the club, and that the visiting officer submit a visitation report to the International Headquarters for each visit.
Submit a current itemized statement of total district receipts and expenditures to his/her district convention.
Deliver, in a timely manner, at the conclusion of his/her term in office, the general and /or financial accounts, funds and records of the District to his/her successor in office.
Report to Lions Clubs International all known violations of the use of the association’s name and emblem.
Perform such other functions and acts as shall be required of him/her by the International Board of Directors through the District Governor’s Manual and other directives.
Section 2: Duties of the First Vice District Governor
The first vice district governor, subject to the supervision and direction of the District Governor, shall be the chief administrative assistant and representative of the District Governor. His/her specific responsibilities shall be, but not limited, to:
Further the Purposes and Objects of Lions Clubs International (LCI).
Familiarize himself/herself with the duties of the District Governor so as to be prepared for the responsibilities of that office.
Perform such administrative duties as assigned by the District Governor.
Perform such other functions and acts as required by the International Board of Directors.
Participate in the cabinet meetings and conduct meetings in the absence of the District Governor.
Participate in the review of the strengths and weaknesses of the Clubs in the District.
Serve as the District Governor Team liaison between the district global membership team, working as an active member of the district global membership team along with the District Governor and the second vice district governor to establish and implement a district wide plan for membership growth.
Work as an active member of the district global leadership team along with the District Governor and the second vice district governor to establish and implement a district wide plan for leadership development.
Participate in the preparation of the District budget.
At the request of the District Governor, supervise appropriate District Committees.
Conduct club visitations as the representative of the district governor when requested by the district governor.
Take the lead on Monthly Membership Reports (MMR) and Yearly Activities Form. Take the responsibility to ensure they are submitted on time by each club. Coordinate with the proper Zone Chairperson on getting reports entered, or make direct contact with the club to get reports entered timely.
Assist the District Governor and the district convention committee to plan and conduct the annual district convention.
Appoint, by April, a Convention Chairperson for the annual district convention to be held during your year as district governor.
Assist the district governor to organize and promote other events within the district.
Participate in the planning of the next year for the district to include the district budget.
Section 3: Duties of Second Vice District Governor
The second vice district governor subject, to the supervision and direction of the District Governor, shall be an assistant in administrative of the District and representative of the District Governor. His/her specific responsibilities shall be, but not limited, to:
Further the Purposes and Objects of Lions Clubs International (LCI).
Familiarize himself/herself with the duties of the District Governor so as to be prepared for the responsibilities of that office.
Perform such administrative duties as assigned by the District Governor.
Perform such other functions and acts as required by the International Board of Directors.
Participate in the cabinet meetings and conduct meetings in the absence of the District Governor and the first vice district governor.
Participate in the review of the strengths and weaknesses of the Clubs in the District.
Work as an active member of the district global membership team along with the District Governor and the first vice district governor to establish and implement a district wide plan for membership growth.
Serve as the District Governor Team liaison between the district leadership team, working as an active member of the district global leadership team along with the District Governor and the first vice district governor to establish and implement a district wide plan for leadership development.
Participate in the preparation of the District budget. 10.At the request of the District Governor, supervise appropriate District Committees. 11.Conduct club visitations as the representative of the district governor when requested by the district governor. 12.Review Monthly Membership Reports (MMR) and Yearly Activities Form to become familiar with clubs within the District. 13.Assist the District Governor, the first vice district governor and the district convention committee to plan and conduct the annual district convention. 14.Assist the district governor to organize and promote other events within the district. 15.Participate in the planning of the next year for the district to include the district budget. 16.Work with the District LCIF Chairperson and assist the committee to achieve the goals of the year through regular distribution of LCIF information and materials to increase understanding and support of LCIF. 17.Work with the District Information Technology Chairperson and assist the committee to promote the use of the association’s, and district’s websites, and the Internet among clubs and members to obtain information, file reports, purchase club supplies, etc.
Section 4: Qualifications for Region/Zone Chairpersons
In Order for a Lion to be eligible and qualified to be selected to fill the vacancy in the office of Region or Zone Chair, she/he must:
Be an active member in good standing of a chartered Lions Club in good standing in the District.
Section 5: Duties of Region Chairperson
The region chairperson, subject to the supervision and direction of the district governor, shall be the chief administrative officer in her/his region. Her/his specific responsibilities should be to:
Further the purposes of this association.
Supervise the activities of the zone chairpersons in his/her region and such district committee chairpersons as may be assigned to her/him by the district governor.
In coordination with the district GMT (Global Membership Team) chairperson, play an active role in organizing new clubs and strengthening weak clubs.
In coordination with the district GLT (Global Leadership Team) chairperson, play an active role in supporting leadership initiatives by informing Lions within the region about leadership development opportunities.
Visit a regular club meeting of each club in his/her region at least once during her/his term of office, reporting his/her findings to the district governor, GMT and GLT chairpersons.
Visit a regular board of directors meeting of each club in his/her region at least once during his/her term of office, reporting her/his findings to the District Governor, GMT and GLT chairpersons.
Promote the Club Excellence Process to the clubs within the region and work in concert with the district GMT and GLT chairpersons and the district governor team to implement the program within the region.
Endeavor to have every club in her/his region operating under a duly adopted club constitution and by-laws.
Promote representation at International and District conventions by at least the full quota of delegates to which clubs in his/her region are entitled.
Carry out such official club visitations to club meetings and charter nights as shall be assigned to her/him by the district governor.
Perform such additional assignments as shall be given to him/her, from time to time, by the district governor. In addition, the region chairperson shall perform such other functions and acts as may be required by the International Board of Directors through a region chairperson’s manual and other directive
Section 6: Duties of the Zone Chairperson
The zone chairperson, subject to the supervision and direction of the district governor and/or region chairperson, shall be the chief administrative officer in her/his zone. Her/his specific responsibilities should be to:
Further the purposes of this association.
Serve as chairperson of the District Governor’s Advisory Committee in her/his zone and as such chairperson to call regular meetings of said committee.
Endeavor to include the district GMT and GLT chairpersons and the District Governor’s Team as special guests to a District Governor’s Advisory Committee meeting to discuss needs related to membership and leadership development and how these teams and the District Governor’s Team may assist with membership and leadership development within the zone.
Make a report of each District Governor’s Advisory Committee meeting and send copies within fifteen (15) days thereafter to Lions Clubs International, and the district governor, District GMT and GLT and Region Chairpersons.
In coordination with the district GMT chairperson, play an active role in organizing new clubs and strengthening weak clubs within his/her zone.
In coordination with the district GLT chairperson, play an active role in supporting leadership initiatives by informing Lions within the region about leadership development opportunities.
Supervise the progress of district and LCI projects in her/his zone.
Represent each club, in her/his zone, regarding any problems to the District Governor’s Team or Lions Clubs International.
Visit a regular club meeting of each club in his/her zone at least once during her/his term of office, reporting his/her findings to the region chairperson – particularly with respect to weaknesses she/he may have discovered, with a copy to the district governor, GMT and GLT chairpersons.
Endeavor to have every club in her/his zone operating under a duly adopted club constitution and by-laws.
Visit a regular board of directors meeting of each club in his/her region at least once during his/her term of office, reporting her/his findings to the District Governor, GMT and GLT chairpersons.
Promote the Club Excellence Process to the clubs within the zone and work in concert with the district GMT and GLT chairpersons and the district governor team to implement the program within the zone.
Promote representation at International and District conventions by at least the full quota of delegates to which clubs in his/her zone are entitled.
Carry out such official club visitations to club meetings and charter nights as shall be assigned to her/him by the district governor.
Perform such additional assignments as shall be given to him/her, from time to time, by the district governor. In addition, the zone chairperson shall perform such other functions and acts as may be required by the International Board of Directors through a zone chairperson’s manual and other directives.
Section 7: Duties of Cabinet Secretary
He/she shall act under the supervision of the District Governor. Her/his specific responsibilities shall be to:
Further the purposes of this association.
Perform such duties as are implied by the title of said office, including but not by way of limitation, the following: a. Keep an accurate record of the proceedings of all meetings of the cabinet, and within fifteen (15) days after each meeting forward copies of the same to all members of the cabinet and the office of Lions Clubs International. b. Take and keep minutes of the district convention and furnish copies of the same to Lions Clubs International, the District Governor and the secretary of each club in the district. c. Make reports to the cabinet as the district governor or cabinet may require. d. 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 the district Constitution and By-Laws, and/or this Policy Manual or as may be assigned to him/her from time to time by the District Governor or the cabinet. e. Sign all notices and documents issued by the Cabinet. f. Make other reports at such times as the District Governor or the Cabinet may require.
Perform such other functions and acts as may be required by directives of the International Board of Directors.
Deliver, in a timely manner, at the conclusion of his/her term in office, the records of the District to his/her successor in office.
Section 8: Duties of Cabinet Treasurer
He/she shall act under the supervision of the District Governor. Her/his specific responsibilities shall be to:
Further the purposes of this association.
Perform such duties as are implied by the title of said office, including but not by way of limitation, the following:
Attend Cabinet, Executive, Convention and Special meetings called by the District Governor or Cabinet.
Prepare a financial statement for each Cabinet meeting, annual Convention, or upon request by the District Governor.
Collect and receive all funds due to the District.
Deposit the same in such financial institutions as the District Governor or the Cabinet shall determine.
Disburse funds only by order of the District Governor or the Cabinet.
Keep accurate books and records of accounts, and permit inspection by the District Governor, any Cabinet member, and any Club (or authorized agent of any of them) at any reasonable time for any purpose.
Upon direction of the District Governor or the Cabinet, he/she shall furnish any such books and records as requested to an auditor/reviewer appointed by the District Governor or the Cabinet.
District Convention expenses shall be paid by the Cabinet Treasurer.
Disbursements shall be by checks drawn and signed by one Cabinet officer. The signing authorities may be any one (1) of the following: the Cabinet Treasurer, the District Governor or the Cabinet Secretary.
Disbursements shall be accomplished by the Cabinet Treasurer based on approval of the Cabinet; or the Executive Committee, when such disbursements are based on the approved Fiscal Year Budget.
The cabinet treasurer shall be bonded in such amount and with such surety company as shall be approved by the District Governor and the cost of the bond shall be an administrative expense.
Give to the Cabinet Secretary an up-to-date financial statement to be included in the notice of a full cabinet meeting.
Any bills that are not paid in the Lionistic year shall be carried over to the next year. No checks should be written outside of your Lionistic year. The Lionistic year is from July 1 to June 30.
If you have any questions about any bills discuss them with the District Governor and/or the Finance Committee before payment is issued.
You should not approve or pay any bill that will cause indebtedness to the District.
Amounts to be paid should be in the budget or approved by the Cabinet.
Income shall include:
District Dues,
Voluntary Contributions
Other fund-raising activities approved by the Cabinet.
r. Expenses shall include:
District photocopying,
Stationery, name tags and crests,
Printing and postage carried out for the good of the District,
Bank Service Charges, administrative postage and fax costs,
District Governor’s Appreciation Awards,
Induction kits and supplies,
District Directory,
Chairperson budget items approved by the Cabinet,
Other items approved by the Cabinet,
Expenses of the district governor elect in connection with his/her attending the international convention, (Per Article 1, Section 6 of the District Constitution and By-Laws)
First Vice District Governor companion travel to an offshore International Convention, with a limit of $500.00.
Perform such other functions and acts as may be required by directives of the International Board of Directors.
Deliver, in a timely manner, at the conclusion of his/her term in office, the general and/or financial accounts, funds and records of the District to his/her successor in office.
Section 9: Duties of District Cabinet
The District Governor’s Cabinet shall:
Further the purposes of this association.
Assist the District Governor in the performance of her/his duties and in the formulation of administrative plans and policies affecting the welfare of Lionism within the District.
Receive, from the region chairpersons or other assigned district cabinet members, reports and recommendations which concern the clubs and zones.
Supervise the collection of all dues and taxes by the Cabinet Treasurer, designate a depository for said funds and authorize the payment of all legitimate expense pertaining to the administrations of the affairs of the District.
Secure, set the amount of and approve the surety company issuing the surety bond for the Cabinet Treasurer.
Secure, semi-annually or more frequently, district financial reports from the cabinet secretary or cabinet treasurer.
Provide for an audit of the books and accounts of the Cabinet secretary and Cabinet Treasurer as needed.
With the District Governor’s approval, set up definite schedule of dates, times and places of Cabinet meetings to be held during the fiscal year.
Increase membership in the District.
A record of all established Cabinet positions shall be maintained by the Cabinet secretary.
Section 10: Duties of Sergeant of 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 her/his office under Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised.
Section 11: Duties of District Administrator
The district administrator shall act under the supervision of the district governor and the district cabinet. Specific responsibilities shall be to:
Prepare and distribute the district directory;
Prepare and distribute a monthly District Governor newsletter with input from the District Governor and cabinet members. The newsletter should be distributed by email to minimize postage costs;
Prepare and maintain databases for email and for those members who do not have an email address;
Work with the District Governor to determine special needs of clubs through available LCI reports and prepare a plan to address those needs, and implement the plan;
Serve as a member of the Advisory Committee;
Work with the Social Media and Information Technology Chairs as needed to assist the district;
Serve as the district secretary;
Assist with the North America Membership Initiative as needed;
Other duties as mutually agreed upon by the parties to this agreement.
ARTICLE IV Meetings
Section 1: District Cabinet Meetings
Regular. A regular meeting of the cabinet shall be held in each quarter of the fiscal year, with the first of which should be held within thirty (30) days after the adjournment of the preceding international convention. Ten (10) days written notice of meetings setting forth a date, time and place determined by the district governor shall be given to each member by the cabinet secretary.
Special. Special meetings of the cabinet may be called by the district governor at his/her discretion, and shall be called upon written request made to the district governor or the cabinet secretary by a majority of the members of the cabinet. No fewer than five (5) nor more than twenty (20) days written (including letters, electronic mail, facsimile transmission, or cable) notice of special meetings, setting forth the purposes and a date, time and place determined by the district governor, shall be given to each member by the cabinet secretary.
Quorum. The attendance of a majority of the officers of this district shall constitute a quorum for any cabinet meeting.
Vote. The voting privilege shall extend to all members of the district cabinet.
Section 2. Alternative Meeting Formats
Regular and/or special meetings of the district cabinet may be held through the use of alternative meeting formats, such as teleconference and/or web conference as determined by the district governor.
Section 3. Business Transacted by Mail or Email
The district cabinet may transact business by mail (including letters, electronic mail, facsimile transmission, or cable), provided that no such action shall be effective until approved by two-thirds (2/3) of the entire number of the members of the district cabinet. Such action may be initiated by the district governor or any three (3) officers of the district.
ARTICLE V District Convention
Section 1: Convention Site Selection
The District Governor shall receive invitations in writing from places desiring to entertain the succeeding year(s) annual convention. All invitations shall set forth such information as the district governor shall from time to time require and shall be delivered to him/her no later than thirty (30) days prior to the convening date of the convention at which the convention site shall be voted upon by the delegates of said convention. Procedure to be followed in investigation of bids and in presentation of the same to conventions, as well as action to be taken by a convention in the event no bids are acceptable to or so received by the district governor shall be determined by the district governor.
Section 2: Official Call
The Executive Committee shall issue an official printed call for the annual district convention not less than thirty (30) days prior to the date fixed for holding the same, stating the place, day and hour thereof.
Section 3: Site Change
In the event the district convention is cancelled due to circumstances beyond the district’s control, (i.e., pandemic) the Lions club hosting the convention, when such cancellation occurs, shall have the option to re-apply to host the district convention the upcoming year immediately following the convention. Notice of the site cancellation shall be furnished in writing or by other appropriate means to each club in the district in a timely manner prior to the thirty (30) day application requirement as outlined in Article VI, District Convention,
Section 1: Convention Site Selection
If an extraordinary situation requires cancellation less than 30 days prior to the convention, the cabinet can waive the 30-day requirements for the current host club(s) to rebid for the next year’s convention.
Section 4: Officers
The members of the district cabinet shall be the officers of the annual district convention.
Section 5: Sergeant-at-Arms
A convention sergeant-at-arms and such assistant sergeant-at-arms as deemed necessary shall be appointed by the district governor.
Section 6: Official Report
Within sixty (60) days after the close of the district convention, the cabinet secretary shall transmit one copy of the complete proceedings to the international office. Upon written request from any club in the respective district a copy shall be furnished to said club.
Section 7: Credentials Committee
The Credentials Committee of the district convention shall be composed of the district governor, as chairperson, the cabinet-secretary treasurer and two other non-officers of the district appointed by the district governor. The Credentials Committee shall have the powers and perform the duties set forth in ROBERT'S RULES OF ORDER, NEWLY REVISED.
Section 8: Order of Convention Business
The district governor shall arrange the order of business for the district convention, and the same shall be the order of the day for all sessions.
Section 9: District Convention Committees
The District Governor shall appoint the chairperson of, and fill any vacancies occurring in the following district convention committees: Resolutions, Elections, Constitution and By- Laws, Rules and International Convention. Each region shall have at least one representative on each such committee. These committees shall perform such duties as the district governor shall designate.
ARTICLE VI District Administration Fund
Section 1: District Revenue
To provide revenue for approved district projects and to defray the administrative expenses of the district, an annual district administrative fund tax of $25.00 is hereby levied upon each member of each club in the district. Payment shall be billed to each Club on January 1 to cover the entire Lion’s fiscal year with billings of the same to be based upon the International roster of each club as of the last day of November, of the year billed. Said tax shall be paid to the cabinet treasurer (or cabinet secretary- treasurer) by each club in the district, except newly chartered and reorganized clubs, which shall collect and pay said tax on a pro-rata basis from the first day of the second month following the date of their organization or reorganization, as the case may be. Said tax shall be disbursed only for administrative, or other related expenses, of the district and only upon approval by the district governor's cabinet. Disbursement therefrom shall be by checks drawn and signed by the cabinet treasurer.
Section 2: Remaining Funds
In any fiscal year, any balance remaining in the district administrative fund after payment of all district administrative expenses in that year shall remain in said district administrative fund and become available for future district administrative expenses and be treated as income in any fiscal year in which expended or otherwise budgeted for payment of such expenses.
ARTICLE VII Miscellaneous
Section 1: District Governor Expenses - International Convention
Basic expenses of the district governor elect in connection with his/her attending the international convention shall be paid by Lions Clubs International. Other expenses will be considered as district administrative expense and will be voted and approved by the District Cabinet. Reimbursement for such expenses shall be made by the district on the same basis as outlined in the Rules of Audit of Lions Clubs International.
Section 2: Financial Obligations
The district governor and his/her cabinet shall not incur obligations in any fiscal year which will affect an unbalanced budget or deficit in said fiscal year.
Section 3: Cabinet Secretary-Treasurer Bond
The cabinet secretary- treasurer and authorized signatories may be bonded in such amount and with such surety company as shall be approved by the district governor's cabinet and the cost of same shall be an administrative expense.
Section 4: Audit or Review of Books
The district governor's cabinet may provide for an annual or more frequent audit or review of the books and accounts of the District.
Section 5: Compensation
No officer shall receive any compensation for any service rendered to this district in his/her official capacity with the exception of the cabinet secretary and/or cabinet treasurer (or secretary/ treasurer) or District Administration whose compensation, if any, shall be fixed by the district cabinet. Reimbursement is not to be considered as compensation.
Section 6: Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of this district shall be from July 1st to June 30th.
Section 7: Rules of Procedure
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 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 of them shall be determined by ROBERT'S RULES OF ORDER, NEWLY REVISED.
Section 8: PDG Full Delegate Status
Montana District 37 grants full delegate status to each past district governor who is a member of a club in such district independent of the club delegate quotas.
Section 9: Life Membership
The following criteria: District 37 life membership may be granted to a Lion who has maintained active membership as a Lion for 20 years of service, or 15 years and reached the age of 70, or is critically ill. The cost of District 37 Life membership is US$250.00, and is based on 10 years at the yearly rate of $25.00. This is a one-time application fee and does not cover club, or Lions Clubs International dues. It is at the discretion of the club's board of directors to decide whether or not to charge club dues.
ARTICLE VIII Amendments
Section 1: Amending Procedure
These by-laws may be amended only at a district convention, by resolution reported by the Constitution and By-Laws committee and adopted by a majority of the votes cast.
Section 2: 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 by-laws at the close of the International Convention.
Section 3: Notice
No amendment shall be so reported or voted upon unless the same shall have been furnished in writing to each club no less than thirty (30) days prior to the convening date of the annual convention with notice that the same will be voted upon at said convention.
Section 4: Effective Date
Each amendment shall take effect at the close of the convention at which adopted unless otherwise specified in the amendments.
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