Adopted Board Policies

Club Names

Article I of the Constitution provides for board policy to define additional approved names. The Board of Directors adopt these names for various reasons.

1. Katy Lions Club, registered with the Texas Secretary of State

2. Fort Bend West Houston Lions Club, registered with the Texas Secretary of State

3. Fort Bend County West Lions Club, registered with the Texas Secretary of State

Club Branch Program

Article X if the Constitution and Article VIII of the Bylaws provides for board policy to define the administration and operation of the Club Branch Program. Our club classifies branches as departments or semi-autonomous divisions within our club. They are integral parts of our club and are not separate.

The purpose of branches is to provide laser-focus to key areas of the community, be that geographical or purpose-driven. Each branch falls under the oversight of a club director who is listed as that branch’s president in the Lions Portal. They oversee and chair the specific goals associated with that branch. Each branch also has a listed treasurer which will help with ensuring that all projects are revenue-neutral, and a listed secretary which ensures proper documentation for the various projects undertaken. Branches may also be used for more significant partnerships with other nonprofit organizations, where that nonprofit functions in collaboration with our club.

Current Club Branches (Divisions/Departments)

1. Fort Bend County Pride

   1. • Partnership and collaboration with Fort Bend County Pride Inc. and the annual Fort Bend County Pride Festival.

2. Texas Diversely Outdoors

   1. • Outdoor activities promoting the environment and being healthy.

Planned or Projected Club Branches (Divisions/Departments)

1. Spring Branch

   1. • Focused on the area that is zoned to Spring Branch Independent School District.

2. Katy

   1. • Focused on the area that is zoned to Katy Independent School District and the local businesses that are part of the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce.

3. Bay Area

   1. • Focused on the 19 cities surrounding the Galveston Bay which make up the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership (BAHEP), and which do not have another distinct branch within our club.

Club Funds

Minimum Account Balances

Any bank account owned by the club shall endeavor to maintain a minimum balance of $500 or $5.00 per member, whichever is greater.

Automatic Donations

The club will donate or cause to be donated during each fiscal year:

• Whichever is greater: either $100 or $2.00 per member (as of July 1) to the Texas Lions Foundation

• Whichever is less: either $1,000 or $20.00 per member (as of July 1) to the Lions Clubs International Foundation

• Whichever is less: either $1,000 or $10.00 per member (as of July 1) to Cane Island Katy Inc.

Administrative Authorizations

The Treasurer is authorized to pay the following bills as they come due:

1. Annually the U.S. Post Office Box 1113 located at 5701 Fourth St. Katy, Texas.

Outside Donation Requests

All requests from outside agencies for donations regardless of size must go to the club for a vote. This vote may be conducted on WhatsApp or via email.

Reimbursement of Reasonable Expenses

Prior authorization of expenses must be received prior to spending any money to be reimbursed.

1. 1. 1. Expenses under $100 must be approved by the Treasurer.

      2. Expenses over $100 and less than $400 must be approved by board vote.

      3. Expenses exceeding $400 must be approved by club vote.

Apparel Exception

The Board authorizes the President and Treasurer to engage sponsors to cover the costs of apparel, and to purchase apparel with the club funds based on that sponsorship.

Reinstatement of Membership

Article I Section 5 of the Bylaws provides for board policy to define the handling of reinstatement for any member who was not dropped in good standing.

Dropped for Nonpayment of Dues

For individuals who were previously a Lion and were dropped for nonpayment of dues to this club, those dues must be satisfied prior to reinstatement. For individuals who were previously a Lion with another club and had their membership in that club listed as dropped for nonpayment of dues, they will be encouraged to satisfy any prior obligation to that club. In either situation, these individuals will have their renewal period set for either June or December and must pay annually plus a one-time prorated amount for the difference. In this example, an individual who wants to join in March would have to pay for March thru June, and then the entirety of the following fiscal year.

Dropped Not in Good Standing

For individuals who were dropped not in good standing, their membership must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the board of directors. If approved to join, they will be required to pay following the same schedule as members reinstated after being dropped for nonpayment of dues.

Board of Directors

Article IV of the Bylaws provides for board policy to address responsibilities, roles, and duties of additional optional officers. This section of board policy will also govern additional duties or considerations of the board.

Reduction in Dues for Elected Officers

Elected Officers as defined by ARTICLE VII Section 1 of the Constitution shall have their dues waived for the years that they are serving in their elected capacity; however, they may elect to voluntarily pay those dues even though the requirement is waived. Dues that are paid but have been waived due to this policy shall still be deposited.

Optional Positions

These positions are found in the standard constitution and bylaws. They may exist as either committee level or be elevated to the board, following the procedures outlined in the constitution and bylaws

1. 1. 1. Program Coordinator: They improve general meetings and keeps members informed of topics of importance to members by scheduling speakers and entertainment for general meetings based on the interests of club members. The program coordinator obtains permission for speakers from the president, informs the club secretary for inclusion on the agenda and informs the marketing communication chairperson to ensure effective communication. They welcome the speaker on arrival and ensures proper seating and welcoming during the event. 

      2. Club LCIF Coordinator: They communicate the mission and success of LCIF and its importance to Lions Clubs International, implements LCIF development strategies within the club and collaborates with LCIF district coordinator to promote LCIF in the local area to ensure alignment with district goals.

      3. Safety Officer: They ensure that safety measures are in place by reviewing activities to identify potential hazards, completing the self-inspection checklist as available from Lions Clubs International, ensuring adequate supervision and acquiring proper insurance coverage. In the event of an incident, they gather and report all significant information relevant to the incident to the insurance company in a timely manner.

      4. Tail Twister: Tail Twisting should be a fun practice, however, generally is used to fine members. For this reason, this club does not have a Tail Twister, and it does not permit any other club to operate as Tail Twister at our meetings or in our club.

Committees

Article V of the Bylaws provides for board policy to address the standing committees of the club. Unless otherwise mentioned, all committee and subcommittee chair appointments are at the discretion of the President.

1. Humanitarian Committee: Chaired by the club president, develops and initiates a coordinated plan to expand humanitarian service, foster club projects, and develop future leaders. Coordinates and ensures the effective leadership of service projects relating to the global service framework, applies for relevant LCIF and local grants, and develops community partnerships. This committee assumes the functions commonly attributed to the Global Action Team and Service Committees.

   1. 1. Flags Subcommittee: The Flags Subcommittee shall be responsible for the service project of collecting damaged U.S. Flags for proper retirement and disposal.

      2. Leo Clubs Subcommittee: The Leo Clubs Subcommittee oversees the Leo Advisors and sponsored Leo Clubs.

2. Rules Committee: Chaired by the vice president, interprets the club constitution and bylaws, and may be charged with facilitating changes in accordance with amendment procedures. This committee assumes the functions commonly attributed to the Constitution and Bylaws Committee.

3. Stewardship Committee: Co-chaired by the secretary and treasurer, establishes an annual detailed budget for approval by the club's board of directors, ensures proper documentation and authorization of funds, arranges for a review of club accounts, ensure the delivery of all financial information to successor, and identifies fundraising and training opportunities for the club. This committee satisfies the functions of the Finance Committee referenced in the Constitution and Bylaws. This committee also assumes the functions commonly attributed to the Leadership Committee.

4. Representation Committee: Chaired by the representation chair, develops and initiates a coordinated plan to achieve net positive membership growth which intentionally includes diverse backgrounds, cultures, and ethnicities. Works with the board of directors to verify all applicants satisfy the qualifications and eligibility as prescribed in the constitution and bylaws. This committee assumes the functions commonly attributed to the Marketing Committee, and shares many of the duties often attributed to the Membership Committee.

   1. 1. Activism Subcommittee: The Activism Subcommittee shall focus on wider nonpartisan community activism, particularly in the LGBTQ+ communities.

5. Fellowship Committee: Chaired by the fellowship chair, fosters and facilitates member satisfaction & communication, and alongside the President has oversight of the club website, social media, and other technology. This committee assumes the functions commonly attributed to the Technology Committee, and shares many of the duties often attributed to the Membership Committee.

   1. 1. Each of the following subcommittees provide a general housing for projects related to the global causes which do not otherwise have a specific subcommittee for their work.

         1. 1. Childhood Cancer

            2. Diabetes

            3. Disaster Relief

            4. Environment

            5. Humanitarian

            6. Hunger

            7. Mental Health

            8. Vision

            9. Youth

Club-Specific Logo

As is tradition in many Lions Clubs, Districts, Multiple Districts, and International, in addition to the globally recognized emblem and logo, our club also resolves to utilize a logo representing our focus on intersectionality. The logo shall have our club's name and include the fact that we are the only LGBTQIA+ Club in the State of Texas.

Lions Portal Roles

Official Defined Roles provided by Lions Portal

1. Club Administrator: assigned by the President to an individual to assist with reporting and clerical administration.

2. Club Director: assigned by the President to any Club Branch leads

3. Club First Vice President: Assigned to the elected Vice President

4. Club LCIF Coordinator: assigned by the President as needed

5. Club Marketing Chairperson: assigned by the President as needed

6. Club Membership Chairperson: assigned to the Fellowship Chair

7. Club President: Assigned to the elected President

8. Club Second Vice President: assigned to the incoming elected President if they do not have another title on this list.

9. Club Secretary: assigned to the elected Secretary

10. Club Service Chairperson: assigned to the Representation Chair

11. Club Treasurer: assigned to the elected Treasurer