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Amended March 21, 2025
Article I
Name
The name of this organization shall be the Greater Houston Lions Club, chartered by, and under the jurisdiction of the International Association of Lions Clubs, which may also be referred to in this constitution and associated bylaws as Lions Clubs International and Lions International. In the State of Texas or elsewhere, it may also do business under additional names as defined by the club’s board policy, provided such names have been registered with their relevant governmental departments.
ARTICLE II
Purposes
The purposes of this club shall be:
(a) To create and foster a spirit of understanding among the peoples of the world.
(b) To promote the principles of good government and good citizenship.
(c) To take an active interest in the civic, cultural, social and moral welfare of the community.
(d) To unite the members in the bonds of friendship, good fellowship and mutual understanding.
(e) 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.
(f) 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.
ARTICLE III
Membership
Section 1. ELIGIBILITY FOR CLUB MEMBERSHIP.
Subject to the provisions of Article I of the by-laws, any person of legal majority and good moral character and good reputation in their community, may be granted membership in this Lions club. Wherever the male gender or pronoun presently appear in this constitution and by-laws, it shall be interpreted to mean all genders.
Section 2. MEMBERSHIP BY INVITATION. Membership in this Lions club shall be acquired by invitation only. Nominations shall be made by a member in good standing who shall act as sponsor, and be submitted to the relevant officer, who, after investigation by the relevant committee, shall submit the same to the board of directors. If approved by a majority of said board, the prospect may then be invited to become a member of this club. A properly filled out membership form duly signed, as well as, the entrance fee and dues must be received by the treasurer before the member is reported to and officially recognized by the association as a Lion member.
Section 3. FORFEITURE OF MEMBERSHIP. Any member may be expelled from the club for cause by a two-thirds vote of the entire board of directors. Upon removal from this club, any and all right to use the name “LIONS,” the emblem and other insignia of this club and this association shall be forfeited. This club shall remove members whose conduct has been deemed a violation of the International Constitution and By-Laws and Board Policy and unbecoming a Lion by the International Office or otherwise face charter cancellation.
ARTICLE IV
Emblem, Colors, Slogan and Motto
Section 1. EMBLEM. The emblem of this association and each chartered club shall be of a design as follows:
Section 2. USE OF NAME AND EMBLEM. Use of the name, goodwill, emblem and other logos of the association shall be according to the guidelines established from time to time in the by-laws.
Section 3. COLORS. The colors of this association and of each chartered club shall be purple and gold. Additional colors shall be used as determined by the association’s brand guidelines, and the club’s board policy.
Section 4. SLOGAN. Its Slogan shall be: Liberty, Intelligence, Our Nation’s Safety.
Section 5. MOTTO. Its Motto shall be: We Serve.
ARTICLE V
Supremacy
These Constitution and By-Laws shall govern the club unless. Whenever there may exist a conflict or a contradiction between the provisions set out in the club constitution and by-laws and the district (single, sub- and multiple) constitution and by-laws, the respective district constitution and by-laws shall govern. In addition, whenever there may exist a conflict or a contradiction between the provisions set out in the club constitution, by-laws, or board policy and the international constitution and by-laws or board policy, the international constitution and by-laws and board policy shall govern.
ARTICLE VI
Club Size
A Lions club should strive to maintain 20 members; the numerical minimum membership required to receive a charter. This club shall also strive to achieve a net positive for membership growth in each fiscal year.
ARTICLE VII
Officers
Section 1. OFFICERS. The officers of this club shall be a president, immediate past president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer.
Section 2. REMOVAL. Any officer of this club may be removed from office for good cause by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the entire club membership, without consideration or calculation of quorum as defined by this club’s quorum definition.
ARTICLE VIII
Board of Directors
Section 1. MEMBERS. The members of the board of directors shall be club officers, and at the discretion of the president, any other directors, chairpersons, or individuals as determined appropriate by the President in consultation with the board.
Section 2. QUORUM. The presence in person of a majority of the board of directors shall constitute a quorum at any meeting. Except as otherwise specifically provided, the act of a majority of the directors present at any meeting of the board shall be the act and decision of the entire board of directors.
Section 3. DUTIES AND POWERS. In addition to those duties and powers, express and implied, set forth elsewhere in this constitution and by-laws, the board of directors shall have the following duties and powers:
(a) It shall constitute the executive board of this club and be responsible for the execution, through the club officers, of the policies approved by the club. All new business and policy of this club shall be considered and shaped, first, by the board of directors for presentation to and approval by the club members at a regular or special club meeting.
(b) It shall authorize all expenditures and shall not create any indebtedness beyond the current income of this club, nor authorize disbursal of club funds for purposes inconsistent with the business and policy authorized by the club membership.
(c) It shall have power to modify, override or rescind the action of any officer of this club.
(d) It shall have the books, accounts and operations of this club reviewed annually or, in its discretion, more frequently and may require an accounting or have an review made of the handling of any club funds by any officer, committee or member of this club. Any member of this club in good standing may inspect any such review or accounting upon request at a reasonable time and place.
(e) It shall appoint, on recommendation of the finance committee, a bank or banks for the deposit of the funds of this club.
(f) It shall appoint the surety for the bonding of any officer of this club.
(g) 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.
(h) It shall submit all matters of new business and policy to the respective standing or special club committee for study and recommendation to the board.
(i) It shall maintain at least two (2) 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 funds raised by asking support from the public. Disbursement from such funds shall be in strict compliance with Section (g) of this article.
ARTICLE IX
Delegates to International and District Conventions
Section 1. DELEGATE ENTITLEMENT INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION. Inasmuch as Lions Clubs International is governed by Lions clubs in convention assembled, and in order that this club may have its voice in association matters, this club shall have power to pay the necessary expenses of its delegates to each annual convention of the association. The formula shall be determined by Lions Clubs International
Section 2. DELEGATE ENTITLEMENT DISTRICT/ MULTIPLE DISTRICT CONVENTION. Inasmuch as all district matters are presented and adopted at the district (single, sub- and multiple) conventions, this club shall be entitled to send its full quota of delegates to all such conventions and have power to pay the necessary expenses of such delegates attending such conventions. The formula shall be governed by Lions Clubs International.
Section 3. SELECTION OF CLUB DELEGATE(S) AND ALTERNATE(S). The Board of Directors or its designated committee shall name and appoint, subject to approval of the club membership, the delegates and alternates of this club to district (single, sub- or multiple) and international conventions. Eligible delegates must be active members in good standing in the club and entitled to vote in accordance with the rights and privileges set forth in this Constitution and By-Laws.
ARTICLE X
Club Branch Program
Insomuch as Lions Clubs International provides for the club branch program, this program shall be governed by the club’s board policy set forth by the board of directors.
ARTICLE XI
Club Funds
Section 1. PUBLIC (ACTIVITY) FUNDS. All funds raised from the public must be returned to public use, including money accumulated from invested public funds. The only deductions that may be made from the activity account are the direct operating expenses of the fundraising activity. Money accumulated from interest must also be returned to public use.
Section 2. ADMINISTRATIVE FUNDS. Administrative funds are supported through contributions from members through dues, fines and other individual Lions International member contributions.
ARTICLE XII
Amendments
Section 1. AMENDING PROCEDURE. This constitution and bylaws may be amended at a meeting in any format at which a majority of the board is present, by the affirmative vote of a simple majority of the members participating in voting, provided that the board has previously considered the merits of the amendments.
Section 2. NOTICE. No amendment shall be put to vote, unless written notice, stating the proposed amendment shall have been published to the member through regular post or electronic means, or delivered personally to each member of this club at least seven (7) calendar days prior to the meeting at which the vote on the proposed amendment is to be taken.
Bylaws of the Club
Amended March 12, 2025
ARTICLE I
Membership
Section 1. MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES.
(a) ACTIVE: A member entitled to all rights and privileges and subject to all obligations which membership in a Lions club confers or implies. Without limiting such rights and obligations, such rights shall include eligibility to seek, if otherwise qualified, any office in this club, district or association and the right to vote on all matters requiring a vote of the membership; and such obligations shall include regular attendance, prompt payment of dues, participation in club activities and conduct reflecting a favorable image of this Lions club in the community. As provided in the Family Membership Program criteria, qualifying family members shall be Active Members and be entitled to all rights and privileges thereof. As provided in the Student Member Program criteria, qualifying student, former Leo and young adult members shall be Active Members and be entitled to all rights and privileges thereof.
(b) LIFE MEMBER: Any member of this club who meets the criteria outlined by Lions Clubs International may be granted Life Membership in this club upon:
(1) recommendation of this club to the association,
(2) payment to the association of the amount prescribed by Lions Clubs International for Life Membership.
A Life Member shall have all privileges of active membership so long as they fulfills all obligations thereof. A Life Member who desires to relocate and receives an invitation to join another Lions club shall automatically become a Life Member of said club. Nothing herein shall prevent this club from charging a Life Member such dues as it shall deem proper.
(c) ASSOCIATE MEMBER: A member who holds their primary membership in another Lions club and has ties to this Lions 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 is eligible to vote on club matters, but may not represent the club as a delegate at district (single, sub-, provisional and/or multiple) or international conventions. They shall not be eligible to hold club, district or international office, nor district, multiple district or international committee assignments through this club. International and district (single, sub-, provisional and/or multiple) dues shall not be assessed on the Associate; PROVIDED, however, nothing shall prevent this club from assessing an Associate such dues as it shall deem proper.
Section 2. GOOD STANDING. Any member who fails to pay any indebtedness due this club within thirty (30) days after receipt of written notice from the secretary shall forfeit their good standing and shall so remain until such indebtedness is paid in full. Only members in good standing may exercise the voting privilege and hold office in this club.
Section 3. DUAL MEMBERSHIP. No person shall simultaneously hold membership, other than honorary or associate, in this and any other Lions club.
Section 4. RESIGNATIONS. Any member may resign from this club, and said resignation shall become effective upon acceptance by the board of directors. The board may withhold acceptance, however, until all indebtedness has been paid and/or all club funds and property have been returned. All right to the use of the name “LIONS,” the emblem and other insignia of this club and the association cease when membership is terminated.
Section 5. REINSTATEMENT OF MEMBERSHIP. Any member dropped from membership in good standing may be reinstated by the club’s board of directors, and will retain their prior Lions service record as part of their total Lions service record. Members that have been dropped from membership for more than twelve (12) months must be approved in accordance with Article III, Section 2 of the Constitution. For members who have not been dropped in good standing, the determination will be made by the board in accordance with with board policy.
Section 6. TRANSFER MEMBERSHIP. This club may grant membership on a transfer basis to one who has terminated or is terminating their membership in another Lions club, provided that a member is in good standing at the time of transfer requested. If more than twelve (12) months have elapsed between termination of their membership in another club and submittal of completed transfer member form or current membership card, they may acquire membership in this club only under the provisions of Article III, Section 2 of the Constitution. Members that wish to transfer from this club to another club must submit a transfer form to be completed by the Secretary. The Secretary is obligated to complete transfer form without delay unless the board of directors is withholding acceptance of the member’s resignation and transfer due to the member’s financial indebtedness to the club and/or failure to return any club funds or property.
Section 7. FAILURE TO PAY. The secretary shall submit to the board of directors the name of any member who fails to pay any indebtedness due this club within 60 days after receipt from the secretary of written notice. The board shall thereafter decide whether the member shall be dropped from or retained on the roster.
Section 8. ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION. The club shall encourage regular participation in club meetings and activities.
ARTICLE II
Elections and Filling Vacancies
The officers of this club, excluding the immediate past president, shall be elected as follows:
Section 1. BIENNIAL ELECTION. Subject to the provisions of Sections 6 and 7 of this Article, the officers, as defined by Article VII of the club’s constitution, shall be elected bi-annually and shall take office in the even year on July 1st, and shall hold office for two years from that date, or until their successors shall have been elected and qualified. The Secretary shall promptly report the newly elected officers to the International Office within 15 days of the election.
Section 2. ELIGIBILITY FOR OFFICE. No person shall be eligible to hold office in this club unless they are an active member in good standing.
Section 3. NOMINATING COMMITTEE. The president shall appoint a nominating committee which shall submit the names of candidates for the various club offices to the club at the nomination meeting. At this meeting, nominations for all offices to be filled in the succeeding year may also be made from the floor.
Section 4. NOMINATION MEETING. A nomination meeting shall be held each even year or as determined by the board of directors, with the date and place of such meeting to be determined by the board of directors. Notice of the meeting shall be published by regular post or electronic means or by personal delivery to each member of this club at least seven (7) calendar days prior to the date of the meeting.
(a) If at the conclusion of the nominating meeting, there exists only one declared candidate for any position, that candidate will automatically become officer-elect, and an election in accordance with Section 5 will not be required for that position. In the event that no position is contested, then there will be no election in accordance with Section 5, as all candidates will have become officer-elect at the conclusion of that nominating meeting.
Section 5. ELECTION. An election shall be held before April in an even year or as determined by the board of directors, at a time and place determined by the board of directors. Notice of the election shall be published by regular post or electronic means or by personal delivery to each member of the club at least seven (7) calendar days prior the date of the election. Such notice shall include the names of all nominees approved at the preceding nomination meeting, and, subject to Section 3 above, a statement that these nominees will be voted upon at this election. No nominations may be made from the floor at the election.
Section 6. BALLOT. The election shall be conducted in a fashion the board deems appropriate, by those present and qualified to vote.
Section 7. VOTES REQUIRED. The officer candidate is required to secure a majority of the votes cast by the club members 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 8. NOMINEE UNABLE TO SERVE. If in the interim between the nomination meeting and the election meeting any nominee is unable for any reason to serve in the office to which they were nominated and for which office there was no other nominee, the nominating committee shall submit, at the election meeting, names of additional nominees for that office.
Section 9. VACANCY. If the office of president shall become vacant for any reason, the vice president shall temporarily assume the role and responsibilities for up to 30 days, during which an election in accordance with the provisions found in this article shall be held to select a new president. In the event of a vacancy in any other office, the board of directors shall appoint a member to fill the unexpired term.
In the event vacancies shall be of such number as to reduce the number of directors to less than the number required for a quorum, the membership of the club shall have power to fill such vacancies by an election held at any regular meeting of the club upon prior notice, and in the manner, specified in Section 10 hereinafter. Such notice may be given by any remaining officer or director, but if none, then by any member.
Section 10. REPLACEMENT OF OFFICERS-ELECT. In the event any officer-elect, before their term of office commences, is unable or refuses for any reason to serve therein, the board of directors shall appoint a member to be officer-elect.
ARTICLE III
Duties of Officers
Section 1. PRESIDENT. The responsibilities for this position shall be as follows:
(a) Serve as chief executive officer for this club.
(b) Preside at all meetings of the board of directors of this club.
(c) Chair the respective committee; collaborate with the district Global Action Team and other club presidents to further initiatives focused on expanding humanitarian service, leadership development and membership growth.
(d) In collaboration with the club officers and committee chairpersons, implement a plan for membership growth, community engagement, operational improvement and the fulfillment of humanitarian services as presented and approved by the club’s board of directors.
(e) Issue the call for regular meetings and special meetings of the board of directors of this club.
(f) Appoint standing and special committees and cooperate with chairpersons to effect regular functioning and reporting of such committees.
(g) See that regular elections are duly called, noticed and held.
(h) Ensure the club is operating in accordance with local laws.
(i) Ensure proper administration of club operations by ensuring that all club officers and members adhere to the club’s Constitution and By-Laws and the International Constitution and By-Laws.
(j) Encourage diplomacy and solve disputes in a fair and transparent fashion utilizing the Dispute Resolution Procedure if needed.
(k) Be an active member of the district governor’s advisory committee of the zone in which this club is located.
(l) Serve as a mentor to the vice president and ensure the continuance of effective leadership.
Section 2. IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT. They and the other past presidents shall serve as mentors to the club president and vice president.
Section 3. VICE PRESIDENT. The responsibilities for this position shall be as follows:
(a) Conduct an annual club quality assessment and collaborate with the club officers, and other committee chairpersons during their term as vice president to develop a plan for membership growth, community engagement, and the fulfillment of humanitarian services to be presented and approved by the board of directors.
(b) Serve as a key member of the club’s leadership:
(1) Ensure that new members are provided with an effective orientation so new members understand how the club operates within its district, multiple district and Lions Clubs International, with the support of the board.
(2) Ensure current and/or incoming club officers attend training, offered by the district and/or via the Lions Learning Center (LLC)
(3) Communicate to the District Global Leadership Coordinator the need for training, the names of potential new leaders and the leadership development activities that club members attend.
(4) Identify potential leaders and encourage their development as future leaders.
(5) Encourage members to participate in leadership training offered by the district, multiple district and Lions Clubs International.
(c) Take a key role in membership retention and ensure organizational excellence by measuring member satisfaction and utilizing feedback to improve club operations.
(d) Understand the club’s role in district activities and events.
(e) Network with the officers of other clubs to gain ideas that may be applied to the club.
(f) Gain in-depth knowledge of district, multiple district initiatives that support leadership development, membership growth and the expansion of humanitarian service.
(g) Be an active member of the district governor’s advisory committee of the zone in which this club is located.
(h) If the president is unable to perform the duties of their office for any reason, the vice president shall occupy their position and perform their duties with the same authority as the president.
(i) Oversee the functioning of such committees of this club as the president shall designate.
Section 4. SECRETARY. They shall be under the supervision and direction of the president and the board of directors and shall act as the liaison officer between the club and the district (single, sub- and multiple) in which this club is located, and the association. The responsibilities for this position shall be as follows:
(a) Submit regular monthly and other reports to the international office of the association containing such information as may be called for by the board of directors of this association.
(b) Submit to the district governor’s cabinet such reports as it may require.
(c) Be an active member of the district governor’s advisory committee of the zone in which the club is located.
(d) Have custody and keep and maintain general records of this club, including records of minutes of club and board meetings; attendance; committee appointments; elections; member information, addresses and telephone numbers of members; members club accounts.
(e) Give bond for the faithful discharge of their office in such sum and with such surety as determined by the board of directors.
(f) Deliver, in a timely manner, at the conclusion of their term in office, the general records of the club to their successor in office.
Section 5. TREASURER. The responsibilities for this position shall be as follows:
(a) Receive all monies, from the secretary and otherwise, and deposit the same in a bank or banks recommended by the finance committee and approved by the board of directors.
(b) Arrange for issuance, in cooperation with the secretary, quarterly or semi-annual statements to each member for dues and other financial obligations owed to this club and report payments to the Board of Directors.
(c) Pay out monies in payment of club obligations only on authority given by the board of directors.
(d) Have custody and keep and maintain general records of club receipts and disbursements.
(e) Prepare and submit monthly and semi-annual financial reports to the board of directors of this club.
(f) Give bond for the faithful discharge of their office in such sum and with such surety as determined by the board of directors.
(g) Deliver, in a timely manner, at the conclusion of their term in office, the financial accounts, funds and records of the club to their successor in office.
(h) Serves as chairperson for the finance committee.
ARTICLE IV
Board of Directors
In addition to the club officers, additional members may serve on the Board of Directors. This determination will follow the rules set out in Article VIII of the Club Constitution. Their responsibilities, roles, and duties should be included in club’s board policy.
ARTICLE V
Committees
Section 1. STANDING COMMITTEES. The club shall have standing committees, which may be appointed by the club president. Such committees shall be defined in the club’s board policy.
Section 2. SPECIAL COMMITTEES. From time to time, the president may appoint, with the approval of the board of directors, such special committees as may be necessary in their judgment or the judgment of the board of directors.
Section 3. PRESIDENT EX-OFFICIO. The president shall be an ex-officio member of all committees.
Section 4. COMMITTEE REPORTING. Each committee, through its chairperson, should be encouraged as necessary to report, either verbally or in writing, each month to the board of directors.
ARTICLE VI
Meetings
Section 1. BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETINGS. Regular meetings of the board of directors shall be held at such times and places as the board shall determine. (It is recommended that the board of directors meet at least once each month.)
Section 2. BOARD OF DIRECTORS SPECIAL MEETINGS. Special meetings of the board of directors shall be held when called by the president, or when requested by three (3) or more members of the board of directors, at such time and place as the president shall determine.
Section 3. REGULAR CLUB MEETINGS/EVENTS. Regular meetings of this club shall be held at times and places recommended by the board of directors, and approved by the club except as otherwise specifically provided in this constitution and by-laws, notice of regular meetings shall be given in such manner as the board of directors deems proper to effectively communicate the meeting and/or event to all club members and encourage involvement. Regular club meetings may be replaced by service projects or other events as determined by the club members. (It is recommended that the club host a meeting, event or service activity at least once a month.)
Section 4. SPECIAL CLUB MEETINGS. Special meetings of the club may be called by the president, in their discretion, and shall be called by the president when requested by the board of directors, at a time and place determined by the person or body requesting the same. In the event the President fails to call a special meeting at the request of the board of directors, the majority board of directors shall be authorized to call the meeting at a time and place determined by the board of directors. Notice of special meetings setting forth the purpose, time and place shall be published to each member of this club, by regular post, electronic means or personal delivery, at least ten (10) days prior to the date thereof.
Section 5. ANNUAL MEETING. An annual meeting of this club shall be held in conjunction with the close of each Lions’ year at a time and place determined by the board of directors, at which meeting the final reports of the retiring officers shall be read and newly elected officers shall be installed.
Section 6. ALTERNATIVE MEETING FORMATS. Regular and/or special meetings of this club and/or board of directors may be held through the use of alternative meeting formats, such as teleconference and/or web conference upon initiation of the President or by any three (3) members of the board of directors.
Section 7. CHARTER ANNIVERSARY. A charter night anniversary meeting of this club may be held each year, at which time special attention shall be devoted to the purposes and ethics of Lionism, and the history of this club.
Section 8. QUORUM. The presence in person of a majority of the board of directors shall be necessary for a quorum at any meeting of this club. Except as otherwise specifically provided, the act of a majority of the members present at any meeting shall be the act and decision of the entire club.
Section 9. METHOD OF BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS. This club may transact business in person, by mail, or through electronic means, provided that such means establishes a quorum. This may include virtual meeting attendance, including using video or telephone, and other means determined appropriate by the board of directors.
ARTICLE VII
Fees and Dues
Section 1. ENTRANCE FEE. Each new, reinstated and transfer member shall pay, in addition to annual dues as defined in Section 2 of this Article, the current association entrance fee to be collected before such member is enrolled as a member of this club and before the secretary may report such member to Lions Clubs International; provided, however, that the board of directors may elect to waive all or any part of the club portion of said entrance fee as to any member granted membership by transfer or reinstatement within twelve (12) months of termination of their prior Lions club membership.
Section 2. ANNUAL DUES. Each member of this club shall pay the following indicated regular annual dues which dues shall include an amount to cover current international and district (single or sub- and multiple) and shall be paid in advance at such times as the board of directors shall determine:
(a) Associate members shall pay annually $55.00.
(i) These dues shall be raised to $65.00 effective January 1, 2026.
(ii) These dues shall be raised to $70.00 effective January 1, 2027.
(iii) These dues shall be raised to $75.00 effective January 1, 2028.
(b) Life Members shall pay only dues necessary to cover the district and multiple district dues, which shall be found in the district and multiple district constitution and bylaws;
(c) Past District Governors shall pay no dues to the club;
(d) Individuals who are elected to Statewide (Texas) or Federal (United States of America) office shall pay no dues to the club;
(e) All other members shall pay annually $120.00.
(i) Annual dues shall be raised to $130.00 effective January 1, 2026.
(ii) Annual dues shall be raised to $140.00 effective January 1, 2027.
(iii) Annual dues shall be raised to $150.00 effective January 1, 2028.
The treasurer of this club shall remit international and district (single or sub- and multiple) dues to the parties, and at the times, specified in the respective international and district (single or multiple) constitution and by-laws, without requiring a vote of the board of directors or membership, upon receipt of invoice in accordance with international and district constitution and bylaws.
ARTICLE VIII
Club Branch Administration
Insomuch as Lions Clubs International provides for the club branch program, this program shall be governed by the club’s board policy set forth by the board of directors.
ARTICLE IX
Miscellaneous
Section 1. FISCAL YEAR. The fiscal year of this club shall be July 1 through June 30.
Section 2. PARLIAMENTARY PRACTICES. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this constitution and by-laws, all questions of order or procedure with respect to any meeting or action of this club, its board of directors or any committee appointed hereunder shall be determined in accordance with ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER, NEWLY REVISED, as revised from time to time.
Section 3. PARTISAN POLITICS/RELIGION. This club shall not endorse or recommend any candidate for public office, nor shall partisan politics or sectarian religion be debated by members in meetings of this club.
Section 4. PERSONAL BENEFIT. Except to further their progress in Lionism, no officer or member of this club shall use their membership as a means of furthering any personal, political, or other aspiration, nor shall the club, as a whole, take part in any movement not in keeping with its purposes and objects.
Section 5. COMPENSATION. No officer shall receive any compensation for any service rendered to this club in their official capacity with the exception of the secretary, whose compensation, if any, shall be fixed by the board of directors. Reimbursement of reasonable costs incurred shall be governed by the club’s board policy.
Section 6. SOLICITATION OF FUNDS. No funds shall be solicited from the club during meetings by any individual or individuals who are not members of the club. Any suggestion or proposition made at any meeting of this club calling for the expenditure of money for other than the regular obligations shall be referred to the appropriate committee or to the board of directors for further review.
ARTICLE X
Club Dispute Resolution Procedure
All disputes or claims arising between any member or members, or a former member or members, and the club, or any officer on the board of the club, relative to membership, or the interpretation, breach of, or application of the club’s constitution and by-laws, or the expulsion of any member from the club, or any other internal Lions club matter whatsoever which cannot be satisfactorily resolved through other means, shall be resolved in accordance with the Dispute Resolution Procedures established by the International Board of Directors.
ARTICLE XI
Amendments
Section 1. AMENDING PROCEDURE. These bylaws may be amended following the procedures outlined in the constitution.
Record of Amendments
Most recently amended March 21, 2025
June 8, 2023 - The constitution and bylaws were adopted using the same verbiage of the previous Lions Club of Katy, which our members came from.
July 11, 2023 - Amend club constitution and bylaws, wherever applicable, to replace all gendered references with the gender neutral they/them/their. Amended as motioned.
March 17, 2023 - Amend club constitution and bylaws, wherever applicable, to set that at our nominating meeting, whenever there are no competing candidates, the nominated individual is automatically elected to the relevant term. Amended as motioned.
March 17, 2023 - Amend club constitution and bylaws, wherever applicable, in the event an elected candidate is unable or unwilling to serve for their elected term, or the remainder of their term, that the board of directors may appoint a replacement. Amended as motioned.
April 11, 2023 - State of Texas Secretary of State approved and issued authorization for the club to do business as Katy Lions Club. This is reflected in Article I.
April 13, 2024 - Amend our constitution and bylaws where applicable, that 14-day notifications are shortened to 7-day notifications. Amended as motioned.
April 13, 2024 - Amend our constitution and bylaws where applicable, increase dues by $20 per year when paid annually, and allow the board to offer monthly dues at a rate of $15 per month if paid monthly. Increase to be assessed on next dues bill(s). Amended as motioned.
July 16, 2024 - Amend our constitution and bylaws where applicable, to remove the position of Marketing Communications Chair from automatically being an Officer and Board Member, in line with all other Chair positions referenced; AND to amend the constitution and bylaws, where applicable, to codify the name changes of committees and positions as found in the existing Board Policy, without the inclusion of additional committees. Amended as motioned.
March 12, 2025 - Amend Articles I, III, IV, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, & XII of the Constitution; and Articles I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, and XI of the Bylaws. Amended as motioned.
March 21, 2025 - Name change reflected in the Constitution. This was previously voted on by the club on February 25, 2025, and the process was completed by Lions International on March 21, 2025.
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