Club Administration Manual Chapter 2 THE MULTIPLE DISTRICT

Transcription

1 Club Administration Manual Chapter 2 THE MULTIPLE DISTRICT CONTENTS Contents... LIONS IN AUSTRALIA - PDG WILLIAM R TRESISE MBE THE MULTIPLE DISTRICT MULTIPLE DISTRICT STRUCTURE MULTIPLE DISTRICT 20 CONSTITUTION MULTIPLE DISTRICT 20 PURPOSES MULTIPLE DISTRICT 20 COUNCIL OF GOVERNORS COMPOSITION & MEETINGS FIRST VICE DISTRICT GOVERNORS CABINET SECRETARIES ROLE OF THE COUNCIL ORGANISATIONAL PLAN THE WORK OF THE COUNCIL RESOURCES THE ROLE OF THE MULTIPLE DISTRICT MULTIPLE DISTRICT COUNCIL CHAIRPERSON EXECUTIVE OFFICER NATIONAL TREASURER LEGAL OFFICER MANAGEMENT GROUP MANAGEMENT GROUP MD20 COUNCIL GOVERNANCE COMMITTEES MD20 COORDINATING COMMITTEES THE ORGANISATIONAL PLAN MULTIPLE DISTRICT CONVENTION BIDS FOR MULTIPLE DISTRICT CONVENTIONS NOTICES OF MOTION FOR DISCUSSION AT A MULTIPLE DISTRICT CONVENTION... 4

2 2.2.3 VOTING DELEGATES MD20 CONVENTION DISTRICT BOUNDARIES WITHIN MD REDISTRICTING PROCEDURES SINGLE CLUB TRANSFER THE NATIONAL OFFICE GOVERNANCE AND SECRETARIAT FUNCTIONS THE LION MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA AND PAPUA NEW GUINEA EDITION MULTIPLE DISTRICT DIRECTORY MD20 ADMINISTRATION MANUAL MULTIPLE DISTRICT FINANCES MULTIPLE DISTRICT DUES MULTIPLE DISTRICT 20 FUNDS THE LIONS AUSTRALIA BRAND CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS NAB INVOCARE

3 LIONS IN AUSTRALIA - PDG WILLIAM R TRESISE MBE ( ) A `frustrated Apexian, Bill Tresise, was the founding father of Lions Clubs in Australia. In the mid 940's, World War 2 was drawing to a close, and at Apex Bill Tresise was elected National President with a two year term to re-establish the Association. Because of advanced' years (he was approaching 40), Bill was due to retire from Apex, and he therefore had a particular interest in changing the rules which required members of Apex to retire at 40. He took this to the National Convention of Apex in Launceston in 946, but was refused permission to launch a senior Apex movement. ( ) To a fellow imbued with the ideals of the service Club movement such as William R Tresise, this was indeed a frustration, for he had enjoyed and loved the concept of working through a Club type movement to improve the lot of the community. He did not wish to lose that fraternal feeling. A little later, while representing the Apex Association at the World Council of Young Men's Service Clubs in the USA, a loose affiliation of Clubs with similar age limitations and goals to Apex from many of the nations of the world, Bill noticed that other senior organisations were already functioning but were not represented in Australia. His initial approach was to the Kiwanis Association, whose main interest was in helping the young. At that stage, however, Kiwanis had no interest in expanding outside the North American continent. He then had a chance meeting with one of the Past International Presidents of Lions Clubs International Fred Smith, from California and from there interviews were quickly effected with another Past President, Ed Bang from Arkansas, then the Secretary General and founder of the Lions association, Melvin Jones, from Chicago. Bill Tresise's papers tell of the meeting with Melvin Jones in front of the Lions headquarters building, then in Madison Avenue, Chicago. After learning about the International Association and its goals, Bill was appointed provisional District Governor with powers to return to Australia and establish the first Lions Clubs on this continent. He later accepted a repeat when he was elected a full District Governor for the year 962/63. In a report of his early years with Australian Lions, Bill recorded that he tapered off his duties with Apex and called together a meeting of the business and professional men in his home town of Lismore to hear the story of Lions. In some minds he was looked on with suspicion and asked whether he was betraying Apex by starting an opposition Club. He recorded that his answer was, How can there be opposition in the field of service? So the first Club in Australia was formed in Lismore NSW, on st July, 947 and the charter was presented to the first President, Jim Brown, in September of the same year. Melvin Jones sent a cable: Congratulations to the 8th country to enter the International Association of Lions Clubs International. Bill Tresise made his life in the field of people. Apart from his involvement with the service organisations he was interested in politics and served as Mayor of the Melbourne suburb of Hawthorn. He was involved with community progress movements and on more than one occasion was responsible for organising people to 3

4 improve or safeguard their properties. An example of this was in the establishment of a sea wall to protect the beachfronts in the Lennox Head area on the North Coast of NSW. He was a man who could use the spoken word with enormous power, and it was his ability to paint pictures in words, that gained him such ready access to masses of people and enabled him to rise to such heights of distinction within the Lions movement and the Apex Association. Other Lions were to take up the development of Lions in the Antipodes. But the early establishment and the genesis came through the drive and initiative of one man, William R Tresise. The Queen recognised his efforts in his last years when she presented him with an MBE. His final message to Lions before his passing in 975 was: People say to me you must feel proud. I have no room for pride, but I do have a very warm feeling in my heart. Friendship is the most wonderful experience. Nothing is more valuable to you than giving of yourself to serve somebody. And the more you give, the more you get back. 4

5 2 THE MULTIPLE DISTRICT The Multiple District is the title given to the collective voice of the 9 Districts comprising Australia and Papua New Guinea. This chapter is a summary of the more important provisions of the International Association of Lions Clubs and Multiple District 20 Constitutions and By Laws regarding the organisation of Multiple District 20, together with supplementary information. The Chapter is not intended to be an exhaustive constitutional reference, and is provided for the information and guidance of Lion members, who are referred to the current versions of the appropriate constitutions for references. Copies are available from the MD20 National Office, and may be downloaded from the International and Multiple District websites. 2. MULTIPLE DISTRICT STRUCTURE The International Association of Lions Clubs provides for the initial establishment of provisional districts in any defined territory (any nation, colony, or territory). When a minimum of 35 Clubs and 250 members is reached, then the provisional district is recognised as a single district, and elects a District Governor who is responsible to the International Board for the conduct of Lions Clubs within that district. When two or more single districts exist in a defined territory, then a Multiple District may be formed, and the constituent districts are then known as sub districts. Within Multiple District 20, comprising Australia, Papua New Guinea, and Norfolk Island, the terminology Districts is generally used. The District Governors within a Multiple District form a Council of Governors, who seek to agree on policy and methods of implementing the policies of the International Board within the area covered by the Multiple Districts. They are also able to take account of localised factors such as legislative requirements and ethnic considerations. The Multiple District organisation provides a structure where a number of districts existing in a defined territory can have common administration and activity practices under a Multiple District Constitution. It should be noted that each District Governor retains direct responsibility to the International Board for the conduct of affairs within his/her District, which operates under a District Constitution. For detailed information about the structure of Multiple District 20, please go to the Governance section of the Lions Australia website here MULTIPLE DISTRICT 20 CONSTITUTION Multiple District 20 operates under its own constitution that can only be amended at the annual Multiple District 20 convention. The Multiple District constitution must not contravene the provisions of the Lions Clubs International Constitution, and that constitution takes precedence over the Multiple District constitution other than in matters dealing with specific requirements of Australian Law or the Associations Incorporation Act (South Australia), under which Multiple District 20 is incorporated. The constitution is revised annually after each Multiple District convention, when amendments passed by the convention are documented. 5

6 The Council also has the power to make, repeal, or amend such By Laws as it shall deem necessary for the purpose of carrying out its duties under the Multiple District 20 Constitution. A current version of the Multiple District Constitution is available in the Governance section of the Multiple District website MULTIPLE DISTRICT 20 PURPOSES The nineteen Districts in Australia, Papua New Guinea and Norfolk Island together form Multiple District 20 of Lions Clubs International Inc. Multiple District 20 is incorporated as an association under that name in South Australia, under the provisions of the appropriate legislation in that State. The purposes of the Association are: To promote the purposes of the International Association of Lions Clubs applicable to Multiple District 20. To hold, manage, and control an annual convention of Multiple District 20. To take appropriate action on any matters relating to Multiple District 20 consistent with the Constitution and By Laws of the international Association and the policies of the International Board. To establish and maintain Trusts and foundations for the purpose of rendering help and assistance in the fields of community aid, emergency relief, and International understanding. As for the International body, the members of Multiple District 20 are the individual Lions Clubs within the Districts comprising the Multiple District. Individual Lions are not members of the association. 2.4 MULTIPLE DISTRICT 20 COUNCIL OF GOVERNORS The governors of the 9 Districts within Multiple District 20 make up a Council of Governors that is the Board of the Association in Australia and PNG COMPOSITION & MEETINGS The Multiple District 20 Council of Governors consists of a Chairperson and the respective District Governors then in office of the districts comprising the Multiple District. The Chairperson shall be a Past District Governor, elected by the District Governors (elect) from the District Governors for the previous year who are about to retire from the Council during or immediately prior to the Multiple District convention. For meetings of the Council of Governors, each District Governor and the Chairperson has a single vote. The Chairperson does not have a casting vote, and proxy voting is not permitted in accordance with the general policy of Lions Clubs International. Meetings of the Multiple District Council are normally held 3 times in each Lions year. 6

7 2.4.2 FIRST VICE DISTRICT GOVERNORS First Vice District Governors may attend at Council Meetings (part time) as part of the training which they receive for the post of District Governor at the District Governor elect training seminars held in /January/February meeting, and during the final Council meeting in each year. They have no speaking rights at such meetings CABINET SECRETARIES The meetings and training of Cabinet Secretaries are primarily a matter for each of the respective Districts comprising the Multiple District. District Cabinet Secretaries (designate) training is held for the duration of two days, in conjunction with the January/February Council Meeting. Additionally, training is offered to Cabinet Secretaries (designate) prior to taking office through the use of electronic materials provided on disk or online ROLE OF THE COUNCIL (SOURCE: BOARD MANUAL) Each District Governor is the representative of the International Association. It is the Lions Clubs which make up the membership of the International Association. The Council is the corporate structure to provide an effective administration of the Multiple District. The Multiple District has no direct affiliation with the Association, nor does it have any legal status except by constitutional control. The affairs of the Multiple District are administered by the Council according to: Convention Resolution The Multiple District Constitution and By-Laws The authority vested in the Council is clearly stated in Clauses 27 to 3 of the Constitution; The Council Policy Minutes ORGANISATIONAL PLAN The Multiple District has adopted a 5-year Organisational Plan to improve Corporate continuity between successive Councils. The Organisational Plan focuses on management by objectives and enables the Council to performance manage the various programs. Progress on the plan is reported to Council meetings by the Executive Officer THE WORK OF THE COUNCIL implement Multiple District Convention resolutions manage Multiple District Projects arrange the multiple district convention promote and grow Lions within Australia coordinate Lions activities within Australia RESOURCES The National Office 7

8 The Constitution and By-Laws The Policy Minutes The Agenda of each Council Meeting The Minutes of each Council Meeting. It is not possible to contribute to Council discussions in an effective manner unless you are well prepared beforehand. To put this simply, it means 'a good working knowledge of the Constitution and the Policy Minutes' plus 'ample homework on minutes and the meeting agenda before the Council Meeting commences'. It is also important that each Governor accepts the broad responsibility to the Multiple District and that Council decisions are based on Australia, Papua New Guinea and East Timor requirements and not just on the requirements of individual Districts. 2.5 THE ROLE OF THE MULTIPLE DISTRICT MD20 does not run Lions in Australia. Under the Multiple District Constitution, the role of MD20 is very narrowly defined to: 2. To promote the Purposes of the International Association applicable to Multiple District To hold manage and control an annual convention of the Multiple District. 2.3 To take appropriate action on all matter relating to the Multiple District consistent with the Constitution and By-Laws of the International Association and the polices of the International Board. 2.4 To establish and maintain Trusts and Foundations for the purpose of rendering help and assistance in the fields of community aid, emergency relief and international understanding. The Multiple District exists to link and coordinate the work of 9 independent and separate Districts within our International Association. It also provides a legal entity, and Association incorporated in South Australia, that enables us to carry on business, enter into contracts, employ staff and operate Multiple District programs. The Multiple District and its National Office provides a key additional benefit, and one that sets us apart from our competitors. It provides a point of contact, an address, telephone number, website, and through the Executive Officer a personal contact that exists beyond the term of the Council. This gives Lions Australia the opportunity to establish and develop partnerships over time that can benefit the operation of Lions in Australia and beyond. Although not a formal role, the existence of the Multiple District provides a focus for leadership of Lions. It means that Lions within our Multiple District have the opportunity to meet, discuss and plan for the future of Lions. An organisation without a strong leadership entity cannot succeed and that is why it is important that the District Governors support the Multiple District, its Committees and Administration. By the time the new Council is in place, this Multiple District would have consolidated its public relations program by establishing a new web presence, Facebook presence and producing a new Community Service Television Announcement. It will have built on the success of its own secretariat by hosting the Apex Australia Secretariat under contract, will have completed the first year of its own Organisational Plan, and it will have successful delivered a number of national projects and foundations. 8

9 None of this would be possible without a strong and united Multiple District Structure. 2.6 MULTIPLE DISTRICT COUNCIL CHAIRPERSON (SOURCE: BOARD MANUAL) PRINCIPAL DUTIES Chair all regular and special meetings of Multiple District Council (including the Council Chairperson Elect and the Shadow Council Meeting following the Multiple District Convention). Chair the Multiple District Council Management Group. Chair the Nominations Committee meetings. Preside over the Multiple District Convention. Attend the International Convention prior to taking office. Host important visitors to the Multiple District. Liaise with the Executive Officer in the day to day running of the Council and the Multiple District. OTHER DUTIES The infrequency of Council meetings and the nature of the office gives rise to additional duties which, in the main, comprise the following: Ensure that all decisions of Multiple District Council and the Multiple District Convention are implemented, working closely with the Council Officers, in particular the Executive Officer. Call any special meetings of the Multiple District Council if required, in terms of the Multiple District Constitution. Ensure that the duties of the Council Officers and Multiple District National Coordinators are carried out as required by the Council and Constitution. Ensure that all committees are functioning satisfactorily and report any problems to Council for action. Liaise closely with the Multiple District Convention Organising Committee ensuring that its planning and preparation are adequate. Select Lions for invocations, introductions and thanks at the Multiple District Convention. Select Governors to chair the Forums and Sandwich Seminars at the Multiple District Convention. Present a report to the Multiple District Convention. Represent the Multiple District and/or the Council at official functions (Lions, Government, Civic, etc. as required. Attend such meetings as considered necessary relevant to Multiple District Projects and Activities, Multiple District Convention or Council Administration. 9

10 Attend to various matters which require action/decision between Council meetings without usurping the powers of Council. If necessary, a Council decision can be sought by mail in accordance with the provisions of the Multiple District Constitution. Attend District Conventions throughout the Multiple District when invited, and be prepared to address the Convention. Budget restraints should be considered when accepting these invitations. Consistent with the Multiple District Constitution attend the Multiple District 202 and 307 Conventions to represent the members of Multiple District 20. Liaise with the International Director on behalf of the Multiple District. Present regular reports to Multiple District Council including such recommendations as required for Council action. Prepare reports for the Lion Magazine which should include relevant decisions of Council for information of members. Appoint District Governors to Council sub committees 2.7 EXECUTIVE OFFICER (SOURCE: BOARD MANUAL) The Executive Officer is the Council s principal staff officer, exercising overall management responsibility for Council s operations. The Executive Officer leads the National Office, and with the Council Chairperson and Management Team manages the business of the Multiple District. The Executive Officer recommends policy and directions, acts as the administrative officer for the International Association of Lions Clubs within Australia, represents and speaks on behalf of the Multiple District to media, government agencies and other non-government organisations. The focus of the Executive Officer in a modern national organisation is broadly associated with business growth, development and continuity. The core activities of the Executive Officer are associated with: Public Relations, Image and Branding: Creating a strong public profile, developing plans and direction for image, negotiating and establishing agreement on directions, identifying and creating opportunities to promote the organisation. Strategic Development and Leadership of the Association: Analysing and assessing the business model of the organisation, developing and implementing change programs with the Council, communicating directions, initiatives and plans to changing administrations. Internal and External Partnerships: Managing relationships with Districts, Foundations and programs, managing relationships with sponsors, supporters and other partners. Developing and establishing supportive partnerships across all areas of Lions business. The office staff assists the Executive Officer with roles including records management, accounts, purchasing and delivery of programs including Lions Cakes and Club Supplies.

11 2.8 NATIONAL TREASURER The National Treasurer is a qualified accountant who is generally responsible to the Council for the financial affairs of the Council. In addition he/she is responsible for the preparation of all necessary annual financial reports and statements. As an agent of the Council he/she has the responsibility of ensuring that the financial affairs of the Multiple District are properly audited. He also ensures that authorised expenditure, disbursements and honoraria are approved and paid, and that budgets are prepared for consideration by the Council. The National Treasurer guides the Financial Affairs of the Association through a five-year strategic financial plan. 2.9 LEGAL OFFICER The Legal Officer is a qualified solicitor, who is required to assist the Council, its officers, and members with constitutional matters relating to the conduct of Multiple District business. He is also the Chairperson of the Multiple District Constitution and By Laws Committee. 2.0 MANAGEMENT GROUP A management group assists the Council in managing the operations of the Multiple District. It includes the Executive and four National Coordinators operating the main program areas of the Association 2.0. MANAGEMENT GROUP The management group includes the Executive of the Association, the Council Chairperson, Executive Officer, Legal Officer and, National Treasurer. The Executive Officer also serves as the chairperson of the Administration Coordinating Committee. Council also appoints National Coordinators to operate the Leadership, Membership, Marketing and Youth and Community Projects programs. Currently, the coordinators for the Membership and Leadership responsibilities are the Global Membership Team Area Leader and Global Leadership Team Area Leader, respectively. These positions are appointed by Lions Clubs International on the recommendation of Council. This group reviews reports to Council prior to the Council Meetings to ensure that all information required for Council Is available in a form which will enable Council to take decisions and develop policy MD20 COUNCIL GOVERNANCE COMMITTEES Like any Board, the Council establishes a number of Governance Committees to manage its operations. Finance Committee: This Committee of Council reviews and controls the Financial Affairs of the Multiple District. It is chaired the by the National Treasurer and meets during the Council meeting only. Legal Committee: This Committee of Council provides advice on Legal and Policy Matters to Council. It is chaired the by the Legal Officer and meets during the Council meeting only. Strategy Committee: This Committee of Council provides advice on Strategy. It is chaired by the Executive Officer and meets during the Council meeting only. Long Range Planning Committee: This Committee is responsible for developing a Long Range Plan for consideration by Council.

12 2.0.3 MD20 COORDINATING COMMITTEES The Council appoints five coordinating committees, each having specific responsibilities. A number of sub - committees dealing with specific portfolios, functions, and subjects are responsible to each coordinating committee. The coordinating committees are: Administration committee. Membership Services committee. Leadership Committee Marketing committee. Youth and Community Projects committee. The structure and responsibilities of the committees of Council are shown below. The many committees operating to guide the Multiple District not only keep costs low, but provides a wealth of opportunity for interested Lions to develop skills and gain leadership experience at a National level. For example, the Chairperson of our Lions Cakes and Mints program is responsible for a national fundraising program that turns over approximately $5,000,000 each year. Multiple District Committees and Foundations Committee Portfolio Purpose Convention Host Committee Administration Coordinates and conducts the MD20 Convention each year Insurance Administration Operates the MD20 Insurance Program National Honours Advisory Committee Administration Provides guidance to Lions wishing to nominate community members for Australian Honours. Sergeant at Arms Administration Acts as MC at the Annual MD20 Convention Web Presence Administration Operates the Lions Australia Website and Oz-Clubhouse Club web pages Operates the Australian Lions Australian Lions Childhood Cancer Foundation Childhood Cancer Research Research Foundation Foundation Australian Lions Children s Mobility Foundation Operates the Australian Lions Foundation Australian Lions Drug Awareness Foundation Australian Lions Foundation Leadership Hearing Dogs Committee Foundation Foundation Leadership Marketing Children s Mobility Foundation Operates the Australian Lions Drug Awareness Foundation Operates the Australian Lions Foundation Leads and guides the Global Leadership Team Program for the Multiple District Operates the Lions Hearing Dogs Project LCIF Marketing Coordinates LCIF projects Lions Cakes and Mints Committee Marketing Operates the Lions Cakes and Mints Projects Pathway Committee Membership Promotes the increased participation of

13 PNG Member Development Committee Youth Membership Conversion Membership Leo Committee Lioness Committee Peace Poster/LCI Essay Contest and Lions Services to Children Committee Youth Exchange Committee Membership Membership Membership Services Youth and Community Projects Youth and Community Projects Youth and Community Projects Youth and Community Projects women and families in Lions Promotes and assists the development of Lions Clubs within PNG Promotes and assists the transition of Lions Youth project participants into Lions Clubs membership Leads and guides the Global Membership Team Program for the Multiple District Coordinates and promotes Leo Projects within MD20 Coordinates and promotes Lioness Projects Coordinates and promotes the International Peace Poster and Services to Children Projects within MD20 Operates the International Youth Exchange Project within MD20 Youth of the Year Committee Youth and Community Projects Operates the Youth of the Year Project In addition, Multiple District 20 also supports a number of projects operated by clubs and districts. These are adopted at a Convention, and defined by the Constitution as Category B Projects. An up to date list of these National Projects projects can be found on the Lions Australia website in the Governance Section THE ORGANISATIONAL PLAN One of the challenges is running and organisation where the majority of the leadership changes each year, is the ability to develop long term strategic plans and maintain corporate continuity. The Multiple District has, in the past, suffered from annual changes in corporate directions that limits its ability to grow and succeed. Under this scheme, reporting to the Multiple District has been limited to activity and process, rather than performance against set goals. The Multiple District Council established an Organisational Plan in 200, that established key goals within the main areas of operation of the Multiple District. Progress against the performance of these goals is reported to each Council meeting and to the Annual Convention. The plan is currently under review but will be published on the Multiple District website when complete. A significant outcome of the plan is the development of program area strategies, that set goals within the important areas of Multiple District operations. These are published in the Governance section of the Multiple District website and include: Due diligence for potential projects Communication Strategy Membership Strategy Public Relations Strategy

14 Convention Strategy Youth of the Year Strategy 2.2 MULTIPLE DISTRICT CONVENTION A Multiple District Convention is held each year, generally over a four-day period in early May. The Convention is also the Annual General Meeting for the Multiple District. The most important message about the MD20 Lions Convention is that any Lion is very welcome to attend irrespective of position or years of experience. In fact, attending a Convention is one of the best ways to understand more about the organisations you have joined. The current Convention Strategy is listed on the Lions Australia website at BIDS FOR MULTIPLE DISTRICT CONVENTIONS Multiple District Conventions are arranged and hosted by clubs and districts following a competitive bidding process. Bringing 500 Lions to a town or city and boost the local economy by more than $5mill. so hosting a Convention is one way that Lions can support their communities. Delegates at the Convention held three years prior to each event make the actual decision as to the location of each Convention. Following the decision as to the Host City, the Council appoints a Convention Organising Committee and Chairperson for each Convention. The Chairperson and Committee are then responsible to the Council for the detailed arrangements and conduct of the Convention. Clubs interested in bidding for future Conventions must ensure that their proposals reach the Executive Officer of the Multiple District prior to st January in the year of the Convention at which the location is to be determined. In view of the amount of detailed information required, Clubs must obtain a bid package from the Executive Officer before bidding NOTICES OF MOTION FOR DISCUSSION AT A MULTIPLE DISTRICT CONVENTION Conventions are part of the democracy of the organisation. Lions Clubs can seek support for change, improvements and feedback through this process. The process, requirements and deadlines for Notices of Motion are governed by the Multiple District Constitution VOTING DELEGATES MD20 CONVENTION Delegates to the annual Multiple District Convention are appointed by Lions Clubs in good standing on the basis of one () voting delegate and one () alternate for every ten (0) members or major fraction thereof of the Club members in good standing. The major fraction of ten thereof' is clarified as five (5) or more members.

15 When calculating the number of members for the purpose of determining the number of delegates to which a Club is entitled, regard shall be given only to those members of the Club who have been financial members in good standing for at least one year and a day. Each District Governor is an ex officio voting delegate to the Multiple District Convention during his year of office; note that this entitlement in his capacity as District Governor does not affect the total of votes to which his own Club is entitled as a result of total membership. 2.3 DISTRICT BOUNDARIES WITHIN MD 20 District boundaries within Multiple District 20 are specified in the most recent Multiple District 20 Convention decision approved by the International Board relating to redistricting, as amended by any subsequent decisions of the International Board in regard to Single District transfers of individual Clubs. As at July 2007, there are nineteen (9) Districts comprising Multiple District REDISTRICTING PROCEDURES The International Constitution provides that a district or districts wishing to become a Multiple District, or a Multiple District desiring to change or re-district any one or more existing sub districts in any way shall submit a redistricting proposal to the International Board for approval SINGLE CLUB TRANSFER A simpler procedure, Single Club Transfer, not requiring the approval of a Multiple District Convention, exists for use when a single Club wishes to change Districts. It allows the transfer of an individual Club to another District, subject to the approval of the District Governors concerned, and the International Board. 2.4 THE NATIONAL OFFICE The National Office is the Head Office and Secretariat of Multiple District 20 in Australia. It is led by the Executive Officer and a small team of staff. The Executive Officer is the Council s principal staff officer, exercising overall management responsibility for Council s operations. The Executive Officer leads the National Office, and with the Council Chairperson and Management Group, manages the business of the Multiple District. The Executive Officer recommends policy and directions, acts as the administrative officer for the International Association of Lions Clubs within Australia, represents and speaks on behalf of the Multiple District to media, government agencies and other nongovernment organisations. The work undertaken at the National office covers a variety of activities. The key roles are listed below: 2.4. GOVERNANCE AND SECRETARIAT FUNCTIONS Arrange, convene and report on Council Meetings Arrange, convene and report on management group meetings Organise, plan and operate the MD Convention Arrange functions and assist representation of Australian Lions at the International Convention

16 Financial: Manage and operate a financial system to support programs and operations of the Multiple District Publications and Supplies: Prepare, manufacture, source and distribute the full range of supplies and materials for the operation of Lions Clubs within Australia Committees: Support the operations of Multiple District Committees according to policy. Profile and public relations: Provide the public face of Lions in Australia Communications: Manage communications within the Multiple District, particularly through the Multiple District website, the National Magazine The Lion and other tools as needed THE LION MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA AND PAPUA NEW GUINEA EDITION. A separate edition of The Lion magazine is published for Australia, Papua New Guinea and Norfolk Island; and a copy is forwarded by mail to every Lion in Multiple District 20. This publication is a major communication link with Lion members in our Multiple District. Six issues of the edition are published each year under contract to Lions Clubs International, with editorial material originating from both International Headquarters in Oak Brook and the editorial office. The editorial policy of the magazine is the responsibility of Executive Officer and Council. The National office controls distribution of the magazine using member information in the LCI WMMR database Under the contract with Lions Clubs International, the Multiple District is required to publish certain directed material, and to comply with International policy relating to both content and advertising. In return, the International Office refunds that portion of the International Dues component relating to the production and distribution of the magazine. The Lion magazine contains messages from the International President, International Board decisions and information, a message from the Multiple District Council Chairperson which includes decisions of Council, articles on various international projects, district and Club projects, coming events etc. The magazine is an excellent vehicle for the exchange of ideas, not only for fundraising but also for humanitarian and community projects. It is also a useful membership tool for telling members what other Lions are doing MULTIPLE DISTRICT DIRECTORY Each year the Multiple District office produces the Multiple District 20 Directory that has the primary purpose of listing contact and meeting details for all Australian Lions Clubs. Directories, either in paper format or by means of a compact disc are supplied to each Club for distribution among the members of such Club. Each Club may determine to accept directories either in paper format and/or by way of a compact disc provided that the total directories shall not exceed the total membership of the Club as at the 3st January in each year. Districts are charged on the number of directories each Club receives, and the charge for CD or paper copies is the same. The Directory also acts as a Year Book for Lion members in our Multiple District, since it also lists names and contact details for District Officers and Cabinets. Presently, additional listings include: Multiple District Council officers

17 District Governors and Partners International Officers Multiple District Committees Foundations Holders of ALF and ALDAF awards Past International Directors Past District Governors. Convention Details Current details of the Lions Insurance program Membership figures District Committees and Officers MD20 ADMINISTRATION MANUAL The MD20 Club Administration Manual (this manual) is compiled and edited by the Executive Officer The manual gives much of the information required for the correct operation of Lions Clubs. Lions should refer to the Lions Australia website for up-to-date information about the structure, operations and program of the Multiple District MULTIPLE DISTRICT FINANCES The Multiple District National Treasurer has responsibility to the Council for the budgeting, maintenance and operation of the various administration and activity funds of the Multiple District. He prepares financial reports for each meeting of Council, and arranges for the preparation and auditing of the Annual reports presented to the MD20 Convention MULTIPLE DISTRICT DUES The Multiple District is funded by the Multiple District elements of dues paid by each Club per head of membership. The total amount varies from time to time as determined by Convention decisions. GST is payable on MD20 Dues only, as the Multiple District is obliged to register for GST in view of its annual turnover. These dues are paid by the Club on behalf of each member, and incorporated, together with International and district dues, in the semi-annual Club dues paid by each member. The dues are collected from each Club by District Treasurers on behalf of the Multiple District. Club contributions are assessed on each Club's membership as at st July and st January in each year; and are payable by 3st August and 28th February respectively MULTIPLE DISTRICT 20 FUNDS A number of funds or accounts exist for the purpose of apportioning dues and income.

18 These are listed, in full, in the Multiple District Constitution THE LIONS AUSTRALIA BRAND Successive Councils have developed the Lions Australia branding, depicted in the logo below. The branding, in silver and blue, is designed to represent a fresh, new, smart and distinctly Australian image for Lions. It incorporates the international logo and extends it with the words Lions Australia that is the customary way we refer to our Multiple District. The branding also incorporates a striking blue coloured swirl on the reverse side of letterheads, business cards and publications. The blue represents our Australian flag and the swirl represents the leading lights that Lions are, within their communities. Over time, additional products will be available using the new branding. The branding is adopted by the Multiple District for use in all of its promotion, publications and materials. Although the MD encourages the use of the new style by Australian Clubs and districts, its adoption by them is entirely at their discretion CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS Lions Australia reaches out to Corporate sponsors to support us in achieving our humanitarian goals. It is very important that clubs, and individual Lions, support our sponsors when they can to thank them for their ongoing support and patronage NAB The NAB has supported the Lions Youth of the Year projects for over a decade, providing both financial sponsorship and the volunteer efforts of their staff to support this program that benefits more than 2500 young Australians each year INVOCARE Invocare are loyal sponsors of Lions Australia, and importantly actively encourage and support their staff to seek membership in Lions Clubs