Resolutions
Resolutions accepted by Council for MD105 Convention
4th-5th May 2024
Resolution 1
Proposed by the Lions Club of Westbury
Seconded by the Lions Club of Great Yarmouth
Resolution concerning MD Dues for Leo-Lions
This Convention resolves that Multiple District 105 shall adopt the policy of Lions Clubs lnternational regarding Leo-Lions - that current or former Leos of legal majority (18 years of age) through to age 35, who have served as a Leo for at least a one year and one day may continue to serve as a Leo-Lion, thus giving a discount of 50% of Multiple Dues.
Explanatory note:
The Policy of Lions Clubs lnternational (LCl) is that Leo-Lions are entitled to a discount of 50% of the lnternational Dues. If adopted, this resolution will bring the policy of Multiple District 105 into line with that of LCl.
We all wish to see our Association grow, particularly with younger members and this is a way in which we can recognise the contribution of our Leos to our Association.
It will also encourage them to become Lions, once reaching the age of Legal Majority. While the cost to our Multiple Districts is small, the benefit to our Clubs is far greater. The adoption of this resolution will encourage more Leo-Lions in Campus Clubs who can further encourage their fellow students to become members, by demonstrating that Lions care about the younger generation.
This resolution will have a minimal effect on the MD finances.
This resolution will require a simple majority.
Resolution 2
Proposed by Council of Governors
Resolution concerning Insurances
This Convention Resolves to amend the Multiple District Constitution by:
Deleting Article III Section 7 and Section 8 in their entirety and amending Section 9 by adding the words:
These additional insurances to include assets insurance and legal expenses insurance if these two are not included in a general policy. The levy for such insurances shall be equal to the total cost of such insurance for any year divided by the number of members within the Multiple District on the 30th June immediately preceding such year and charged to clubs on their individual membership numbers at that time.
Further, Section 9 then to be renumbered to Section 7
To read in full
Section 7 – Additional Insurances
The Multiple District shall, supplementary to the International Association's policy, effect such additional insurances as are determined by the Multiple District Convention or Council from time to time. These additional insurances to include assets insurance and legal expenses insurance if these two are not included in a general policy. The levy for such insurances shall be equal to the total cost of such insurance for any year divided by the number of members within the Multiple District on the 30th June immediately preceding such year and charged to clubs on their individual membership numbers at that time.
Explanatory Note:
Council consider that it is an unfair burden on smaller clubs to have to pay the same as larger clubs for insurances.
A fairer system would be for the cost of Insurances to paid 'pro rata' with Clubs being charged a sum per member. That the sum being determined by dividing the total cost of the Insurances for that year by the number of members in the Multiple District as recorded by LCI on the 30th June of the immediately preceding year.
This resolution will require a 2/3 majority.
Resolution 3
Proposed by Council of Governors
Resolution concerning Multiple District Dues
This Convention Resolves that the Multiple District Per Capita Levy for the Fiscal Year 2024/2025 shall be £42.00 (forty-two pounds) per member, payable in two equal instalments, the first in August 2024 based on membership as at 30 June 2024 and the second in February 2025 based on membership as at 31 December 2024.
Explanatory note:
Over the last few years, successive Councils have looked to reduce cost by comprehensively reviewing the structure and governance of the Multiple District, whilst simultaneously looking to invest in the future of the Association. These changes have been phased in and, notwithstanding falling membership, members' dues were maintained over the 'change' period at the level set in 2014-15, that was, eight years without increase.
Council has instructed that the number of in person meetings be reduced with a corresponding increase in digital meetings, including meetings of the Council of Governors.
In real terms we have taken over £130,000 of cost out of the Association over the past sixteen years.
Notwithstanding this hard work, we are not immune from the effects of inflation, our suppliers need to cover their costs, and the general effects of the overall financial environment. There are ongoing pressures on our health systems, caused by the returning effects of covid, industrial action and broader international economic and political concerns, including conflict, that reflect a general air of instability.
None of us could have predicted war in the Ukraine or how long it has continued and the energy and cost of living crises that would develop consequently.
Much of the equipment and cash utilised and handled by Clubs is in furtherance of charitable fundraising activities and it is in that field that our greatest interaction with the public and member's activities occurs.
At the time of drafting this Resolution, inflation (CPI) was running at 5%. The budget proposals have been considered carefully by both the Finance Committee and Council.
The Council of Governors accepted the Council Treasurers' recommendation that there should be no separate charge for equipment, legal and regalia insurance per Club and that all insurance costs be included within members' dues payable, and a Resolution is being presented to Convention to reflect this.
It is recommended that each Club may, if it so chooses, allocate up to a maximum of £7.00 per member as a charge against the Charity Account, on the basis that the bulk of liabilities will arise as a consequence of welfare, charitable or philanthropic activities.
If so adopted, to the maximum suggested, would have the effect of reducing the dues payable per head to £35.00, the same amount as requested in 2023-24.
Clubs that have adopted CIO status may claim gift aid on the dues payable, further reducing the amount payable. Council would encourage all Clubs to adopt CIO status to take advantage of this opportunity.
Council receive a quarterly financial analysis and the Council Treasurer undertakes quarterly meetings with Staff to review costs and expenditure, however, it should be noted that certain costs arise because of legislative requirements, Vat and Rates, for example. Of note is the Government's stated aim to increase Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) to parity with Vat over coming years.
The Budget is based on a membership of 9,200.
Cost Analysis attached.
CONSTITUTIONAL NOTE
Article III Sections 1(a) &2 of the Multiple District Constitution (as adopted 30 April 2005 and subsequently amended):
"Section 1(a) – Annual Per Capita Levy
Every District shall pay into a Multiple District administrative fund a per capita levy, based on its membership taken as at 30 June and 31 December in every year. The Council of Governors shall table a resolution at every Multiple District Convention to set the per capita levy for the following fiscal year. Such resolution must be supported by a complete list of budgets for all Multiple District officers and committees, conventions, meetings and administrative functions. If such resolution shall fail then the per capita levy for the time being in force shall be continued until changed by resolution.
Section 2 – Collection of Per Capita Levy
Every District Treasurer shall collect such levy from Clubs in his District by two half-yearly payments and shall pay the monies so collected to the Council Treasurer in August and February of every year."
This resolution will require a simple majority.
COST ANALYSIS FOR DUES RESOLUTION
| MD 105 | Actual 2020-2021 |
Per Head |
Actual 2021-2022 |
Per Head | Budget 2022-2023 |
Per Head | Budget 2023-2024 |
Per Head | Budget 2024-2025 |
Per Head | Comments | ||
| 1 | COG Meetings etc. | 144 | 0.01 | 12,491 | 1.28 | 19,757 | 2.10 | 17,044 | 1.81 | 17,044 | 1.85 | ||
| 2 | Council Chairman | 0 | 0.00 | 2,536 | 0.26 | 2,743 | 0.29 | 2,743 | 0.29 | 2,743 | 0.30 | ||
| 3 | Secretary to Council | 0 | 0.00 | 931 | 0.10 | 1,000 | 0.11 | 1,000 | 0.11 | 1,000 | 0.11 | ||
| 4 | MD Council Treasurer | 850 | 0.09 | 1,139 | 0.12 | 950 | 0.10 | 1,200 | 0.13 | 1,200 | 0.13 | ||
| 5 | A | Sergeant at Arms | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | Budget included within Council Meetings. | |||||
| B | MD Convention | 7346 | 0.73 | 34,976 | 3.59 | 25,000 | 2.66 | 25,000 | 2.66 | 30,000 | 3.26 | ||
| 6 | A | Elect Seminars - DG Elect net of Grant | 2149 | 0.21 | 2645 | 0.27 | 4,240 | 0.45 | 4,240 | 0.45 | 3,862 | 0.42 | |
| B | 1st Vice DG Elect Seminars | 0 | 0.00 | 0 | 0.00 | 4,740 | 0.50 | 4,740 | 0.50 | 4,432 | 0.48 | ||
| C | 2nd Vice DG Elect Seminars | 0 | 0.00 | 0 | 0.00 | - | 0.00 | - | 0 | 0.00 | |||
| 7 | Partner Travel International Convention | 0 | 0.00 | 3,881 | 0.40 | 5,100 | 0.54 | 8,175 | 0.87 | 5,775 | 0.63 | As approved by Convention Resolutions, most recently Southport 2009. 2024 Convention is in Melbourne, 2025 Mexico. | |
| 8 | Sp Cttees, Meetings and Contact Govrs | 0 | 0.00 | 0 | 0.00 | - | 0.00 | - | 0.00 | 600 | 0.07 | ||
| 9 | Strategic Development Committee | 0 | 0.00 | 0 | 0.00 | 600 | 0.06 | 600 | 0.06 | 0 | 0.00 | ||
| 10 | Insurance (excl. charged to Clubs) | 28803 | 2.88 | 36,609 | 3.75 | 32,500 | 3.46 | 33,500 | 3.56 | 85,000 | 9.24 | After discussion with MD Insurance Broker. | |
| 11 | National HQ | 117091 | 11.71 | 111,971 | 11.48 | 136,904 | 14.56 | 133,453 | 14.20 | 133,247 | 14.48 | ||
| 12 | Directory & Postage | 475 | 0.05 | 0 | 0.00 | - | 0.00 | - | 0.00 | 0 | 0.00 | ||
| 13 | Independent Examination - Accountants | 1750 | 0.18 | 1,800 | 0.18 | 1,750 | 0.19 | 1,750 | 0.19 | 1,750 | 0.19 | ||
| 14 | Travel Aid (105CN, 105N, 105SC) | 0.00 | 0.00 | ||||||||||
| 158,608 | 15.86 | 208,979 | 21.43 | 235,284 | 25.03 | 233,445 | 24.83 | 286,653 | 31.16 | ||||
| Communication | |||||||||||||
| 15 | Magazine | 35732 | 3.57 | 25259 | 2.59 | 35,000 | 3.72 | 44,285 | 4.71 | 30,000 | 3.26 | ||
| 16 | Information Technology Committee | 0 | 0.00 | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | |||||
| 17 | Contribution from PR Reserve | 0 | 0.00 | 0 | 0.00 | - 5,000 | -0.53 | - 5,000 | -0.53 | - 11,000 | -1.20 | ||
| 18 | PR Comm & Pub | 42660 | 4.27 | 35730 | 3.66 | 48,000 | 5.11 | 50,650 | 5.39 | 50,000 | 5.43 | £20,000 minimum, dictated by Convention Resolution, budget in line with indexation. | |
| 78,392 | 7.84 | 60,989 | 6.26 | 78,000 | 8.30 | 89,935 | 9.57 | 69,000 | 7.50 | ||||
| GAT: Service, Leadership & Membership | To cover all GAT/GLT/GMT/GST activities. | ||||||||||||
| 19 | A | Membership Officer inc Campus, Extension & Retention | |||||||||||
| 20 | B | Regional Institute/Faculty Development Institute. | |||||||||||
| 21 | Leadership Development | ||||||||||||
| 22 | Service Team | ||||||||||||
| 2,527 | 3,642 | 9,851 | 1 | 9,851 | 1.05 | 7,250 | 0.79 | ||||||
| 23 | New Lions Symposium | 10,325 | 12,000 | 1 | 15,000 | 1.60 | 15,000 | 1.63 | |||||
| 2,527 | 0.25 | 13,967 | 1.43 | 21,851 | 2.32 | 24,851 | 2.64 | 22,250 | 2.42 | ||||
| Youth | |||||||||||||
| 24 | Youth Review | ||||||||||||
| 25 | Young Ambassador | ||||||||||||
| 26 | Yth Exchange | ||||||||||||
| 27 | Leo Clubs Co-ordinator (net of Yth Tst contr.) | ||||||||||||
| 28 | Life Skills Officer | ||||||||||||
| 29 | Peace Poster | ||||||||||||
| 30 | Young Leaders in Service | ||||||||||||
| 2,313 | 0.23 | 78 | 0.01 | 3,000 | 0.32 | 3,000 | 0.32 | 4,500 | 0.49 | ||||
| International | |||||||||||||
| 31 | International Conv. (including attendance | - | 0.00 | 16,478 | 1.69 | 18,830 | 2.00 | 20,790 | 2.21 | 24,000 | 2.61 | ||
| 32 | Europa Forum | ||||||||||||
| 33 | Mag. Editor to Europa Forum | ||||||||||||
| 34 | International Convention Committee | ||||||||||||
| 35 | LCIF Officer | ||||||||||||
| 36 | International Relations Officer | ||||||||||||
| 37 | Patron Liaison | ||||||||||||
| 1,237 | 0.12 | 4,396 | 0.45 | 6,903 | 0.73 | 7,000 | 0.74 | 12,350 | 1.34 | ||||
| Projects | |||||||||||||
| 38 | Activity Alliance | ||||||||||||
| 39 | Brain Tumour | ||||||||||||
| 40 | Childhood Cancer | ||||||||||||
| 41 | Diabetes Education | ||||||||||||
| 42 | Dementia | ||||||||||||
| 43 | Environment | ||||||||||||
| 44 | Hunger | ||||||||||||
| 45 | Leos | ||||||||||||
| 46 | MedicAlert | ||||||||||||
| 47 | Personal Hygiene | ||||||||||||
| 48 | Physical & Learning Disabilities | ||||||||||||
| 49 | Prostate Cancer | ||||||||||||
| 50 | Refugee | ||||||||||||
| 51 | Sight including Vision Screening | ||||||||||||
| 52 | Special Olympics | ||||||||||||
| 53 | Speech/Hearing | ||||||||||||
| 146 | 0.01 | 929 | 0.10 | 2,500 | 0.27 | 2,500 | 0.27 | 3,500 | 0.38 | ||||
| Adm. & Management | |||||||||||||
| 54 | MD Officers - Attendance, Convention | ||||||||||||
| 55 | Charities Adviser | ||||||||||||
| 56 | Arboretum | ||||||||||||
| 57 | CNRO | ||||||||||||
| 58 | Credentials Officer | ||||||||||||
| 59 | Data Protection | ||||||||||||
| 60 | Health & Safety | ||||||||||||
| 61 | Legal Adviser | ||||||||||||
| 62 | Tax Adviser | ||||||||||||
| 63 | Vulnerable Persons | ||||||||||||
| 218 | 0.02 | 1,714 | 0.18 | 3,900 | 0.41 | 3,900 | 0.41 | 3,900 | 0.42 | ||||
| Gross Revenue Total | 243,441 | 24.34 | 307,530 | 31.54 | 370,268 | 39.39 | 385,421 | 41.00 | 426,153 | 46.32 | |||
| Income & Injection | - 14,402 | -1.44 | - 21,572 | -2.21 | - 15,500 | -1.65 | - 4,000 | -0.43 | - 16,500 | -1.79 | |||
| Budget | 229,039 | 20.82 | 285,958 | 28.60 | 354,768 | 37.74 | 381,421 | 40.58 | 409,653 | 44.53 | |||
| No of members per budget | 11,000 | 10,000 | 9,750 | 9,400 | 9,200 | ||||||||
| Dues Calculation | 30.45 | 28.60 | 36.39 | 40.58 | 44.53 | ||||||||
| Income & Injection | |||||||||||||
| Sundry Expenses - Training | 3,986 | 799 | 10,000 | 1,000 | |||||||||
| Depreciation | 1,816 | 2,732 | 2,000 | 2,000 | 1,000 | ||||||||
| Sundry Income | - 5,941 | - 4,019 | |||||||||||
| Gross Profit - Sales (National HQ) | - 365 | - 8,684 | - 6,000 | - 6,000 | - 6,000 | ||||||||
| Rental Income | - 9,987 | - 10,866 | - 8,500 | - 10,500 | - 11,500 | ||||||||
| Contribution | - 3,322 | - 1,244 | - 5,000 | - | - | ||||||||
| Interest | - 2,488 | - 2,906 | - 3,000 | - 4,500 | - 6,000 | ||||||||
| Tax | 1,899 | 2,616 | 5,000 | 5,000 | 5,000 | ||||||||
| Total | - 14,402 | - 21,572 | - 15,500 | - 4,000 | - 16,500 | ||||||||
| Dues Set | 28.50 | 33.50 | 29.50 | 35.00 | 42.00 | ||||||||
| Dues Income | 313,500 | 335,000 | 287,625 | 329,000 | 386,400 | ||||||||
| Transfer from Reserves | 67,143 | 52,421 | 23,253 | ||||||||||
Resolution 4
Proposed by Council of Governors
Resolution Concerning Convention Quorum
This Convention Resolves to amend By-Law 11 to the MD Constitution By
deleting the current wording in its entirety and replacing with the
words:
"Quorum.
11 A minimum of 1% (rounded up to the next whole number) of the Multiple District membership as recorded at LCI on the 31st December in the year immediately preceding the Convention shall constitute a quorum.
If such a quorum is found not to be present during any session of Convention during which matters requiring a vote by registered delegates remain to be dealt with, the Chairperson shall immediately declare that Convention Stands Adjourned – until a time and place to be determined by the Council of Governors."
Explanatory Note:
In recent years the Convention Committee and the Chairman of Council have had the added stress of not knowing if there would be the 150 voting delegates attending the business session, and therefore unsure if business could
constitutionally be conducted.
The 150-delegate number was set at a time when our membership was well over 20k, since that peak, the numbers have declined and yet the 150 has remained unchanged.
Looking at the membership numbers against the fixed quorum of 150, the average percentage since our membership high of approx. 22,000 and now of just under 10,000 is 1%
The Strategic Development Committee discussed at great length the pros and cons of a fixed figure against a percentage. It was concluded that a percentage figure would be better and will then track alongside our membership numbers.
This resolution will require a simple majority.
Resolution 5
Proposed by Council of Governors
Resolution concerning Youth Activities Funding
This Convention resolves that the sum of £4.00 (four pounds) per Club Member currently requested from Clubs to support Multiple District Youth Activities be increased to £6.00 (six pounds) per Club Member for the Lionistic Year 2024-2025.
This Convention further resolves that the Council of Governors continues to review this sum on an annual basis and make a recommendation to successive Conventions as to a suitable sum to be requested for the immediately following Lionistic Year.
In the event that no such recommendation is made or, that same is rejected by Convention, the sum to be requested shall be that agreed at the most recent preceding Convention.
Explanatory Note:
The last increase in the donation sought was at Convention in 2012.
There can be no doubt that our declining membership will decrease the monies available to the Foundation.
Council accepted the Review Team's recommendation that we send our Young Ambassador winner to attend the MD Youth Camp in 'their' year and an international camp the year following, as part of the prize and as a means of improving the appeal of the competition. It is accepted that there will be a cost to this. We are fortunate that we currently have a residual bequest that covers the cost of the Shipshape award and note that this too will need to be covered by donations received when the bequest has been utilised.
The Youth Review Team believe that an increase in the level of the donation is necessary not only to cover current costs, but to build a margin to cover future expansion and projects.
The Youth Review Team acknowledge that this a chicken and egg situation; we are aware that some clubs do not recognise the opportunities our Youth programme can provide or struggle as they don't engage with the programme. However, when we roll out our plan and proposals and members see the potential, we believe they will be even more inclined to support the fund and see that it is money well spent.
However, the situation needs to be kept under annual review.
This donation to Youth Activity funding can be made from a Clubs charity funds.
This resolution will require a simple majority.
Resolution 6
Proposed by the Council of Governors
Resolution concerning the election of the Chair of Council
This Convention resolves to amend the Multiple District Constitution Article II Section 6(a) by inserting a new sentence after the words 'with which he shall serve'
'In the event of a Vice District Governor for a District being unable to attend such election, then the Second Vice District Governor of that District or in his absence, the current District Governor of that District may substitute to represent the District in the election process.'
to read:
'The Council Chairman shall be elected from those so qualified under Section 3 above, by the Vice District Governors who will form the Council of Governors with which he shall serve. In the event of a Vice District Governor for a District being unable to attend such election, then the Second Vice District Governor of that District or in his absence, the current District Governor of that District may substitute to represent the District in the election process. This election shall be at a time and place of their choosing.'
Explanatory note:
In recent years situations have arisen resulting in a District having no representation in the election of the Chair of Council. It is considered by Council that a fairer election could be held if all Districts were represented
However, the current wording of the Constitution regarding who can vote is quite restrictive, permitting only those Vice Governors who will form the Council with whom the elected Chair will sit to have a vote.
It is believed that this amendment will cover situations where a Vice Governor is, for any reason, unable to take part in the election process, thus giving Districts a greater chance of having an input into the process.
This resolution will require a 2/3 majority.
PDFs of the above
