Reminder to Club Secretary and Treasurers: District Dues
As October approaches, it’s important for all secretaries and treasurers within District 37 of the Montana Lions Clubs to prepare for the upcoming assessment of district dues. Here’s everything you need to know to ensure your club is ready and compliant.
Key Date & Membership Basis
The district dues are assessed on January 1st based on the membership as recorded in the Lions Portal on November 1. This means that your club’s dues will be calculated based on the number of members listed in the portal on this date. Ensure your membership records are up to date by then to avoid any discrepancies.
Dues Structure
The dues are set at $25 per member. This fee is divided into two main parts:
- District Operations: $24 of the dues collected from each member goes towards the district’s operational costs. This supports the various activities, programs, and administrative needs of District 37.
- Friendship Committee: $1 from each member’s dues is allocated to the district’s Friendship Committee. This committee plays a crucial role in fostering camaraderie and support within the district, making it a vital part of our community.
What to Do Next
- Update Membership Records: Double-check and update your membership records in the Lions Portal before November 1. Ensure all new members are added and any changes in membership status are accurately reflected.
- Communicate with Your Club: Remind club members about the upcoming dues assessment.
- Prepare Financially: Ensure that your club’s finances are in order to cover the dues based on your current membership count. Budgeting for these dues can prevent any last-minute financial strains.
Timely and accurate dues assessment is crucial for the smooth operation of our district. By keeping your records up to date and preparing your club financially, you help maintain the integrity and efficiency of our district’s operations.
If you have any questions or need assistance with updating your records, please reach out to me or District Administrator Peggy.
By Lion Steve Dogiakos
District Cabinet Meeting – July 2024: Key Highlights
The Montana Lions District 37 Cabinet convened on July 13, 2024, at the Great Falls School for the Deaf and the Blind. District Governor Raleigh Peck presiding. With a blend of in-person and virtual attendees, the meeting covered significant developments, financial updates, and new initiatives for the year.
District Governor’s Vision
District Governor Raleigh Peck emphasized his mission for the year, focusing on Club Branches, which require only five members to start. This initiative aims to boost membership and club activity across the district.
Financial Health and Recommendations
Cabinet Treasurer Steve Dogiakos presented the financial report, revealing that the district is in a decent financial position. However, there is a budget shortfall of about $24,000 for the current year. The team discussed strategies to balance the budget, including adding a line item for the Global Extension Team. Funds will be moved from Stockman Bank to 1st Bank of Montana in Choteau for better local access. The financial report and the resolution for banking were unanimously approved.
Grant Updates and Club Health
Past District Governor and current Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) District Co-chair Mike Tobin reported on various grants, including closing out the Plus Optix Grant and new grant applications from Glendive for ADA-compliant pool bathrooms and food bank appliances. The district’s giving to the LCIF is up by 25% compared to the previous year. The Club Health Assessment indicated a positive trend for the district.
Club Officer Training & Leadership Development
Efforts to enhance club officer training are ongoing, with new video resources for using the new Lions Clubs International Portal and training sessions planned for the upcoming convention in Helena.
A Leadership Retreat is scheduled for September 20-21 in Choteau, aiming to bolster leadership skills across the district. Contact PDG Mike Collins for information or to refer prosepctive attendees.
New Initiatives and Policies
A significant update to the district’s policies was the introduction of a 3rd Vice District Governor position, funded with $1,500 from reserves as a pilot program. The Cabinet also approved amendments to the endorsed projects and enhanced the security measures for the district’s website directory by removing email information and implementing contact forms.
Around the District: Community Projects & Reports
Zone Chairs provided updates on various community projects, including Columbia Falls’ summer concerts and Heritage Days, Eureka’s playground installation, and Choteau’s parade and concert sponsorships. Clubs are actively engaged in local events, demonstrating the Lions’ commitment to community service.
Future Events & Conventions
Plans for the 2025 District Convention in Helena are underway, with $3,000 in seed money allocated. The event will feature International Director Anthony Paradiso from New York. Additionally, the collection of eyeglasses was established as a district project, ensuring continued support for this important initiative.
Next Meeting and Adjournment
The next Cabinet meeting is scheduled for October 12 at the Great Falls School for the Deaf and the Blind, with Zoom available. All Region and Zone chair, and Club Presidents and Secretaries are invited.
The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn at 1:00 PM, marking the end of a productive session focused on the growth and the betterment of District 37.
Reimbursement Documents Available
The following documents are available for requesting District funds:
By MontanaLionsDistrict Election Results (from mail-in ballot in lieu of convention)
District 37 2020 Election Details
| Potential Voting Delegates | 165 |
| Returned Delegate Certification Forms | 29 Clubs |
| Total Voters | 56 |
| Votes | Item |
|---|---|
| 56 | Votes for DG Candidate Mike Collins |
| 56 | Votes for 1st VDG Candidate Michael Tobin |
| 56 | Votes for 2nd VDG Candidate Scott Dornfeld |
| 56 | Votes for Kalispell as the site for the 2021 convention |
| 55 | Votes for Constitution Resolution – Officers and District Cabinet |
| 52 | Votes for Constitution Resolution – Miscellaneous |
| 52 | Votes for By-Laws – Article I – Section 8 |
| 1 | Vote Against the Proposed Change to the By-laws |
There was only 1 vote in opposition to any of the ballot proposals. Several of the ballots were incomplete.
Ballots have been appropriately destroyed.
Respectfully,
PDG Dennis Kopitzke, Chair, Elections and Certification Committee
Lion Darrell Grogan Forsyth Lions Club
Lion Bob Martelle, Forsyth Lions Club
Lion Gordon VanAsh, Forsyth Lions Club
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