Who?

At the November 2006 State Council Meeting, CC Richard Yurish appointed a committee to study the Feasibility of Redistricting in MD 14. PID Samuel Milliken serves as Chair of that Committee and the members are DGs Carol Richardson (14-E, Western District),Peter Van Zandt (14-T, Central District) and Judy Dudley (14-U, Eastern District). Members serving in an advisory capacity are: PIDs Robert Miller, Carl Battistone, Eugene Polgar, LeGrand Perce, Theodore Fusco and Ross DiMarco, CC Richard Yurish, VCC Clifford Crose, Constitution and By-Laws Chair PDG Jack Schimmel and State Administrator Marcia Shaull. Interested Lions are always invited to attend meetings and participate in discussion.

What ?

What is the Charge?
The committee has been charged with studying the feasibility of Redistricting i MD 14 and will be making periodic reports and a financial recommendation to Council over a period of two or more years/
What Has Been Done?
The Committee has met and PID Sam has reported at the quarterly at Council Meetings. Historical/Geographical Membership Data has been gathered and distributed to Committee members. Data from both District and Clubs levels have been entered into a database so that future geographic data will be easy to assemble. The Club/Membership information has also been placed on a PA County Map so that it is possible to look at data on a county level without prejudice of current district boundaries.
What Will Be Done?
The committee has met and updated all of the data with the final report based on LCI data of January 30, 2008. Parameters were established for any possible redistricting that might be recommended. Members of the committee will be available to visit various districts on invitation from the District Governor. As pertinent information becomes available, articles will be submitted to the Pride and there will be regular reports to Council. As time and space are available, there will be informational meetings in conjunction with State Council Meetings.

Why?
MD 14 has always been a leader in Lionism in the United States. We have a proud history and heritage that is unequaled. Our membership, however, has suffered serious losses over the last 20 years. This, of course, is not unlike other Multiples in the United States. It is now incumbent on us to exerise our leadership and look to solving our problems with regard to the number of districts that are below or close to below the number of clubs (35) or members (1250) required by LCI to maintain district status. (Based on the most recent LCI Membership report for MD 14, there are 7 districts below the 1250 membership level required for a viable district and there are other districts that are very close to that number.) Larger Districts are more efficient, cost effective and fiscally responsible for both LCI and MD 14 administration.

You might ask, why we should do this. The first answer is that it is to our advantage to be proactive and solve our own problems before a solution is imposed on us. We know our multiple better than anyone outside and could best set the parameters and define the time line if it is decided that redistricting is the proper course to take. The second answer is that if a governor and his/her cabinet will be able to concentrate on effective recruitment, retention and extension programs that can look at long-term growth rather than magic bullets. The third answer is our motto: "We Serve." Given time to concentrate on our mission we will increase our visibility and stature in our communities making ourselves more attractive to potential members. The fourth answer is district leadership. We have, over the past few years, had several instances of having difficulty in finding Vice Governor candidates. When VDG candidates can be identified early they can begin preparing early making them more qualified as they are required to assume greater responsibility.

When we look at the numbers we must admit that we have had extreme losses over the past several years. It is a problem that belongs to MD 14 and one that will not be solved overnight. There are no winners or losers in this situation. If the recommendation turns out to be that we should redistrict it will require commitment, good judgment and good will of every Lion in Pennsylvania. It can be done and our membership situation can ultimately be turned around. When we, the Lions of Pennsylvania, have accomplished this; we will show the Lions of the world that we have Service as our goal and sound management principles as our philosophy.

How? (from LCI Policy)

REDISTRICTING
DISTRICT & CLUB ADMINISTRATION DIVISION

The following policy shall apply with respect to each redistricting proposal submitted to the board of directors pursuant to Article II, Section 3 of the International By-Laws.

1. All redistricting proposals must be submitted and filed with international office by August 15. No redistricting proposal shall be approved at the June/July board meeting.

2. The single or multiple district seeking approval shall submit the following:

a.) A certified copy of the minutes of the respective convention of the redistricting single district or sub-district(s) as well as multiple district at which the proposal was approved when the minutes become available.
b.) A list of names of the clubs, which shall comprise each proposed sub-district with each club's total membership. Each proposed sub-district shall have the minimum of thirty-five (35) clubs with one thousand two hundred fifty (1250) members in good standing.
c.) A map clearly defining the proposed boundary lines or changes in boundary lines.
d.) Payment of US$500 as a redistricting fee, which will be waived if the result of redistricting reduces the number of districts.

3. The accounts of all the clubs in the redistricting single or sub-district(s) shall have no outstanding balance over 90 days when the redistricting proposal is submitted.

4. All accounts of any single or sub-district(s) shall be paid in full by March 31 of the fiscal year in which the proposal is submitted. Any unpaid balances incurred after March 31 shall be paid in full by June 30 of that fiscal year.

5. When a proposal divides an existing sub-district, the name of one of new sub-districts shall be the same as that of the original sub-district, if circumstances so permit.

6. All approved redistricting proposals shall take effect at the adjournment of the next international convention.

7. Failure to meet any of the above requirements may void the board's approval of the redistricting proposal.

NOTE: No such redistrict proposal shall be considered by the board of directors unless each proposed district shall contain at least thirty five (35) Lions clubs with a total membership of not less than one thousand and two hundred and fifty (1250) members in good standing.