Lion Mahfiz Hassan Club experiences

Club experiences

Friday, January 22, 2021

Open letter to LCI (Part 4) LCI flouting its constitution

The following is my email written to Mr. David Kingsbury of LCI, Administration Division, Finance Division, The President of LCI on 21.1.2021.

Dear Mr. David Kingsbury,

Here are relevant paragraphs of an email from you to me dated 8.2.2018.

While you have shared substantial information alleging wrongdoing, it appears that this has been reviewed by both the local police and the ROS. As you have stated that no criminal wrongdoing has been found to date, no action may be taken at this time.

Please be advised that if this situation changes and either of the authorities that have been notified do find criminal behavior occurred, we would request the district governor or any other Lion notify this office and provide any relevant evidence to confirm such findings so that additional action may be taken. Although you are not a current member, should you be aware of such information and provide that to this office, the information will be reviewed and handled in the same manner.

On 18.7.2018 I wrote an email to you as well as the Administration and finance section of LCI informing you that the Lions Club of Kota Kinabalu Host was de-registered on 28.6.2018. The club was reinstated only on 2.7.2019. In other words, the club was defunct for the whole of the financial year 2018/2019.

LCI accepted club dues to LCI from a club that they knew (because I had informed you) had been de-registered.

Accepting the Club dues and not placing the club under status quo appears to conflict with many of the Ethics and Rules and Regulations on the LCI website as well as LCI handbook.

On what basis did you accept the dues to LCI when:

i. The obligations of each chartered club is to hold regular scheduled meetings or events and this was not done for the whole financial year.

ii. When the District dues and fees were not paid (Not accepted by the district)*.

iii. The club had failed to fulfill the obligations of a chartered Lions club, such as, but not limited to, failure to hold club meetings or events regularly, or failure to report membership for three or more consecutive months.

iv.    Monies in payment of club obligations should only be paid on authority given by the board of directors. You were made aware that the club had been de-registered which means no Board of Directors meetings could have been held.

Tell me, Mr. Kingsbury, how do Lions promote the principles of good government and good citizenship, when you do not even respect the local ROS decision to de-register the club?

Lions International has given the wrong message to Lion clubs here where all lion members I have spoken to, tell me not to waste my time with LCI as LCI does not recognize the decisions of the local government. I did not believe them and started writing to you and after 3 years and finally your disregard to the de-registration by our ROS I am inclined to believe what the lions have told me all this while.

 

It does not appear that LCI portrays what it states in its website on ethics. Here are some extracts from a website on ethics on the Lion’s website and my comments.

 

No act or request on the part of Lions clubs and their members, officers, board of directors or staff within our association with  whom,  or  the  community  for  whom,  we  render  services  can  justify  the  breach  of  this  guideline.    Honest  and  ethical  conduct  is  defined  by  four  core  values  that  serve  as  the  foundation  for  our  Ethical  Standards: Integrity  –  Lions  Clubs  International  insists  on  the  highest  standards  of  personal  and  professional  integrity.    We  must  all  make  every  possible effort to safeguard the association’s  assets.    We  must  also  comply with all association policies and applicable laws.

My comments: What integrity are you talking about when you yourself disregard local laws?

How do you expect the lions to have respect and comply with ROS policies and applicable laws when you can accept dues from a club that you know has been de-registered?

Accountability  –  Lions  Clubs  International  expects  all  club  officers  to  honor  commitments  as  authorized  and  made  on  behalf  of  the  association  and  take  individual  responsibility  for  all  actions  and  outcomes.  It has no tolerance for ethical violations.

My comment: LCI has no tolerance for ethical violation? Is this just for show and for public consumption?

In many instances, ethical standards intersect legal requirements.  If an ethical or legal compliance issue arises that raises a question in your mind, you have a responsibility to bring that issue  to  the  attention  of  the  appropriate  International  Board  committee  or  International  Office  division  (for  example,  the  Finance  and  Headquarters  Operation  Committee  reviews  Conflict  of  Interest  issues;  the  Constitution  and  By-Laws  Committee  and/or  Legal  Division  review  Legal  issues).    You  may  also  bring  ethical  or  legal  concerns  to  the  attention  of  your  District  Governor,  the  International  Board  of  Directors, the Executive Officers, or the Administrative Officers of the association. 

My comments: What a load of nonsense! I wrote to you when I was still a member. Subsequently you had the audacity to tell me that I am no longer a member and therefore I cannot complain to you. So, what is there to prevent a few senior members, as was the case with my former club, from mishandling funds and then expelling any member and thus preventing them from writing to you?

I believe it is silly of you to tell any citizen of a country, be he a member or non-member, that you will not entertain their complaint even when the complaint is given in writing with documentary evidence?

You had instructed the DG at that time DG Eve Wong to take action under CDRP. Why did she not do it? What lesson is going to be learned by other subsequent DG’s? 

Note: *Did the Lions Club of KKHost pay the District Dues? I am in the process of checking this out. If the district dues was collected that would be flouting the Societies ACT.

Sylhet City Lions Club

The Sylhet City Lions Club is a prominent community service organization based in Sylhet, Bangladesh. Founded with the mission to serve and uplift communities, the club is affiliated with the global Lions Clubs International network, which is known for its dedication to humanitarian service worldwide. With a focus on improving quality of life for all residents of Sylhet, the club has been active in various charitable, educational, healthcare, and environmental initiatives since its inception.

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Key Programs and Initiatives

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1. Healthcare: The club regularly organizes health camps that offer free medical consultations, screenings, and essential medicines, ensuring access to healthcare for underprivileged residents. Eye camps, blood donation drives, and diabetic screenings are also frequently conducted, supporting a holistic approach to community health.

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The Sylhet City Lions Club is affectionately known as the “Heart of Sylhet” due to its significant contributions to the community. The club’s efforts go beyond traditional charity work; they have fostered a culture of volunteerism and collaboration that inspires other organizations and individuals to contribute to social welfare. By partnering with local businesses, government agencies, and the international Lions network, the club has amplified its reach, touching thousands of lives across the region.

Recognition and Awards

The Sylhet City Lions Club has earned numerous accolades for its impactful work and dedication to humanitarian service. Its projects have been recognized both locally and internationally, further solidifying its reputation as a leading organization in community service.

Future Goals

The Sylhet City Lions Club continues to look toward the future with plans to expand its programs and reach new segments of the community. With a strong foundation of dedicated members, the club remains committed to service, aiming to address emerging challenges and foster sustainable development in Sylhet and beyond.

Sylhet City Lions Club: Championing Community Service and Development

 The Lions Club of Sylhet City stands as a remarkable beacon of community service and leadership, embodying the very heart of Sylhet. Known for its deep commitment to enhancing the lives of local residents, the club is dedicated to creating a positive impact through its numerous charitable initiatives and outreach programs. Members of the club pour their passion into every endeavor, whether it’s providing essential resources to underprivileged families, organizing health camps, supporting educational initiatives, or championing causes that uplift society. Their unwavering focus on service above self reflects a genuine desire to make Sylhet a better place for everyone, particularly those most in need. The club's influence reaches far beyond city limits, inspiring other organizations and individuals to embrace a spirit of giving and unity. By addressing both immediate needs and fostering long-term community development, the Lions Club of Sylhet City remains a source of hope, pride, and joy for the residents, creating a legacy of generosity and civic duty.

The Lions Club of Sylhet City is a distinguished organization that truly embodies the spirit and soul of community service within Sylhet. Known as the "Heart of Sylhet," the club goes beyond traditional charity work to build meaningful, long-lasting connections with residents and positively influence the lives of countless individuals. Its unwavering commitment to service is evident in a wide array of initiatives, from health and wellness programs to educational support, environmental efforts, and disaster relief activities. Each project undertaken by the club reflects a deep understanding of the unique needs of Sylhet's diverse communities, striving to address both immediate concerns and foster sustainable development. The members, a group of dedicated individuals, bring their skills, resources, and compassion together to make a tangible difference, ensuring that the club's impact reaches people of all ages and backgrounds.

The Lions Club of Sylhet City’s work includes organizing health camps that provide free medical consultations, screenings, and medicines to those who might otherwise go without essential healthcare. Recognizing that education is a cornerstone for societal growth, the club has supported countless students through scholarships, supplies, and mentorship programs, believing that an investment in education is an investment in the future of Sylhet. Beyond health and education, the club is proactive in environmental conservation, with tree-planting drives, clean-up campaigns, and public awareness initiatives that highlight the importance of preserving Sylhet's natural beauty. When natural disasters strike, the Lions Club is one of the first organizations on the ground, providing food, shelter, and support to affected families, demonstrating their resilience and solidarity with the community in times of crisis.

Moreover, the club’s social events and gatherings foster a sense of camaraderie and inclusivity, bringing together people from all walks of life to work towards common goals. By building strong partnerships with local businesses, governmental agencies, and international Lions Club networks, the Sylhet City Lions Club amplifies its reach and effectiveness, creating ripple effects that touch lives far beyond Sylhet’s borders. The club’s leadership continuously seeks new ways to evolve and expand its impact, inspiring future generations to embrace the ethos of service. Through their dedication, the Lions Club of Sylhet City not only provides immediate relief and support but also inspires a culture of volunteerism and philanthropy that has made a lasting impact on Sylhet and its surrounding communities. Their work is a testament to the power of unity, empathy, and the unwavering belief that by helping others, we strengthen the very fabric of society.

The Sylhet City Lions Club is a leading community service organization in Sylhet, Bangladesh, affiliated with Lions Clubs International. Known as the "Heart of Sylhet," the club is dedicated to improving lives through healthcare, education, environmental conservation, and disaster relief efforts. By organizing free health camps, supporting educational initiatives, promoting environmental sustainability, and providing disaster relief, the club has had a significant impact on the community. Through partnerships with local and international organizations, the Sylhet City Lions Club continues to expand its reach, inspiring a culture of volunteerism and creating lasting change in the region.

The Sylhet City Lions Club is a prominent community service organization based in Sylhet, Bangladesh, dedicated to improving the lives of residents through a range of impactful initiatives. Affiliated with Lions Clubs International, the club is known for its commitment to healthcare, education, environmental conservation, and disaster relief. Recognized as the “Heart of Sylhet,” it regularly organizes health camps, educational support programs, tree-planting drives, and emergency aid efforts. The club’s dedicated members work together to address local needs, foster sustainable community development, and inspire volunteerism, making it a vital force in Sylhet

’s social and humanitarian landscape.