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PLANNING THE DISTRICT
GOVERNOR'S OFFICIAL VISIT
All Clubs in this District host
an annual visit from the District Governor, Malcolm Merrick, who under the
International Constitution is required to visit each Club at least once during
his term of office.
Clubs will want to show him
proper courtesy upon this visit. A DG's position is not merely a social one,
despite many very pleasant functions arranged by Clubs. Your DG has a year of
arduous and challenging service to this great District of ours. You will want to
honour this dedication by making the Governor's visit a highlight of the Clubs
year.
Final arrangements, in
writing, will be forwarded to DG Malcolm in order that both the DG and your Club knows
exactly what was decided well beforehand.
Submit carefully timed agenda
for DG's information. Final confirmation note should include date, time, place,
dress and other significant points about visit, such as presentation of awards,
special anniversaries or induction ceremony.
Some Clubs, as a gesture of
hospitality, meet accommodation expenses for official visits. If your Club does
not pay accommodation, the DG may receive a modest reimbursement from LCI toward
motel accommodation for official visit. Clubs normally arrange booking. Advise
the DG beforehand please if your Club is paying or not paying for accommodation.
DG Malcolm receives no
reimbursement from LCI for attending Changeover Nights and social functions. For
such occasions it is normally expected that the accommodation cost of Installing
Officers (for example: DG, VDG, or PDG), where appropriate, be met by Club.
It is usual for the Club to
invite the Region or Zone Chairmen, in writing, as guests for the District
Governor's Official Visit. This District Officer should be requested in advance
to formally introduce the District Governor.
Club Presidents should meet
and welcome the District Governor shortly after arrival. Brief and inform DG
on Club and how DG Malcolm may mention points to help Club and its administration. Go
over final arrangements for the evening.
DG may meet with Board of
Directors. Past experience indicates this meeting could take up to 30
minutes, depending on questions from Board Members. DG may ask about Club's
file of members' personal record sheets (M‑33‑SA). Please have available
together with current balances of bank accounts. This meeting is recommended
to commence at least half hour prior to pre‑dinner fellowship, rather than
after dinner. Concentration on business after dinner is difficult. DG
Malcolm will address Club
during dinner and be available to answer questions.
Club Bulletin should carry
advance publicity of impending DG visit, as it will want to honour this occasion
with best possible attendance. Local newspaper/s should welcome An announcement,
a photograph and a few facts from DG's profile follows. The Club will benefit
from a press interview and should be followed up with a short media article
after visit to include Club activities.
DG's official visit is very much
a Lions, rather than public, occasion and therefore outside guests are usually
kept to a minimum. However, because it should be a distinguished Lions occasion,
it is considered appropriate to invite a Mayor, Shire President, Press, and
Presidents of other Service Clubs etc. These visits normally, in our District,
are ladies nights.
Dinner programme should focus on
DG's visit. No other speaker. Region or Zone Chairman is to formally ‑‑introduce
DG Malcolm. When a distinguished‑Lion (Past President or like) proposes an
essential toast to Lions Clubs International it does not require a formal
response. If proposed by a civic dignitary it is usual for the DG to respond.
DG Malcolm will present his
official personal bannerette to the Club. Please have available a Club
bannerette or Club badge if appropriate for presentation in return.
Club may wish to show
appreciation by presenting a small gift to DG Malcolm. Such token might be a
memento representing local area.
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