A club branch is a small group of people who become members of an existing "parent" Lions club, but who hold meetings and conduct service activities at a location that is separate from the parent club. Branch members are full members of the parent Lions club, with all privileges and responsibilities.

In many communities, it is difficult to reach the 20-member minimum necessary to charter a new club. Club branches can solve this problem. Because branches may be formed with a smaller number of members, they can flourish where chartered clubs cannot be established: small towns, remote rural areas, ethnic neighborhoods, business parks and medical complexes.

Any Lions club may establish a branch in any area of its district not currently served by Lions. A club may form more than one branch; however, the district governor must be notified that each branch is being formed.

Who's Who in Club Branches?

Parent Club - This is an existing Lions club that recruits branch members and provides support and guidance as needed. All club branch members are considered members of the parent club.

Branch Coordinator - As an officer elected from the branch membership, the branch coordinator serves as the leader of the club branch. In addition, he or she serves on the parent club's board of directors.

Branch Vice Coordinator - The branch vice coordinator is also elected from the branch membership. He or she serves as administrator, recording minutes for the branch meetings and preparing monthly financial reports for the parent club, among other duties.

Branch Liaison - A member of the parent club who acts as the go-between for the parent and branch, the branch liaison serves on the branch's executive committee.

Branch Member - As members of a club branch, Lions are active participants in meetings, service activities and fundraising projects. They vote on branch activities and, in some cases, may vote on parent club activities.

1.  Host an informational meeting in the proposed branch's service area once the district governor has been notified that a branch is being formed. Invite community leaders, business professionals, educators and anyone else who is interested in joining the club branch. The branch liaison should also attend. This informal gathering can introduce Lions service and discuss possible projects, among other topics. Afterwards, thank participants for their time and invite them to take the next step: attending the organizational meeting.

2.  Conduct an organizational meeting where potential branch members learn more about the details of Lions membership,club and branch structure, duties of branch officers, dues and any other relevant issues.

3.  Invite them into membership and officially establish the new club branch.

4.  Elect officers within the branch. Branch members should elect their own coordinator and vice coordinator. Duties for these officers are described above.

The club branch is now ready to conduct service activities in its own community!   Once established, the club branch reports its service activities and membership changes to the parent club, which provides guidance and support for the branch. As the branch and parent club settle into these new roles, they are encouraged to hold occasional joint meetings to share information and further promote the spirit of fellowship.

The Club Branch Builder Kit includes:

• Guide to Branch Formation (CB4) - Easy-to-use manual designed for a parent club that wishes to establish a branch and help it grow.
• Coordinator's Guide to Branch Management (CB5) - Comprehensive guide for branch leaders, full of leadership techniques and suggestions.
• Notification of Club Branch (CB1) - Form for notifying International Headquarters of the new branch; used by the parent club.
• Family Unit Certification Form (TK30) - Form for certifying family units to recieve the Family Membership Dues Rate.
• Branch Membership Update (CB2) - Easy-to-use form to report branch members to International Headquarters; used by the parent club.  
• Invitation-Application for Membership (ME6B) - Pocket-size application for prospective new Lions members.
• Lions Make a Difference (ME40) - Brochure for potential members and gives an overview of Lions Clubs International.
• Club Branch Fact Sheet (CB17) - Details step-by-step on how to form a club branch as well as the material that is included in the kit.
• Lions Clubs Constitution and By-Laws (LA2) - Guidelines and policies of Lions Clubs International for branch leaders.
• Club Officers Manual (LA15) - Reference for leadership techniques as the branch grows.

Club Branch Conversion
Submit the Club Branch Conversion Form with the new club application for club branch members listed in the parent club in good standing to receive the transfer fee exemption.

Explore the possibility of branches wherever quality members can be found!

Learn more on how your club can be a part of this exciting program! 

To order your Club Branch Builder Kit contact: The New Clubs and Marketing Department by phone 630-571-5466, ext. 522; by fax at 630-571-1691; or by e-mail at clubbranch@lionsclubs.org.