What happens when District Governors (DGs) are unaware of the dispute resolution guidelines outlined on the Lions Clubs International (LCI) website? This was the situation my friend faced after being expelled on March 10th, 2025. He attempted to resolve the issue amicably, avoiding the formal Dispute Resolution Procedure (DRP), especially since the DG had arbitrarily set a cost of USD 200 instead of the usual amount of USD 50.
Had the DG been familiar with the LCI guidelines, she might have pursued an informal resolution, as recommended on the website. Conflicts within an organization are natural—and sometimes even beneficial. While most disputes can be settled informally, some are more complex and require structured procedures to ensure a fair outcome for all parties involved. The LCI guidelines emphasize that before initiating the DRP, individuals should exhaust all efforts to resolve disputes informally.
Resolving Conflicts Before Dispute Resolution
Lions are encouraged to address conflicts respectfully and fairly prior to invoking the DRP. At a minimum, the parties should hold at least one meeting to attempt a resolution. These informal discussions are not part of the formal DRP but play a critical role in determining whether escalation is necessary. One effective informal method is the collaborative management approach. This involves all parties openly exploring each other’s perspectives, analyzing the conflict, planning a course of action, and working together to find mutually acceptable solutions.
Sadly, due to the DG’s lack of awareness and the poor counsel of her cabinet officers, my friend ended up losing USD 200. It’s a regrettable outcome that could have been avoided with proper knowledge and application of the guidelines.
Alan Thoo, I urge you to review these guidelines and share them with all Lion members to prevent such situations in the future.
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