While fundamentally Round Table International and Ladies Circle International are the same, the way they are structured and operate varies in some aspects. This results in differences of procedures and terms.
This page is based on an extract of the Ladies’ Circle International (LCI) AGM Information Pack. This cheat sheet can be beneficial for members of the rest of the RT Family to better understand the structure of our sister organisation.
How to AGM
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Ladies’ Circle International (LCI) is a pivotal event that brings together members from over 40 countries to celebrate friendship, discuss organizational matters, and plan for the future. This guide will help new and returning members understand what to expect.
Purpose of the AGM
The AGM serves as LCI’s primary decision-making assembly, focusing on promoting international friendship, understanding, and goodwill among members. It is a time for discussion, decision-making, and celebrating the achievements of the past year while setting the stage for the future.
Frequency and Hosting
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- The AGM is held annually and is hosted by a different member country each year.
- This provides attendees with the opportunity to experience diverse cultures and strengthen global ties.
Key Activities
Voting and Discussions
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- Deliberations on constitutional amendments and other key matters occur during meetings leading up to the AGM, These are Councilors Meetings.
- Each full-member country is represented by two councillors, typically the National President and Vice President (or their designated replacements).
- Councillors vote on:
- Constitutional amendments
- Rule changes
- AGM venue selection
- International Service Project (ISP) candidatures
- Board position elections
Voting Process
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- Councillors cast their votes according to the mandate given by their respective countries.
- Voting is conducted using green and red cards:
- Green Card: Vote in favor
- Red Card: Vote against
- Secret ballot voting is used for:
- AGM venue selection
- Board position elections
- ISP candidatures
Elections
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- Candidates for the International Board will present their candidatures.
- Each candidate has three minutes to convince the councillors why they should be elected.
- Voting determines the leadership for the upcoming term.
Year Reports
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- International Board members present reports summarizing their work over the past year.
- These reports provide insight into ongoing projects and organizational progress.
Candidatures
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- Presentation of videos and proposals for new International Service Projects (ISP) if a new project is up for vote.
- Bidding presentations for hosting future AGMs.
Finance
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- The LCI Treasurer provides a financial update.
- Councillors vote on the financial statements and budget for the upcoming year.
Cultural Events
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- The host country showcases its heritage through performances, traditional attire, and cultural activities.
- Encourages cross-cultural appreciation and deeper global connections among members.
Historical Milestones
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- 1959: LCI was founded during the AGM in Leiden, Netherlands, establishing a shared constitution.
- 1994: LCI became an independent entity, allowing membership for all women aged 18–45.
- 2020: The first-ever virtual AGM was held, ensuring continuity despite global challenges.
Significance of the AGM
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- Reinforces LCI’s mission of “Friendship and Service.”
- Provides a platform for international collaboration and sharing of experiences.
- Encourages participation in impactful service projects worldwide.
Glossary and Abbreviations
Roles:
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- P = President
- VP = Vice President
- IPP = Immediate Past President
- S = Secretary
- T = Treasurer
- RC = Regional Chairperson
- BA = Board Assistants (Weblady and PR & Media Manager)
- WEB = Weblady
- MM = PR & Media Manager
Meetings:
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- AGM = Annual General Meeting
- MTM = Mid Term Meeting. This meeting is held per region
Structure of LCI:
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- CMx = Councillors Meeting (1, 2, or 3) – Meeting of LCI full board and President and Vice President of LCI Countries (In formation, Associated, and Full Member).
- BMx = Board Meeting x (1, 2, 3, 4, or 5) – Meeting of The Executive Board with Full Board members joining virtually
- APAC = Asian Pacific Region
- Nordic = Nordic Region
- MEUR = Middle European Region
- MR = Mediterranean Region
- African = African Region
- I.F. = In Formation – Status of countries in the period from the LCI AGM where they are approved to the Charter of the country
- AM = Associated Members – Countries that are chartered but not full members of LCI yet.
- FM = Full Member – Countries that are full members of LCI.
Other:
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- AOB = Any Other Business – The last point on agendas of official meetings
- National Board
- Circler = a Lady who is a member of Ladies Circle
- Circle = a Club which is associated to a National Board
- ISP = International Service Project
- NSP = National Service Project
- HYR = Half Year Report
- FYR = Full Year Report
- CW = Circler.World
- RTI = Round Table International
- 41CI = 41 Club International
- TCI = Tangent Club International
- ACI = Agorà Club International
- RT Family = Round Table Family – Cooperation with our family clubs: Ladies’ Circle International, Round Table International, 41Club International, Tangent Club International, Agorà Club International
- SidebySide = Cooperation with Round Table International or one of the other Family clubs