Fw: Annual Meeting/BOD List

["Barbara McCrary" <bigcreekranch@cruzio.com>]

Jim, I'm forwarding a post I sent already.  I think it will explain a good
deal.  Round tables would be satisfying venues, but they are VERY
time-consuming.  As long as the convention is only for two days, there is
not enough time to include a round table with the membership.  We have
talked for years about making the convention a three-day event.  I'm not
sure why this hasn't happened, but it must certainly have to do with
members' work schedules or available time.  I personally would love a round
table, as I like to hear all sides of issues.

Barbara McCrary
West region director
Chair-Rules Committee

----- Original Message -----
From: "Barbara McCrary" <bigcreekranch@cruzio.com>
To: "Nancy Mitts" <mitts_n@hotmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, November 01, 2001 8:23 AM
Subject: Re: Annual Meeting/BOD List


> You are so right, Nancy.  I've participated in round table discussions;
the
> BOD uses them a lot, too, in annual and mid-year meetings.  They take a
LOT
> of time.  Very satisfying, however.  We'd have to add another day on to
the
> convention in order to allow for a round table with the general
membership.
>
> Barbara McCrary
> West region director
> Chair-Rules Committee
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Nancy Mitts" <mitts_n@hotmail.com>
> To: <lanconn@tds.net>; <Kathy_Mayeda@atce.com>; <ridecamp@endurance.net>
> Sent: Wednesday, October 31, 2001 4:09 PM
> Subject: RC: Annual Meeting/BOD List
>
>
> > The board meets almost continually throughout the convention, that's why
> you
> > don't see them much. The year I went I also sat in on some of those
other
> > meeting, but they were in small rooms without much extra seating. The
> public
> > is also not allowed to speak except at the open session. More round
table
> > discussions might be nice, but I'm not sure where they'd fit in with all
> the
> > other business they need to cover.
> > In the central region we have our own convention, usually just prior to
> the
> > national convention. Our directors let us know what issues are going to
be
> > discussed & we discuss them so our directors get our input.
> >
> > Nancy Mitts
> >
> >
> > >From: Jim Holland <lanconn@tds.net>
> > >To: Kathy Mayeda <Kathy_Mayeda@atce.com>, Ridecamp
> <ridecamp@endurance.net>
> > >Subject: RC:   Annual Meeting/BOD List
> > >Date: Wed, 31 Oct 2001 18:21:09 -0500
> > >
> > >Kathy...
> > >
> > >Have you EVER been to a meeting?  I went last year....my first
> > >Convention...and I wasn't ABOUT to miss the Board meeting.  It's very
> > >"formal" with all the directors on a raised stage above us, with a
> > >microphone in the middle of the aisle so people can come up and
> > >"address" the board. The "atmosphere" is not at all conducive to a
> > >"discussion" of issues with the membership. It's not a two way thing. I
> > >speak in public all the time at business shows, in front of hundreds of
> > >people...but I would have been reluctant to step up in front of all my
> > >peers and the Board and express my views in that environment.  I could
> > >do it...but I wouldn't like it.  It's gotta be REALLY scary for people
> > >who aren't used to public speaking. It was obviouos that the members
who
> > >did speak were nervous! :) I don't know how the "Supreme Court"
conducts
> > >business, but that's the "mental image" I got.
> > >
> > >I would like to see the BOD offer the opportunity to those few who are
> > >willing and can afford to attend the Convention to do some "Round
Table"
> > >Discussions".  Give the general membership the opportunity to "Meet the
> > >Board Members" and frankly discuss issues that the members feel are
> > >important. There was a comment last year...somewhere...fergit
> > >now...maybe on Ridecamp...about the BOD meetings being "poorly
> > >attended". Hmmm...I can see why.
> > >
> > >I would even agree to keeping the "formal" approach...but afterwards,
> > >BOD, could you come down to the floor, introduce yourself, and mingle
> > >with us? Ask questions..."What do you think about"...go out of your way
> > >to offer your hand, listen as long as someone is willing to talk. Last
> > >year, I was looking, looking, looking to "meet" members of the Board.
> > >Got to talk to Barbara McCrary several times (nice lady), but just
> > >casual conversation. Saw Merryben for a moment, but she was busy and I
> > >didn't get to meet her. Got to meet Barney (even took a picture of him
> > >and Susan G. Gonna blackmail them with it next year) <grin> Know Diane
> > >and Jerry Fruth because got to ride with them a couple of times, and
> > >know the SE people, but beyond that it seemed that none of the
directors
> > >"mingled". They did not go out of their way to "press the flesh".
<grin>
> > >Maybe it was just me, maybe it was a perception, perhaps I was in the
> > >wrong place at the wrong time, but I REALLY tried. The meeting ended
and
> > >everybody was "outta there".
> > >
> > >How about a "reception" afterwards for a couple of hours....hosted by
> > >the BOD? That should improve attendance! Not only do we want you to
know
> > >our views, but we would like to hear yours. It's the only time you have
> > >a cross section of the membership available in person.
> > >
> > >"Attending" the meeting ain't gonna' get it, Bob Morris.  There has to
> > >be the opportunity for dialog with the board....otherwise, just send
> > >your Director an Email....much more effective, and hopefully, you will
> > >get a reply.
> > >
> > >Jim, Sun of Dimanche, and Mahada Magic
> > >
> > > > Kathy Mayeda wrote:
> > > >
> > > > I was the one who posted that I was working a booth.  It was my
choice
> > > > - I could have attended  the Annual Meeting if I wanted to.  I'm
sure
> > > > that's true of a lot of people who were at the venue that weekend.
> > > > Meetings are not that interesting for everyone.
> > > >
> > >
> > >
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