Ridecamp: Re: [RC] Proposed Bylaws - Removing Family Membership & Citizenship requirement

> I just started reading the new proposed bylaws and wasn't to concerned
about
> the changes until I came upon the removal of the Family Membership.  I
would
> like the opinions from others in regards to this proposal.  I don't feel
> this would be a good changes or am I missing how the new bylaws are
written.

I feel sorry that the BOD did not listen to those who voiced opposition to
this change earlier.  The radical changes in the entire membership structure
concern me a great deal.  The elimination of the family membership is not a
wise move, IMO.

However, the real alarming change is the elimination of regular memberships
for any who are not US or Canadian citizens.  My own husband is Danish and
is a resident alien in this country.  He is "legal" to work here, to receive
social security benefits from doing so, etc.  He owns property here and pays
taxes here.  I'd also point out that one of our beloved Hall of Fame
inductees and past National Champions, Hanne Hollander, is likewise a
resident alien.  I'm sure there are others who live here who fall into the
same situation.  What on earth is the rationale for our BoD to suggest that
these people cannot hold voting memberships in our organization?  I can
understand not having voting memberships for people who do not actually live
here, but limiting voting to actual citizens makes no sense whatsoever.

We have not yet received our ballots (granted, I just had surgery, and have
not been to the post office since Friday, so they may well be there waiting
for me).  Do we  have to vote for the bylaw changes as an entire entity, or
can we vote for or against particular segments?  I know the BoD has gone to
a lot of work to bring these changes to a vote, and I know we are in dire
need of change.  However, I cannot bring myself to vote for these radical
departures from our membership policies.  I don't think either the
elimination of family memberships or the elimination of voting rights for
residents of this country who are not citizens are in the best interests of
our organization, nor are they in the spirit of our organization.  If I have
to vote for or against the entire package, this change will force me to vote
no.

Heidi


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