Jemba, I'm sorry, but I think Bob has a valid complaint, if what he said happened is true.
An association's committee is meant to represent the members, and if they voted in favour of a certain action, then it should have been acted upon. He had every right to question why it didn't happen, and the excuse given to him sounded vague and somewhat suspect to me... Secret information? What does that mean exactly? Was someone being blackmailed with it? That was my initial thought, after reading that excuse he was given. And if I was a member, I'd want that explained in full detail - not be brushed off, saying they were handling it, and basically shut up and don't say anything to the government. Sorry - but that's not how a members association works!
And Bob was also right in saying that an alternative action should have been put to the members' vote. The committee does not make the decisions without the members' being informed, and their approval sought as a majority vote before going ahead - especially if the action is overturning the members previous majority vote. Why have a members vote, if it just gets ignored and overturned? If I were in Bob's position, I would have been disillusioned and wondering why I joined the association if my vote didn't count and was overturned, without being informed of the alternative action and had it put a vote, too.
You say the committee are just prospectors and volunteers and aren't perfect - but if someone's a committee member on an association with
paying members, they should be well versed on an associations' charter, and it's proper procedures to work
on behalf of the members - and that
they get to vote on any actions taken by that association. The committee does not act alone - you are not a secret association working in the dark behind closed doors - you have paying members and the committee is meant to be working on their behalf. Did they agree to use this "secret information" plot? You said, "I can understand the anger and frustration shown by members
and that is part of the game created by the powers to be". It sounds like you're talking about the committee there. You also say a lobby group is only as strong as it's members - but in this case, it seems it's only as strong as it's committee, if the members' votes are being overruled and their opinions ignored...
This comment you posted, "But when some one turns their back on NAPFA and then are prepared to reap the rewards at days end that dose (sic) tick me off."
But what about the committee not following the charter of an association to work on behalf of it's members? Don't the members have a right to be ticked off then?
You accuse him of selling out, and paying out on him on this thread, when I believe he had a valid complaint and a right to be ticked off with the treatment he received. I wouldn't be paying a membership fee to an association who's committee ignores and discounts my vote, and works in secret, either.
I believe you have some explaining to do, as to why this happened, and should reassure your members that it won't happen again, or you could find you lose even more of them, if this secretive behaviour continues.
Having said that, I believe MikeB should be heading that association - his post made more sense than anything else I've read so far. And again, your answer was vague and secretive, saying you'd posted it "elsewhere" for consideration. I'd say your committee needs to look up "transparency" and be a lot more transparent and forthcoming with information for your members of the actions being taken by the committee - and get their approval on it!
And the first person who asks if I'm a member of an association - no, I'm not, and don't care to be - especially if my vote means nothing to them! I lobby in my own way, by making submissions to government proposals, and have joined in protests too. At least I know my opinions are read, and my voice is heard then! You may not think that's important, but I'd rather do that, than have someone else working in secret, supposedly on my behalf, that I know nothing about whatsoever!
Right, now I've had my say - which I believe is absolutely true and correct - let the arguments begin anyway!
I'm off to do some panning now!
Cheers,
Megsy
