October 13, 2009: Giving members a voice
Category: Governance
Posted by: David M Patt
As an Executive Director, I've always advocated a Board of Directors with strong governance powers. I felt elections should be uncontested and that Bylaws amendments should be approved by the Board, not the membership.
If members receive the services they pay for, they really shouldn't care who governs the organization, what committees exist, or how Bylaws are adopted.
As a member, however, I'm starting to think differently.
Association Forum of Chicagoland, whose leadership I trust and respect, proposed a set of Bylaws amendments that would restrict member involvement.
One controversial proposal, in fact, was concealed within a narrative, while all others were clearly noted and explained.
Bylaws amendments will no longer be approved by the membership. That power will pass to the Board. The 30-day period for challenging a Nominating Committee slate will be shortened to 15 days - with signatures of 10% of the membership required.
Worst of all, the VOTE WAS NOT SECRET! Members were required to sign a proxy on the same page as their vote. There is no more chilling way to stifle dissent.
Association leaders explained that the proxy system meets legal requirements. But that doesn't make it right.
I'm dealing with some of these same issues in the association I manage. I think I'm going to start casting my lot with the members.
If members receive the services they pay for, they really shouldn't care who governs the organization, what committees exist, or how Bylaws are adopted.
As a member, however, I'm starting to think differently.
Association Forum of Chicagoland, whose leadership I trust and respect, proposed a set of Bylaws amendments that would restrict member involvement.
One controversial proposal, in fact, was concealed within a narrative, while all others were clearly noted and explained.
Bylaws amendments will no longer be approved by the membership. That power will pass to the Board. The 30-day period for challenging a Nominating Committee slate will be shortened to 15 days - with signatures of 10% of the membership required.
Worst of all, the VOTE WAS NOT SECRET! Members were required to sign a proxy on the same page as their vote. There is no more chilling way to stifle dissent.
Association leaders explained that the proxy system meets legal requirements. But that doesn't make it right.
I'm dealing with some of these same issues in the association I manage. I think I'm going to start casting my lot with the members.
