Technically, a member is someone who simply subscribes to the mailing list. In spirit, a member is someone who becomes further involved in VCF affairs, either by becoming informed by reading the list, attending VCF functions, volunteering, etc. This is how we define membership for the purposes of voting and participating in steering the direction of the organization. Regards, Dean On Wed, Nov 11, 2020 at 7:53 AM Ben Greenfield via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
Hello All,
Adam, thank you for that update. I admit to only vaguely following the list these days but had no idea that this is what has been going on.
My question is regarding membership. How does VCF know who it’s members are.
During the formulation period I think it was rolled into VCF exhibit fees.
I’m happy to be member but not really sure how it works.
Thanks,
Ben
On Nov 11, 2020, at 7:45 AM, Adam Michlin via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
I am beyond excited by not only the quantity of people but also the quality of people running for the two steering committee positions.
Some background for those interested. At this time last year, the National Board, consisting of three west coast members and two east coast members, recognized it was difficult for them to oversee day to day operations from afar and bravo to them for recognizing this. The initial decision was made to have the executive director report to one of the individual board members. This was a bad decision and I said so loudly. Many of you work at all levels of both for profit and nonprofits and know this is a recipe for chaos.
The executive director balked at this, rightfully so, and issued an ultimatum. As many of you also know, issuing an ultimatum to your employer never ends well, but I want to be clear that the National Board created an untenable situation albeit with the best of intentions to solve a clear and present problem. As such, I made the point that the ultimatum be allowed to be walked back (an extremely rare thing for any organization to allow). To the absolute credit of the National Board, they agreed.
I then proposed the Steering Committee (SC) as a way to oversee east coast operations by people with literal feet on the ground and the National Board agreed. Initially, however, I rejected the notion of being appointed to it. I wanted to be voted to it or not be on it at all. I truly believe and still believe that VCF is an organization of its members and each member must get a say in how we do business for the organization to grow. Growing up isn't always fun and games, but you either grow or you shrink, you can never stay the same.
Better minds convinced me that the SC needed to first formulate an environment amenable to an election and I agreed to participate for one year with the stipulation that my seat would be the first up for election. If people liked what I did. Great. If not, they have every right to vote me right out. Life (and Covid) intervened and I'm not running again due to a relocation to South Carolina. I'm still working as the national social media specialist, though (an appointed position, for what I hope are self evident reasons). Bottom line, and I'm thrilled to say this, we have an election process and each and every one of you has a vote.
This election is a chance for you to suggest the direction you want VCF to go in and then follow up and make it happen with your vote. Respond to this email and tell us all, especially the candidates, things that need to improve. Tell us things you like. Tell us what direction *you* want VCF to go in.
And (sorry, I know how tired we are all of hearing this for a different election), vote.
-Adam
On Tue, Nov 10, 2020 at 9:13 PM Dean Notarnicola via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
Update! The following is the list of current nominees:
Ian Primus - Nominated by Adam Michlin Alex Jacocks - Nominated by Jeff Brace Tony Bogan - Nominated by Dean Notarnicola Dave McGuire - Nominated by Chris Fala Jason Perkins - Nominated by Evan Koblentz
Nominees should feel free to make statements in support of themselves, if desired.
Please keep the nominations coming!
Regards, Dean