more constitution thoughts

This blog is open to comments and different points of view. All will be taken respectfully. I encourage, encourage encourage more SWVEA members to take a more active role in their Association. Even if it's a small role, even if it's just to see the big picture.

VT-NEA has a great network of people in other associations. They are available to help. VT-NEA staff is available to help facilitate processes to make our local association strong. I get the feeling that SWVEA members feel that we are ignored or that VT-NEA doesn't do anything for us. Is it because VT-NEA won't do what some members want them to do because VT-NEA can't, legally, do those things?

To be honest, this latest incident with a proposed constitution for SWVEA has made me very sad. I think that it is very disrespectful toward the members to suddenly and without warning thrust a completely re-written constitution at them and tell them that they have three days to vote on it. Members don't know why changes have been proposed. Members have few opportunities to compare the current constitution with the changes. Members have not been asked for input. Members have not had the opportunity to look at other constitutions from around the state and country.

I am also very sad that our ESP members were not considered at all.

One member of the executive board did respond to questions (not mine) and attempted to respectfully put things into perspective. I thank her for that. There is still the fact that members do not always come forward to be an active part of their union. There is still a fear that too much will be asked of them. I think that we should start with one member at a time and ask that member to simply sit in on a meeting or a committee. Let's eliminate the fear factor instead of railing against the lack of involvement.

Challenge: How are you going to address your own concerns about our association? Are you going to continue to complain or are you going to do something positive?