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jeff753

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Posts posted by jeff753

  2. Posted · Report reply

    2 hours ago, dons2346 said:

    Carl is correct. Before it goes on the Gillette agenda, the proposed items will have to go to the constitution&bylaws committee and then to the executive board for their recomendations

    Who would recommend against the inclusion, to replace the current exclusion, of dues paying members? Who would recommend against members having an equal voice in the governance of OUR Association?

    Who would recommend against all dues paying members having a vote for elected officers of our Association?  And why would they?

    We are all FMCA members. Maybe I'm missing it but I don't see inclusion as a problem but rather a solution.  

    The FMCA is required to have a Strategic Plan. The current strategic plan recognizes fewer and fewer members belong to chapters (section C) and directed the Long Range Planning Committee to review the Goverance and adapt for the future (section F). 

    That is the work before us.  Let us begin that work of inclusion.

    https://www.fmca.com/images/stories/pdf/strategicplan.pdf

     

     

  4. Posted · Report reply

    On 12/8/2017 at 3:10 PM, pennyg said:

    The exact wording must be spelled out clearly to the Article they wish to amend.  It must show all changes. 

    They can share that file electronically, sign it as a petitioner, scan it, and send it by email. 

    We need each person's name printed, a signature, and a membership number so we can verify they are active members.

    Hope this helps!

    The email address to send in the petitions is dmitts@fmca.com.

    We have submitted well over the required signatures to put all three proposals on the Agenda for Gillette. Thank you everyone for the support!!

    After the new year we will set up threads to continue the discussions.  Everyone benefits from inclusion!!! 

  8. Posted · Report reply

    5 hours ago, manholt said:

     

    Don't understand where the idea of "Some have 5 votes and others none"!  One F# = one vote!  5 Votes?  How?

    If a dues paying member is in more than one chapter they have one delegate (National Director)  voting for each chapter. These multiple delegates vote  on issues at the annual conventions and vote for national officers.  If a dues paying member is not in a chapter they get no votes. 

  9. Posted · Report reply

    The accounting firm has the yays nays duplicate votes and voided votes.   We have member numbers for chapters yes?

    So we have the data and I got a gift card with mr smitty on it that says 90% is spot on;).

    It doesn’t matter if it’s 90% or not though. The issue is 30% of the membership has a vote and some have 5 votes while others none.  If that ain’t broken I don’t know what is. 

    Regardjess the gift card is yours at Perry for a job well done. It’s your’s Chris because you were not afraid to take the helm 40’ from the iceberg.  Your new teams may very well save the Association.

    Let’s spend our energy addressing the issue of 70% of the membership do not belong to a Chapter nor do they get to vote for elections of our Association nor are they represented at Our Annual Conventions.... The rest is in my mirror and I can’t hit it;) 

  10. Posted · Report reply

    1 hour ago, manholt said:

    Herman.  I think the main issue here, is that Jeff want's some one else to volunteer to do it for him, rather than him (Jeff) taking the initiative!  He writes the same things over and over, like a broken record!

    Come on Jeff even Penny asked you too "Step up to the PLATE"!

    Brett he needs a warning flag;)

    Mr Holt

    Since the “electronic voting option” is a different issue than “one membership=one vote” we started a separate thread.

    ps we are not your enemy here.  We are trying to help. 

  12. Posted · Report reply

    47 minutes ago, pennyg said:

    Hello Jeff,

    Proposals to amend the FMCA Constitution may be initiated by the Governing Board, the Constitution and Bylaws Committee, the Executive Board, or by a petition signed by twenty memberships. 

    The text of the proposed amendment, along with rationale, must be submitted in writing. 

    Please indicate which Article you would like to amend. 

    The deadline to submit a proposed change is January 1 of the year in which they are to be considered by the Governing Board.

    Perfect. Thank you Penny.  Have a nice weekend!  

  13. Posted · Report reply

    13 hours ago, manholt said:

    "The only ones who can change it are the chapters"!  Wrong again, you or anyone of the 74,000+ members can suggest changes...as per my response above.  Did you read it? 

    I totally agree with Brett.  Since your the head of "Under 60 taskforce", then why won't you do it?

    That is, in part, why I brought this up. The vast majority of the U60 group do not belong to chapters and therefore they cannot conduct the business of the association nor vote for National Officers.  This should change. 

  14. Posted · Report reply

    Looking for comments on this Proposed Change to FMCA's Goverance 
     
    "Whereas the Governance of the Association is of utmost importance, whereas all methods of secure voting that encourage the casting of ballots are appropriate, therefor be it resolved all members shall be allowed to submit their ballot via secure paper ballot or a secure electronic method."
     
    How does a member submit a proposed change?  What are the Timelines?

  15. Posted · Report reply

    --A Membership sits at approx. 75,000.  If the figures thrown around that only 30% (22,500) are members of chapters while 70% (52,500) ----are not chapter members then why with 3 months of Notices in the Magazine and on the website only  a little over 11,000 took the time ---to vote. Does that show you how folks care about what happens.

    i don't view it as people don't care....I don't think the majority was even aware. If a member typically doesn't read the magazine they would not know.   If a member doesn't attend rallys (only an average of 3% do) they would not know. If a member doesn't log on and review FMCA.com they would not know.  Unless this member was also in a chapter.  One solution would be to design a new structure where all members were treated as if they were in a chapter.  Give them the same info, same voice and same vote.  Why wouldn't we want to do that?  

    Is it our responsibility to deliver the information to the membership or is it the members responsibility to try to find it?

    It's all about structure and the question of "are we here because of the membership or is the membership here because of us"

    Every business or Association I've ever consulted with, that didn't answer this question correctly, either failed or is failing 

  16. Posted · Report reply

    10 hours ago, Hermanmullins said:

    Sorry Jeff but the same folks you speak of that are not members of a chapter would still get the information the same way they get it now. Through the Magazine or the web site. 

    All dues paying members have the same chance to get the information as anyone else. It is their choice as whether to read the information or have someone get the information for them and tell them what is happening. You are not going to change human nature. If those unrepresented folks wanted to get a voice they would get involved. 

    FMCA Membership sits at approx. 75,000.  If the figures thrown around that only 30% (22,500) are members of chapters while 70% (52,500) are not chapter members then why with 3 months of Notices in the Magazine and on the website only  a little over 11,000 took the time to vote. Does that show you how folks care about what happens.

    The only way to make a change is to get involved. You of all people should know what can happen when you get involved. You did and now there is FMCA Energized.

    I will continue to repeat myself, "To Be Involved, Get Involved."

     

    Herman

      

    My point was the FMCA communication structure is geared towards chapters.   There is a department dedicated to Chapter Services.  Chapters have rallys and business meetings to discuss and vote in mass.  Non chapters DO NOT have the "same chance" because they do not get the information fed to them the same way...they would have to find it on FMCA.com or in the magazine.  That's not anyone's fault it's just the current state.

    Non Chapter Members cannot vote at business meetings or for candidates in elections and do not have representation for these events.

    Now we could do nothing and just say you have to form a chapter and have rallys, meetings, minutes, bylaws etc.  It appears that Model is in severe decline....or we could try to do something to allow all members the same opportunity for information, the same voice and the same vote.  

     

  17. Posted · Report reply

    3 hours ago, Hermanmullins said:

    I am sorry but what I have seen on two different "votes by mail in ballots" had response on one of less than 1% of the members vote and the last had right at 12% vote.

    Now you want each Area to divide up the non chapter members (approx 70% of the membership) into regions to vote and elect a representative for them. Can you see any thing wrong with this picture.  I sure can.

    Sorry I got back on the Soap Box.

    Herman 

    Only 12% voted because of the current structure of Goverance.  The current structure provides information to chapters and chapters have rallys with meetings and discuss and vote or empower their representative to vote.  It works well for chapters and doesn't need to change.  

    Joe/Jane non chapter member are not fed information the same way.  That is why 90% of the trailer votes came from the same members who put it in the agenda...chapter members.  They are in the loop by design.  They had rallys and sent dozens of ballots in one envelope.  Goverance is geared towards chapters and those that belong to them.  That seems like it will have to change if the trends continue and less and less members belong to chapters and more chapters fold. How many chapters have been created in the last 10 years? How many have folded?  Is the Chapter model still the best method of inclusion?  Why are members not joining and/or creating chapters?  What are the benefits of a chapter compared to a group of friends?  What are the disincentives of a chapter?

    Only 271 National Directors voted at the last convention representing their 271 Chapters.   With the average chapter of 40 people that's 10,840 people who's views were represented at the last convention out of 76,000 members.   Only 271 votes (chapters only) were  cast for any business in front of the Association including the election of officers.  Joe/Jane member don't even know who is running.  I'm not anti chapter I think they're great...they just don't represent the membership anymore.   Can we do something to include all dues paying members?  I think we can and should.  The Areas are already broken down by state or sub area so the structure for a more inclusive representation of the Association exist.

    it is interesting to note----- the only ones who can change it are the chapters:) <---- another smiley face 

     

  19. Posted · Report reply

    10 hours ago, manholt said:

    Jim.  I'll be happy to represent you and Wayne, I'll just throw you into the mix.  Nice thought but as it is, I can't and will not.  Nothing personal.

    Jeff.  You could form a chapter of the under 60 group, but you won't.  You complain a lot, about 4 times a year, so far.  Do something positive about your wishes!  The post here, is decisive, not positive. 

    Jeff, we have had too much of a change, as it is now!  Let's not throw more into the mix...it can wait. 

    Really. That’s the feedback you offer. My point is the chapter model doesn’t represent the membership anymore.  That’s not divisive it just is.

    How many chapters have been started in the last 10 years?  20 years?  The chapters I’ve gone to were very clickish having groups inside the group. They were also an average age of 77 or so.  No offense intended it’s just what it is. Those chapters grew up together. 

    The chapters are the only ones who vote for our leadership and who can send votes to the entire membership. With 30% of the membership belonging to chapters it’s not representative of the younger crowd who don’t have many chapters to join.

    One answer is do nothing. Another answer is to do something. That’s all. 

  20. Posted · Report reply

    11 hours ago, rossboyer said:

    Several years ago this concept was proposed. It was titled “The Bar” that had as I remember 10 reps from each of the ten areas plus the Executive Board. So the Governing Board would have about 75 members. That is a manageable number. How many Board of Directors of companies do you know that have greater than 400 members. 

    The problem with having a representative for every 300 members would still be a Governing Board of about 250 members. Also, without correction for geographic concentration, the coasts would control the organization. 

    I would be against this change. 

    Keep in mind any change such as this would have the be passed by the current Governing Board structure. 

    In my past experiences I’ve worked with conventions that had 500 delegates. Each representing a different number of members. Most business was done via voice vote unless a delegate made a motion for a roll call vote.  

    And yes I realize the current structure (chapter national directors) are the only ones who can make this change. They might because it’s the right thing to do. 

  22. Posted · Report reply

    2 hours ago, Hermanmullins said:

    Jeff,

    Valid point, however we have National Directors that represent the members of a given Chapter and are to always canvas their members as to how they would like for topics to be voted on. First how do you select a National Director for the non members? How will he know the opinions of those non members.

    If you have the AVPs select the National Directors then you have the AVPs stacking the deck to suit their own agendas. My feeling  is if a person wants to have a say in how FMCA conducts business, then join a Chapter, get involved and become a National Director if they can be elected by the chapter.

    Too many arm chair quarterbacks. If you want to be involved, Suit Up and get into the game.

    Sorry, just my Soap Box for the Day.

    Herman  

    Thanks for the comments Herman and status quo is always an option.   Just trying to explore a possible option that would put the association in the hands of the whole membership and not just the 30% who choose to join a chapter.  There is no offense intended it just is what it is.    I hear younger people are having a hard time finding a chapter that matches their interest but that doesn't mean they should not participate in elections etc within their Association.   Chapter membership is not a requirement and some folks are still too busy and/or kind of "make up their chapter" as and when they travel. Meetings not required. I think 10 new chapters have been created in the last 10 years???  Maybe we should explore something else for Goverance?  Maybe not?

    Selection is obviously an issue that needs to be fleshed out.   How, how many.....I just wrote a placeholder really.  

    I guess one way might be a slate of volunteer delegates from each state/province.  Electronic voting of the slate.  Members could then Partcipate in proxy voting or empowering their delegate...maybe like publicly traded companies other Associations use proxy voting  

    Each delegate could then be provided the contact info for the voting memberships they represent.  The office could send out the agenda to everyone and advise members their delegate.  Perhaps a flyer be included with the magazine.  That's implementation but still needs to be detailed out.

    Details would need to be worked out. What's the deadline?   How does a non chapter member get something on the agenda;).  <<---That's a smiley face!! 

     

  23. Posted · Report reply

    Looking for comments on this Proposed Change to FMCA's Goverance 
     
    Whereas only 30% of FMCA members belong to a chapter, Whereas the National Directors of Chapters do not represent non chapter members, whereas all members deserve representation in the Governance of the Association, 
    Therefore be it resolved the Governing Board of FMCA shall be comprised of delegates from each region representing an EQUAL SHARE of that regions voting members. Each delegate may represent UP TO 300 voting members.   Delegates will be elected or appointed by each geographic region.  
     
    and a change to voting 
     
    Whereas the Governance of the Association is of utmost importance, whereas all methods of secure voting that encourage the casting of ballots are appropriate, therefor be it resolved all membership balloting shall be via secure paper ballot or a secure electronic method. 

  24. Posted · Report reply

    3 hours ago, manholt said:

    Well, according to Herman Mullins, the Fat Lady sang...70% Yes and 30% No.  Our future is no longer Family MOTOR COACH Association!  Thank you to those of you that voted.  No comment to those that did not !

    So 8% of the membership controlled the outcome. I’m thinking of writing a proposal to change the governing board member to represent “one member one vote” regardless of how many chapters a member belongs to, if any. 

    It would be interesting to see how many votes were cast by non chapter members  

    Chapter members had more likely good of being aware of the pending change  

    For example each region would elect up to 50 delegates. Each delegate would carry their percentage of votes of the entire region. Currently over 70% and growing do not belong to a chapter and thus have no governing board representation. 

    It’s not anybody’s fault it’s just where we are today. We also need to be able to vote via ballot or electronic means. 

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