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Post by storm_king on Oct 22, 2007 19:12:58 GMT -5
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Post by CE Johnson on Oct 25, 2007 0:00:05 GMT -5
What do you guys think about this upcomming election? I don't know who's "running" for office- do you? I was thinking that maybe instead of a president and vp, we could have a kind of "board of directors," instead of only placing the "burden" on a couple of people. It seems like those positions are hard to keep filled. We could have like, 5 or 7 (any odd # of people who'll volunteer) on the board and retain the secretary and treasurer positions (who could also be board members). If more people than 7 or 9 want to volunteer, we could elect only so many. We could maybe have monthly board meetings to keep up with things and vote on issues as needed- w/ majority ruling. What are you guys' thinking? Is anyone "running for office"?
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Post by Michael-Tuohy on Oct 25, 2007 0:39:31 GMT -5
Not knowing jack squat, but having attended exactly half of one meeting, I'll do my usual and give an opinion.
It seems kind of like that's what's going on now, except that for the sake of "daily operations" people have been given individual roles. I never got the impression that the pres had any more control than anyone else. Things still seem to go down democratically.
In the instance of communicating with outside entities, it seems quite beneficial to have someone with a title that they can latch on to, even if it means less to the club than implied. Even in a corporate board of directors, there is a chairman.
Back to what Chad said though; There are good points to be had. If people want to be part of the process it definitely seems beneficial for them to jump in. Let's look at the current model and really see how much it has in common with Chad's idea and how much it doesn't. Number of board members____? Number of people who even want to be board members___? From the experience of those already experienced with the board, how often was did someone just need to be "the decision maker" and get something done? How often has one board member done something that inadvertently undermined another since their roles weren't clearly defined? How often has it been nice for the "leader" to rely on other members to get everything done, regardless of their title?
It occurred to me that there isn't a "mission statement" on the website that I could find.....
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Post by originalcracker on Oct 25, 2007 10:09:48 GMT -5
All in all there have been about 7 different people known as "club leadership" with each one carrying a certain role. Not all are listed on the club leadership thread, but there were the 5 listed there, plus DGA, Dan B. and Erick D who had all committed to help. So, I believe duties were evenly split and there was consistent communication between all(except Dan B., get a computer Condor!). Things have definitely not been discussed openly to the general community of the club, however there really hasn't been a ton to discuss, due to not any real, solid progress(speaking of the search for a new course). What has been solid, has been posted on the website or discussed at meetings. I love the idea of multiple positions through the club, but we need people willing to fill them. My plate is full at the moment and there is no way I could fill any real committed role with the club.
I believe there are several people considering leadership roles with the club. We do need people with certain titles, as silly as it may sound. It definitely shows the general public that there is organization and leadership in our club. It has been shown before that not just anyone should approach Parks and Rec. The reason we haven't wanted that is so no one is stepping on anyone else's progress and it looks unorganized when there are 20 different people going around asking the same questions. A few faces keeps things on a name to name basis and helps relationships get made.
I definitely agree that, more than anything this club needs a type of mission statement! That is the first thing any leadership does, is to decide, are we a course development, tournament, or demo/clinic type of club? Once that is decided upon, this club has clear direction and that is the number one thing.
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Post by Michael-Tuohy on Oct 25, 2007 12:42:04 GMT -5
To build on this thought, my instinct is that by having specific roles and titles, we can better work as a united front on any given project. For instance, Rich K is pretty much the go to guy for communicating with the city on Edora course issues. He's not a board member, but he is the one who's made contacts AND progress on this front. The most productive thing any of us can do to assist the effort is to directly contact Rich and either ask what is needed or express opinions for different approaches. Unfortunately, once Rich (just an example here) becomes the defacto leader of this front, we need to stand behind him or leave it alone. If we don't think he's doing a good job (again, pure fiction, just an example) this is when the club should reassess and either ask him to back off (obviously not going to happen in this case) or tell him what the majority decision is. If one person gets a wild hair, even if they're a board member, and goes running to the city with contradictory ideas, it's counterproductive and makes us look like amateurs.
I want to point out that I DO NOT think Chad's or Jeff's ideas are bad and I don't intend to criticize them. I'm simply building on an original thread, which in my opinion should be a series of ideas that constantly evolve with everyone's input, rather than an argument or contest of wills.
My last note is regarding Rich. From what I believe, Rich has been an amazing asset to the Northern Colorado disc golfing community. This is a community that reaches far beyond the "club" and I think Rich has a keen insight about the 600+ members of this community that I don't always see in the club banter. Meanwhile, Rich has pretty much done the mulch project on his own of his own decision and motivation. I don't think the club can take credit for what he has done. He has gotten help from club members for sure, but countless others also who aren't in the club. As with Bill Wright, we can't claim Rich, but we can help him in his obviously significant efforts. In my example above, I suggested that if the club disagreed with his approach we could tell him what the majority feels is prudent. In this exact case, I feel it would mean squat. I believe Rich would see it as a majority opinion of the 10 best players in Fort Collins who rarely talk to the other 600 or so.
Again, this isn't meant to criticize the club in any way, and I'm probably wrong on many different levels. But, it's an example and it is meant to point out Rich's amazing assets (even though he doesn't want me to ;D) and ask the question "is there a part of what Rich does that we can adopt as a larger club theme to increase our relevance and impact?" and to also ask the question, "what else can we do to assist this guy, because he's a veritable powerhouse and we need him on our side"
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Post by originalcracker on Oct 25, 2007 20:07:26 GMT -5
Where in any of the above threads has anyone said you were questioning the current leadership or authenticity of democracy in the club Ocho, I don't know where that is coming from. I think we're both agreeing with you, besides the leadership roles. You have made some very valid points with realistic options to them, keep them coming. I think those that are running for office will post something about it at some point, when they see fit or when they can get the time. Like all of us, they have personal things going on also and may not have had the time to get on the site and post their intentions. I think it would be great if they did, telling us of their own vision of where the club should go. I know there has been some buzz of a few people possibly running, but I'll let them come forward when they see fit(something may have changed recently and I don't want to speak for anyone). I definitely agree that most of the club is in the dark about the goings on of their club, but there have been mass emails sent out with info regarding club issues and requests for workers(most recently, the need for mulchers). They should be on a more regular basis, though. If the club has everyone's correct email address then they should be receiving these(I have). About meetings being called at the last minute, I again agree that's tough to plan for. There have been several meetings since I've joined the club and even when given a month or two notice, people still don't show up(for whatever reason, things come up). We should try and figure out why that is. Do we need to try and work out some sort of schedule for the year? That way everyone would know that the 15th of every other month there was going to be a meeting(monthly just seems like a lot , maybe actual club leadership could meet monthly, if they see fit). To echoe Mikes point, I still believe that we don't want just Joe Schmoe Noco member talking to parks and rec, if they want to talk to some private land owner about getting a new course put in I say, great. As for city or county people, they are covered by Rich until further notice. Then he could(most likely would)be fine with bringing in someone new and introducing them to his contacts when he felt he couldn't do this anymore. He has just put in so much work I'd hate to see him lose ground because someone wasn't completely up to date on the situation. I know from being a part of the board, there is no one(or two for that matter)person/people carrying the brunt of the load. Everyone does what they can and hope it works for the good of the club. That may be part of the problem when it comes to informing the general community of the club, I don't know, something to think about. Finally, I couldn't agree more that if only the board members are doing things nothing will get done. That is why we need members to step up, find out what they can help with(by asking club leadership) and get it done. Without the general community of the club helping out, it's true that absolutely nothing will ever get done and we'll keep going through club leaders, due to burnout. There are many good points being made by all on this thread, let's keep it going and maybe get some others in the mix. This type of discussion can really help the club move forward. Thanks and look forward to more responses, Jeff ps is this way too long or what  ;D? |
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Post by Michael-Tuohy on Oct 26, 2007 0:19:44 GMT -5
Here's what I'm taking in from what has already been discussed:
1. There's some feeling that perhaps we should consider a larger, decentralized board, although we would need to work out the details of how tasks are assigned and managed. A current problem with this is clearly that there seem to be fewer, not more, people interested in the board.
2. There is thought that club activities could be planned further in advance, forcing members to fit the club into their schedules rather than the club waiting till the last minute in order to meet every individual's personal schedule. This could have the effect of actually making the procrastinators plan for meetings rather than waiting to see if something else comes up. One idea is: same day every other month, period.
3. Club members seem to want more frequent updates from the board members. Perhaps we need a system in which monthly updates are posted, regardless of whether anything significant has happened. A post of "we're still waiting for FCHS to get back with us, despite repeated calls" might be an example.
4. If elections are planned for a specific date, then maybe announcements of candidacy should also have a deadline so that we avoid last minute dark horse candidates.
5. The goal of the forum should be to grow one idea into a better and more focused idea. This is banter, not battle. Ultimately, club decisions won't be made here though, they should be eventually brought up at meetings to really find out how a larger group feels.
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Post by storm_king on Oct 29, 2007 12:56:59 GMT -5
I am in Portland, OR, currently, and haven't had a moment to get on the boards for awhile. I see my input could have been beneficial in this discussion, so sorry for popping up late...
Ok. My first thought is that yes, we all have huge dreams and expectations we'd like to see the club live up to. We all have ideas of what the club should and shouldn't be doing with it's time/energy. And yes, there are very few interested parties, every year, every meeting, who want to do anything really.
Therefore, I really think the discussion needs to move from any sort of changes in structure to deciding who we are, what our purpose is (mission statement), what our priorities are, and why, oh why, no one comes to meetings, volunteer activities, or anything other than rounds at the course. That is an overstatement, and I apologize for the dramatization, but this is how I feel things are.
"Election's" is a funny term when no one is running in a contested race. When only the people volunteering for a position in the club show up to an election, then voting/campaigning etc. is moot. This is how it works with the level of concern and involvement members of this club have at the moment. Once again, we need to address the root issue, the indifference of most members. The good thing is the people stepping up this past season all had the best interests of the club, and not their ego's, in mind when stepping up, so even though it's not really representative of a democracy, no harm (and much good) came of it.
I would love to see real elections, contested races, at least 50% of the club showing up to vote, but this won't happen (at least not yet). I expect we'll have a max. of 20 people, most of which will be volunteering to help with something. I am thankful we have even this, and was inspired last year to see the core group of people who care about the club enough to show up actually devoting some of their time and energy to it.
Ok, what else... About the democratic nature of the meetings and decisions being made within the club, yes. It functions much like a non-hierarchal, council of concerned people already. I've never seen a situation where someone was so sure their opinion was right that they tried to impose their will on the rest of the group. The fact that there is no fortune or fame at stake probably has a lot to do with this.
We put in place the "board of directors" structure last year, but due to the lack of participants, it has laid dormant, along with a few volunteer positions we were trying to fill. Maybe enough concerned, motivated people will come out for elections to fill these positions, and we can get some big things accomplished this year. But my point here is that you can kind of be on the board any time you want just by showing up at a meeting and offering your thoughts to the discussion.
Ok, next... updates from the club leadership. When nothing noteworthy is happening, and people are terribly busy with life, this may fall through the cracks. Understand, though, that when no one comes to elections, meetings, volunteer activities, or shows any real interest in the club, then people probably don't feel there is a need for updates. Once again bringing us to the root issue: club member/community indifference. And, of course, more advance notice for meetings, events, etc. (this issue has been acknowledged, and we are trying to improve in this aspect).
I know this post is getting long, so I hope I've addressed most of the main points. I will also get a list of the officer and volunteer positions that are offered in the club posted again on the site in the next couple days. That way anyone with lots of concern for DG and the club and lots of energy to put in can step up to help! I will also email anyone I know who is thinking about "running"(volunteering) for a position to announce their intentions.
THANK YOU to all of you guys who are actually involved in some way and concerned about the future of the club, this includes you three who have (among other things) spent your time brainstorming ways to improve things on this thread and discussion board. I, too, think this discussion could yield some great outcomes.
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Post by Michael-Tuohy on Oct 29, 2007 22:01:49 GMT -5
Without intending to suggest anything between the lines, I'd just like to point out that that was extremely well stated, tactful, polite, informative and direct. In other words, the words of a true politician. I second all of what was stated by KC. Brain storm for progress, support the work of those already there who are putting in the time and effort. ASK NOT WHAT YOUR DISC GOLF COMMUNITY CAN DO FOR YOU, BUT WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR DISC GOLF COMMUNITY.    |
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Post by jmart on Nov 25, 2007 2:56:35 GMT -5
boy i had no idea how long this thread was. i can say that yes we all dream big just some of us never wake up and really get a chance to live it. there is always something for somebody to do we just need the orginazation that allows access for those that want it. there are people who are inspiring others to step up by action and it is amazing to see that so little affects so many. i think when people see others accomplishing their goals it makes more of a rality to you.
so by doing the things we look to accomplish: what can i inspire you to do?
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Post by storm_king on Nov 25, 2007 12:50:58 GMT -5
Without intending to suggest anything between the lines, I'd just like to point out that that was extremely well stated, tactful, polite, informative and direct. In other words, the words of a true politician. I forgot to reply to this previously, but thanks for the good words, Mike! |
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