Re: "I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore!"
thailand
I urge everyone to get involved. Even if all you are interested in
doing is ushering, don't you want the organization that represents you
to be respected? It's actions reflect on you, the members. I want to
belong to an organization that I can recommend to others.
VOTE.
On Jan 20, 9:06 am, Jim Venskus <jvens...@att.net> wrote:
> Remember the rant in the 1976 movie, Network. Maybe the character of
> Howard Beale needs to be resurrected?
>
> The Saints Board causes the question. As observers continue to attend
> the (public portion) of monthly meetings, the temperature and concerns
> mount.
>
> I joined the Saints to make a difference. I joined to Board to serve
> on a Charity that could make a bigger contribution. The organization
> has a long history and is poised to do amazing things not only for the
> Saints and the performing arts communities, but as a model for not-for-
> profits. It's good work and there are many eager to do it.
>
> Many, though few on our Board. Personally I bemoan the state of this
> Board and its effect on the organization. Without collegiality,
> respect, constructive discussions, agreement on the purpose and role
> of the organization, the near-exclusion of talented and willing
> members to participate meaningfully, an approach to secrecy, executive
> sessions, out-of-board sub-group actions, the discouragement of
> transparency and information that actually recalls fascism, and an
> attitude bordering on contempt of the membership, the members really
> ought to be "mad as hell."
>
> I dream of a Board that is open and accountable, that not only votes
> but implements, and that encourages the best in the members and
> encourages as much participation as can be used. Every member ought
> to be proud of their being a member and respect and admire those able
> and willing to serve at different times to contribute their career-
> developed talents. The members deserve the positive energy and the
> leadership that has been missing low these many years.
>
> Personally, I wonder what an entirely new slate of directors who will
> work under the soon to be proposed (team created) revised bylaws might
> mean for the Saints. We have talent, willingness, and creative
> energy. Let's give it a try - there is much to be gained.
>
> Edmund Burke so aptly said, “All that is necessary for the triumph of
> evil is for good men to do nothing.”
> Members - I exhort you to do "something." Attend general meetings
> (which only recently have added business to the always entertaining
> and worthwhile presentations, come to a board meeting, read and
> comment on the blog and discussion forum. And most importantly, if
> you're given the chance, VOTE. The elections are coming up in April.
> Demand to know candidates backgrounds and vision for our
> organization. Demand that the Saints actually help our struggling
> performing arts communities survive and excel. Demand that the board
> inquire about what the membership (all of it, not just the 100 close
> friends of the board members) think. We can't fix the economy, the
> healthcare system, the greed and corruption on Wall Street and
> Washington, we can't resolve the wars.
>
> But the Saints CAN fix the Saints. How about it?