[QCWA] Making QCWA Better - GOVERNANCE (Part 2 of 3)

[Dave - VE3JX]

GOVERNANCE:  There are few organizations that are as democratically-oriented
as QCWA.  Not only do its members elect its Directors, but they also choose
all of its Officers as well.  This is done every two years.
  Several other groups may elect a Board of Directors, which, in turn,
chooses the group’s Officers.  There are pros & cons with both systems.
However, QCWA members do have the opportunity to choose all their
 “governors” every two years.
  However, with all this democracy, QCWA is surprisingly secretive in its
governance.  This seems to be a common complaint of several members.  For
example, minutes of the Board of Directors meetings are not generally
available.  Only the annual General Meeting is open for scrutiny.  Why is
that?
  Perhaps, Directors & Officers are trying to avoid undue criticism for
every decision they make.  There are individuals who will criticize
everything and anything; to complain is their lot in life.  However, should
that curtail openness?  Should that possibility cause all BoD meetings to be
held “in camera”?
  That would be like having all decisions made by Congress (or Parliament),
and all votes therein, remain secret.  Call me pessimistic, but I don’t
think the citizenry would put up with that for very long.
  A look at most amateur radio organizations will identify that, usually,
minutes of BoD meetings are generally available for the perusal of all
members at least, if not, all interested parties.
  Some may point to a business organization where the voting shareholders
only are privy to the company’s AGM, plus whatever financial statements and
blurbs are distributed.  All I can say in rebuttal to that is: we are not
shareholders of a business; we ARE the business; we, as members, ARE the
Quarter Century Wireless Association!  Therefore, to a reasonable extent, we
should be privy to the governance of ourselves, to the decisions made by our
duly-elected BoD.
  However, some deliberations are best left “secret”.  A case in point might
be a specific problem within a chapter; a situation that involves the
Chapter Relations Committee.  For the sake of the chapter and the privacy of
those involved, it would probably be best that such matters are handled
confidentially.  Reports made by the various committees to the BoD are of
interest to the membership and should be in such BoD minutes.
  Also, we do not want nor need a blow-by-blow account of everything said in
the discussion of a particular matter before the BoD.  Such would inhibit
free discussion and the raising of pertinent questions or concerns of our
governors.  No, it is in our best interests that their deliberations be
conducted in an atmosphere of freedom to speak their mind, and ask the
“stupid” questions, without outside recriminations.  This way, all sides of
the issue can be covered.
  However, what we are entitled to is the decisions made by the BoD, i.e.
resolutions passed, AND who voted which way.  This latter point is essential
for each QCWA member to know the character of the individual governors; this
will help him make intelligent choices in future elections.  The former
point is obvious.  We are entitled to know what is decided for our future;
we are entitled to know what’s going on.  (Usually, minutes also show the
“movers” and “seconders” of each motion as well.)
  All this is said in a positive vein.  We are not accusing former BoD’s of
any impropriety.  In fact, we only have appreciation and gratitude in our
hearts for the volunteer spirit of each and every one of the Directors and
Officers, past or present.
  Notwithstanding, this suggestion of improvement in the openness of QCWA
governance is offered in the spirit of making a great organization even
better.  Transparency is the mark of a truly great institution.

Dave Hayes VE3JX
QCWA Life #33597