[acb-hsp] affiliate growth

Sat Jul 21 23:24:45 EDT 2012

Hi All,
I need to put a disclaimer at the beginning of this message because I have
some observations to make and I do not want anyone's feelings to  be hurt by
them.  So I warn you in advance that if you want to read some honest
thoughts and suggestions and you are willing to put your feelings aside and
listen objectively please  continue.  Otherwise there is always the delete
key.

Let me state here that I like all the people who are in leadership positions
of this affiliate so please understand my words are meant to be constructive
in nature.

I think the issue we face as an affiliate is much bigger then just the
convention.  There doesn't seem to be much  commitment  to the organization
by those in leadership positions and there is a definite disconnect that has
been going on for a long time among members.  When we had convference calls
once a month members had an opportunity to attend and listen to guest
speakers or network with one another.  Now conference calls are every other
month and it is unclear as to which Sunday night they actually take place
since it seems as though such trivial things as the Superbowl cause those in
charge to change the date.  the other thing I have noticed as it relates to
conference calls is that there seems to be an urgency for those who are in
leadership positions to hang up as soon as possible. It's like they are only
there out of obligation and as soon as they can finish their duties they
want to leave.  this has happened when we have had outside guest speakers
and I must say that I was totally embarrassed by their actions.  I was also
embarrassed when listening on ACB radio to the convention and during
the most important days when it is almost certainly probable that a roll
call vote for affiliates would be needed the individual who was  so vocal
during the week was not present.  Even Sunday night when Marlaina asked who
the delegates were going to be and who was going to nominating committee
that same person stood up and asked if others would come forward to assume
the responsibility as she intended leaving before crutial voting was to take
place.

I think what all the things I've mentioned above says to  the ACB membership
as a whole is hey look at us we are attempting to be an affiliate, but we
are really unorganized and don't take pride in the democratic opportunity we
have been given within ACB.

But there are ways to fix this and if you want to hear my constructive
suggestions read on.

1.  Resume regular monthly conference calls and do not deviate from the date
time and call in number or pass code.
2. If inviting a guest speaker be precise in what you wish to have them
speak about anhd advertise aggressively and well in advance.
3. Some time should be set aside to talk about affiliate business at least
once a month even when there are guest speakers. During this time we should
actually talk about fundraising and ways to grow our membership as well as
forming working committees that actually do something and get reports from
their chairs.
4. Officers should devote the timenecessary to attend these calls and 
understand that having this type of leadership position means it is a part 
of their duties.

In order to accomplish these things we have to start looking at the big
picture which goes way beyond the scope of low attendance at conventions.
Those are my thoughts at the moment. Now don't everyone go throwing rotten
tomatoes all a once.  First of all because i like those who are involved
with this affiliate.  Secondly because I hate even fresh tomatoes.  And
finally because all I'm trying to do here is help.  Smile.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Baracco, Andrew W" <Andrew.Baracco at va.gov>
To: "Discussion list for ACB human service professionals" <acb-hsp at acb.org>
Sent: Friday, July 20, 2012 1:56 PM
Subject: Re: [acb-hsp] Diversity training session at ACB convention

> Let's blame it all on GDUI. They seem to have stuff going on all week
> long, every day, every night. I can't tell you how many people have told
> me that they can't attend a function because it competes with something
> that GDUI is doing.
> Seriously, one suggestion might be to somehow limit the number of
> functions a committee or affiliate can have.  One thing that I have
> noticed is that similar groups are starting to have combined programs,
> which is a good thing. One thing that small affiliates struggle with is
> the cost of putting on programs, especially mixers which involved food
> and drinks.  In the past, we used to buy supplies such as food and
> drinks from a local Costco, or whatever, and bring it into the suite
> where the party was being held.  But in the last few years, this
> practice has been pretty much forbidden by ACB forcing us to deal with
> the hotel, which charges such exorbitant prices.  This causes you to
> charge higher ticket prices or to bleed your small treasury in an
> attempt to make ticket prices more reasonable.  I can't believe how much
> it cost HSP to have a party where all that was served was ice tea,
> water, and chips. The convention climate is not very friendly to the
> little guy. Again, joining with other groups seems like the best answer
> for the time being. We have a year to work on Columbus, and I would urge
> everyone who has an interest in the survival of this group to make
> constructive suggestions either on this list, or on the conference
> calls, which should start again in August.
>
> Andy
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: acb-hsp-bounces at acb.org [mailto:acb-hsp-bounces at acb.org] On Behalf
> Of MARILYN LUTTER
> Sent: Friday, July 20, 2012 10:16 AM
> To: Discussion list for ACB human service professionals
> Subject: Re: [acb-hsp] Diversity training session at ACB convention
>
> Hi All,
>
> when I got back from convention I had hundreds of email messages so I am
> just getting to respond.  I am a human service provider or I should say
> was.
> I am now retired.
>
> I share your concern about why we haven't been able to grow this
> affiliate.
> I was at the convention and had so many conflicts that I couldn't go to
> many of the sessions I would like to have attended.
>
> My opinion about the poor attendance at affiliate programs is that there
> are too many things going on at convention.  Most of the sessions and
> meetings I was able to attend were poorly attended.  I know of one
> affiliate who didn't have a quorum for their business meeting.
>
> I happened to sit next to Melanie Brunson on my flight home.  I mentions
> my concern about this to her.  She said this was not the first time
> anyone had mentioned the problem to her.  Basically she said no one
> wants to say no to anyone who wants to be on the program.
>
> I know other people who think the schedule is too full.  In the last few
> years, it seems every ACB committee a program at the convention.  I
> believe this is a partial reason why so many affiliate programs are so
> poorly attended.  I am not sure what the answer is, but maybe some of
> the rest of you will have some ideas.
>
> Marilyn Lutter Original Message -----
> From: "J.Rayl" <thedogmom63 at frontier.com>
> To: "Discussion list for ACB human service professionals"
> <acb-hsp at acb.org>
> Sent: Monday, July 16, 2012 2:03 PM
> Subject: Re: [acb-hsp] Diversity training session at ACB convention
>
>
> Again, I agree with all points, Andy.
> For the life of me, I cannot fathom why ACBHSP continues to be so small.
> And I don't have any real suggestions, other than what I've suggested
> time
> and time again, as to how to grow the affiliate.  However, it just
> astounds
> me that with all the human service people out there, and human services
> is
> so very broad, the affiliate continues to be so small.
>
> Jessie Rayl
> thedogmom63 at frontier.com
> www.facebook.com/Eaglewings10
> www.pathtogrowth.org
>
> _______________________________________________
> acb-hsp mailing list
> acb-hsp at acb.org
> http://www.acb.org/mailman/listinfo/acb-hsp
>
> _______________________________________________
> acb-hsp mailing list
> acb-hsp at acb.org
> http://www.acb.org/mailman/listinfo/acb-hsp
> _______________________________________________
> acb-hsp mailing list
> acb-hsp at acb.org
> http://www.acb.org/mailman/listinfo/acb-hsp