[acb-hsp] ACB-HSP President Message

Tue Sep 25 17:04:05 EDT 2012

Hi List:

I believe I understand the deeper meaning of what Jessica was saying.  It sounded to me as if she was saying she was offering her expertise, if asked, and that she would do her best to live up to the obligation.  She also seemed to say that she has some limitations, and if she made a mistake or forgot something, she would hope others would realize she is human.

I also heard her suggest that we try some creative brain storming about resolving affiliate issues.  I am familiar with the kind of brain storming technique Jessie suggests.  It seems worth a try.  The ground rules are that you set a time limit, in face-to-face groups the time limit is two to three minutes.  Suggestions are offered.  No one debates the merits or lack of merits.  No one discusses how it will be done during this phase.  Suggestions are all written down.  When the time limit expires, the group discusses each suggestion and determines if it is doable and whether members are able to carry out the suggested plan.  Then members prioritize and choose the most practical or suitable actions.

Is that about right Jessie?

So if we do E-mail brain storming, I would think a couple of weeks would be sufficient.  We could give it a try, and the brain storming will be considered until October 9th.  Want to give it a try?  Then we’ll discuss our next steps.

So, to answer one of Jessie’s questions, we need to appoint a Vice-President,  Secretary and Program Coordinator to the Board.  The Program Coordinator then needs to subscribe to the Convention Planning E-mail list, at least by January.
This is assuming people wish to work toward a better organization and not dissolve.

If we move forward, the time line for appointing officers would probably have to be by Sunday December 2, 2012.  That would be the regular conference call meeting date for that month if we return to conference calls as part of our programming.  Or we could set an earlier deadline like November 4th.

If there are people among the paid membership who would like to join the Board and be part of the solution, please let me or Danna know.  

We then need to review our programs and determine what’s working, what’s not working, and set some goals for the next year or two.  I think that would involve Board members and Membership in discussions of our mission and purpose.  These would drive our goals.

We need to decide whether we will continue to hold conference calls, would other methods work better such as a newsletter, etc.  And then, how can we operate as a credible organization that people want to belong to?  What are the benefits of belonging to such an organization.  And then we need to also plan for the 2013 conference program.

These are my suggestions. I am only one person and I cannot make decisions for the group as a whole.
Any other thoughts?

Darian

From: Baracco, Andrew W 
Sent: Tuesday, September 25, 2012 12:32 PM
To: Discussion list for ACB human service professionals 
Subject: Re: [acb-hsp] ACB-HSP President Message

Jessie,

I’m not sure exactly what you are offering the group.  You may, but then again, you may not.  You can, but maybe you can’t. You will, but maybe you won’t. You can count on me, but maybe you can’t.  If I were in Darien’s place, I’d be pretty perplexed. 

Andy

From: acb-hsp-bounces at acb.org [mailto:acb-hsp-bounces at acb.org] On Behalf Of J.Rayl
Sent: Tuesday, September 25, 2012 11:05 AM
To: Discussion list for ACB human service professionals
Subject: Re: [acb-hsp] ACB-HSP President Message

Well Darian, I've never been one for dishonesty.  And I don't believe one can resolve issues by hiding them, backstabbing, denying and blaming.  So yes, I do tend to be rather up front; not to ofeend but I'm not going to lie to people, either.

I'm absolutely happy to be of any help I can be, and as I said, my time may or may not be limited or even reliable now--quite frankly, I don't even know.  It seems that I either have all the time in the world or no time at all, and I never quite know which is going to be what or just when.  Makes for a crazy way of living, let me tell ya, but so be it.  <LOL>!

Jessie Rayl
thedogmom63 at frontier.com
www.facebook.com/Eaglewings10
www.pathtogrowth.org

  ----- Original Message ----- 

  From: Darian Slayton Fleming 

  To: Discussion list for ACB human service professionals 

  Sent: Tuesday, September 25, 2012 12:23 PM

  Subject: Re: [acb-hsp] ACB-HSP President Message

  Well Jessie,you certainly tell it like it is.  I appreciate your candor.

  I appreciate your points and will welcome your participation on whatever level you are able.

  I understand that special interest affiliates struggle with these issues; ACB-HSP is not alone.  I trust that we will find a way to work together cooperatively.  Clearly this affiliate has issues to work on.

  Darian

  From: J.Rayl 

  Sent: Tuesday, September 25, 2012 7:26 AM

  To: Discussion list for ACB human service professionals 

  Subject: Re: [acb-hsp] ACB-HSP President Message

  Well Darrien,  I've been there, as President, attempting to attend work obligations and family obligations.  And I've missed my share of conference calls / meetings.  You, and others, may remember well your criticisms of me for the very same (no need to deny it, I've heard one in the same at times I signed on to the calls and you had no clue I was there and you all were happily bad-mouthing me for it).

  It is sad when this happens because realisticly, first, these positions are all volunteer and not one of us ever have to step up to the plate to take them; yet, because we care about the purposes of ACB and the affiliate, and the betterment, we do.

  Then, however, when work, family, medical or personal obligations, or Heaven forbid, the slipage of a memory, interferes, we are berated and looked down on as though some unforgivable, unforgettable crime has been committed.  Now granted, when one accepts an officer position, there does need to be a high level of commitment, and I absolutely realize that.  Yet, I'm not sure just how I was to explain that my volunteer position took presidence over my job (wen I'd get called out for our commitment procedures even though some of you just knew I was making that up because your states do not have 24/seven commitment), etc. etc.  But okay, its easier to judge when you're in the jury seat than not, I know, and that is why, or one reason, we now have these problems within our organization.

  I am sorry, though not surprised, that the three officers, resigned.  

  I will not step forward at this time to offer my assistance because I, honestly, do not know that I'll 1. Be in Columbus for the entire convention or any part of it although I'd like to be and hope to be; and 2. I do not know how much time my dissertation will leave me.

  However, what I will offer to you is presentations on conference calls--as I did before on just about any subject you so desire, leadership consultation, etc.  And there's a better than good probability I'll be late for the conference call (I'm late for everything).  

  It is, essentially, yours and ACB-HSP's choice as to wheter you accept my offer or not.  

  If I'm in Columbus, I'm happy to do a presentation then as well.

  And I will, eventually, get my dues in which means you have one more member paid--whatever that is worth to your affiliate.

  Stay well.

  Jessie Rayl
  thedogmom63 at frontier.com
  www.facebook.com/Eaglewings10
  www.pathtogrowth.org

    ----- Original Message ----- 

    From: Darian Slayton Fleming 

    To: Discussion list for ACB human service professionals 

    Sent: Monday, September 24, 2012 11:42 PM

    Subject: [acb-hsp] ACB-HSP President Message

    Dear ACB-HSP Members and Listers:

    I am writing to advise you that as president of ACB-HSP I committed a grievous error in not attending the August 5, 2012 conference call.  This was a very important meeting intended to discuss the direction of ACB-HSP.  Missing meetings, and low attendance on conference calls, among other things, have led to resignations of three officers from the ACB-HSP Board.  Andy Baracco resigned his position as Vice-President.  Marleen O’Neal has left the Secretary position.  Linda Porelle has resigned as Program Coordinator.

    I want to publicly apologize for my oversight.  I was on a family vacation and truly forgot to call in on August 5th.  I have also been studying to take my clinical social work licensure exam.  Admittedly, I have missed meetings on a few occasions.  At this point, it is not productive or appropriate for me to make excuses.  I cannot undo my mistakes.  However, I am committed to doing what I can to continue to try to build ACB-HSP.  I believe we have a valid and necessary purpose as a special interest affiliate of ACB.

    ACB-HSP faces some challenges involving finances and direction.  On the upside, we have had many successful programs at conference/convention.  Attendance at our main convention programs has increased over the past two years.  Members of our group have valuable and credible experience and qualifications.  This might be a good time to review and reevaluate our mission.

    According to ACB-HSP Bylaws, if a vacancy on the board occurs between conventions, the Board may appoint a member to fill the position until the next regular convention when an election may be held.  Treasurer, Deanna Austin and I are writing to ask members to write to us off list to offer input and/or volunteer to be appointed to the Board until July 2013 Conference/Convention.  Open positions are Vice-President, Secretary and Program Coordinator.  

    Write to me at:

    Darehart56 at hotmail.com

    Deanna Austin may be reached at:

    DeannaAustin2009 at comcast.net

    Respectfully,

    Darian Slayton Fleming

    ACB-HSP President

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