[acb-hsp] ACB-HSP President Message

Wed Sep 26 17:09:01 EDT 2012

Hi Jessie,

I agree with you to a point.  The reason I feel it is important for officers to be able to attend convention most of the time is because organizations like ours do a lot of our work at convention, and when people don’t come, it puts more work on others.  At the last convention, we had two officers present, and both could not stay for the whole week.  So these folks had to manage both the educational presentations and the social as well.  And, because they had to leave early, there was nobody to cast ACB HSP’s votes on the convention floor.  If we had 10 active members who attended conventions, this wouldn’t be so much of an issue, but we don’t, at least not yet.  If the treasurer is not at convention, someone else has to collect dues.  When I was President, I did everything I could to discourage the payment of dues at convention, but was overridden. It is also difficult if the program chair can’t be at convention.  While it is true that the planning is done in advance, again, if the PC is not their, it falls to someone else to make sure that the room is available and clean, that the chairs, tables, food, etc. are set up and put out, not to mention clean up after, etc.  Because we are volunteers, after a while it becomes too much to ask people to cover, cover, cover, especially when it often falls on the same people.  You have made your feelings clear about the importance of attending conventions on more than one list, but as long as the ACB places such value on conventions, there will always be work that needs to be done at conventions, and it usually falls to the officers to do this work.

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 7:07 PM
To: Discussion list for ACB human service professionals
Subject: Re: [acb-hsp] ACB-HSP President Message

Hi Darian, You are correct in your understanding of what I am saying, and offering here.  Right now, this really cannot be helped because I honestly have not a clue what the next year or so will be like for me.  This dissertation thing is totally new and I've not a clue what to expect.  

I'm willing to help when and where I can.

But really, we all need to simply lighten up on each other ...give each other a break, and more support.  My goodness!  This is a volunteer affiliate, not the military people.  <smiles>

Its absolutely not that I do not value people's time and effort but holy cow! Lighten up a little.  Be flexible.  Enjoy things.  

We all have our strengths and weaknesses and some members may never attend conference calls; yet, they may be your most valuable members in other ways ...like, contributing to a news letter or facebook page, or whatever else.  A conference call is not the end all / begin all.

Some members will never contribute to an email list, yet, they can and will be on the conference call, or whatever else.  

You know, its like the whole expectation that to be elected to an office, one has, absolutely has, to be at convention.  Why?  That's just too limiting.  People may well never get to a convention, yet, be perfectly able to attend every confence call, be on the email list, etc., etc.  Just because they cannot afford a $2,000 convention, they cannot be an officer?  How absurd is that?

Let's be flexible ...think out of the box a little.

Its all good ...in the end, if we make it so.

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

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

	From: Darian Slayton Fleming <mailto:darehart56 at hotmail.com>  

	To: Discussion list for ACB human service professionals <mailto:acb-hsp at acb.org>  

	Sent: Tuesday, September 25, 2012 5:04 PM

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

	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 <mailto:Andrew.Baracco at va.gov>  

	Sent: Tuesday, September 25, 2012 12:32 PM

	To: Discussion list for ACB human service professionals <mailto:acb-hsp at acb.org>  

	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 <mailto:darehart56 at hotmail.com>  

		To: Discussion list for ACB human service professionals <mailto:acb-hsp at acb.org>  

		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 <mailto:thedogmom63 at frontier.com>  

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

		To: Discussion list for ACB human service professionals <mailto:acb-hsp at acb.org>  

		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 <mailto:darehart56 at hotmail.com>  

			To: Discussion list for ACB human service professionals <mailto:acb-hsp at acb.org>  

			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 <mailto:Darehart56 at hotmail.com> 

			Deanna Austin may be reached at:

			DeannaAustin2009 at comcast.net <mailto:DeannaAustin2009 at comcast.net> 

			Respectfully,

			Darian Slayton Fleming

			ACB-HSP President

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