[acb-hsp] ACB-HSP Status Update

Mon Jan 21 08:58:24 EST 2013

Hi Darien,  I read your message, and Peter's response.
I have never understood why this affiliate has not been able to draw more members.  For one, I really thought (when I re-established it) that there were a lot of blind people in human services.  Secondly, we broadened the scope to include just about anyone who works with a human in just about any capacity.  Maybe that was a mistake but we assumed, I think, that would be less exclusive to social workers, or counselors, or any one or two professional groups. Yet, that still does not seem to have made much of an impact.  The highest I've ever known the membership to be was around 30.  I, obviously, do not know what it is now.
In regards to your query, to dissolve or not? I really don't know the answer to that, and from a leadership standpoint, I feel saddened that the question would even be asked, and sadder supported by anyone--especially those who could really be helpful should they desire to be.  
On the other hand, having been through this, another affiliate and heard more than all I want to hear about a third affiliate struggle, horrific gameplaying, drama--for lack of any other term, and total lack of leadership (and I'm not blaming individuals here); I'm really reluctant to stick my neck out ...again.
I can certainly send in a ten dollar check--could have previously and its called procrastination which I'll own.
However, will I be in Columbus?  I really do not know nor can I.  At this minute, sitting right here, the answer is "I want to be".  When it comes time to go, however, it may be an altogether different response--based on many factors.  I guess my point is, if ACB-HSP, and other affiliates, cannot figure out ways of operating outside of convention and convention is the way and time, then no, I cannot and will not commit--because I'm neither rich enough to attend them, nor do I especially like them, and it impacts my work significantly when I do.
If ACB-HSP can figure out some other way of conducting itself in the professional sense that I would have expected from Human Service Professionals, then yes, I'm more-than-willing to send in $10.00, and make every commitment.  
So, there is my response.  Keep us posted how others do, or do not, respond ...then, I"ll know what it is I need to do.
Thank you.

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 
  Cc: abayzyn at bazyncommunications.com 
  Sent: Sunday, January 20, 2013 10:38 PM
  Subject: [acb-hsp] ACB-HSP Status Update

  Hello List:

  There has been talk on this list about the affairs and status of the ACB Human Service Professionals (ACB-HSP) Organization. I am writing to update you on the status of this special interest affiliate. In addition, I am asking for your recommendations about how this organization should proceed based on this information.

  At the 2012 conference, ACB-HSP held a networking session that was attended by only seven or eight people. Most were new and some of them joined the affiliate. The conversation was meaningful, but our treasury took a hit since we did not have enough attendees to pay for the event. We ended up owing ACB $45.

  The diversity session was better attended, but not by much. About ten people were present for Peter Autchul’s excellent presentation.

  The business meeting, in contrast, was attended only by our treasurer, Deanna Austin, two people who joined the organization and me. We were to hold officer elections, but we did not have a quorum.

  This was followed by a conference call that I planned. Those of you who have been following this know that I forgot to attend the call.

  Since then three of the five officers on the board have resigned.

  I attempted to hold a membership only conference call to explore remedies and to decide how to proceed. Again, Deanna Austin and I attended along with one other member. It was not possible to make any decisions with a lack of participation.

  At previous times, with lulls in participation and other problems, the organization has floundered. Then interested members have taken leadership roles and revived the organization. I am at a loss as to what to try next. Deanna Austin believes in this organization. However, she had not planned to run for election again and wishes to step down. This would leave the affiliate with only one officer.

  Some people have suggested dissolving the affiliate. According to our bylaws, the affiliate can only dissolve officially at an annual convention affiliate business meeting with the vote of four fifths of the membership present and voting.

  It is time to begin planning for the 2013 Human Service Professionals affiliate program. I have had an inquiry about whether HSP wants to participate in a program activity that has been publicized on the convention planning list. I am very interested in seeing Human Service Professionals survive. I attended convention last year because of my position, despite financial difficulties and the fact that three of the five officers were not attending due to finances and other obligations. 

  I believe ACB Human Service Professionals serves as a forum for providing education and support to students who are future professionals and to human service professionals who are blind. Through networking, we educate ourselves and potential employers and community partners. We have sponsored some wonderful programs.

  Although I have made mistakes, I am willing to try to work on reviving our organization. However, I am only one person and cannot make decisions alone for this affiliate. Due to current circumstances, I am not willing to plan programs, incur further financial hardship attending the 2013 convention to implement programs or continue to pursue support for the affiliate if participation continues to be minimal.

  I would welcome comments on this list about your thoughts about how we shall move forward. Do you think we should allow the affiliate to dissolve? There are only two ways the affiliate can dissolve. According to our bylaws, there must be a vote of four fifths of the members present and voting at a national convention. Would any of you members plan to attend a business meeting in July 2013 in order to vote to dissolve?

  Otherwise, we can fail to submit a membership roster and dues for three years; then the credentials committee could recommend to the ACB that our charter be lifted.

  If you believe we should attempt to move forward in a positive direction, do you plan to attend convention? Do you plan to join the organization or renew your membership by paying your dues by February 15th, 2013? Please let us know what you think by replying to this E-mail.

  If we want to revive our affiliate, we could also have someone from the membership committee work with us to resolve differences and difficulties.

  If you plan to join or renew your membership, please send a check for $10 to Deanna Austin, treasurer, by February 15 so she can send our information and money to ACB before March 15, 2013. Deanna’s address is 5248 Spring Creek Court., Indianapolis IN 46254.

  If you believe we should continue the organization, please let me know if you would take a position on the board. The vacancies are vice-president, secretary, treasurer and program director. The board has the authority to appoint officers, if vacancies occur between annual conventions, and Deanna and I would convene a meeting to do so. You must be a paid member to be appointed to a position.

  Your ideas are welcome. I will need to make a decision about whether to plan programs and whether I am in a position to attend the 2013 convention. 

  I look forward to your feedback. Thank you.

  Sincerely,

  Darian Slayton Fleming

  ACB Human Service Professionals President

  (503) 253-9543 (home)

  (503) 522-3272 (cell)

  Darehart56 at hotmail.com

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