[acb-hsp] ACB-HSP Status Update
peter altschul
paltschul at centurytel.net
Tue Jan 22 21:22:33 EST 2013
Hi:
I don't know how to set up FB pages and Twitter accounts, but I
would be happy to administer them.
Best, Peter
> ----- Original Message -----
>From: "Darian Slayton Fleming" <darehart56 at hotmail.com
>To: "Discussion list for ACB human service professionals"
<acb-hsp at acb.org
>Date sent: Tue, 22 Jan 2013 16:27:53 -0800
>Subject: Re: [acb-hsp] ACB-HSP Status Update
>Thanks to everyone for the feedback. I’m keeping track of
comments, etc. and saving the E-mails.
>A couple of votes for dissoilving.
>If we don’t dissolve, these are all great suggestions.
>I agree that more advertizing, staying connected throughout the
year, the value of this E-mail list are all good ideas.
>Does anyone know how to set up groups or pages with Face Book and
Twitter?
>Sincerely,
>Darian
>From: J.Rayl
>Sent: Tuesday, January 22, 2013 4:03 PM
>To: Discussion list for ACB human service professionals
>Subject: Re: [acb-hsp] ACB-HSP Status Update
>Well stated, Andy. Initially, we had defined a purpose--and,
unless the Bylaws have been revised, it should be within that
document. How, again, unless that purpose is stated over and
over to people, it may not remain in their minds. I have been
with ACB for awhile and still have to go online, or ask, or be
reminded to know what all of the affiliates are, then possibly
what it is that they do. I would not expect others to have any
better recollection. <smiles
>Perhaps we need to give consideration to redefining, or refining,
the purpose section as well given time, years, experience?
>Jessie Rayl
>thedogmom63 at frontier.com
>www.facebook.com/Eaglewings10
>www.pathtogrowth.org
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Baracco, Andrew W
> To: Discussion list for ACB human service professionals
> Sent: Tuesday, January 22, 2013 2:10 PM
> Subject: Re: [acb-hsp] ACB-HSP Status Update
> I think that broadening the scope of an organization works when
you have a large membership, and can perhaps have subgroups of
perhaps rehab counselors, SW's, psychologists, I. e. but often
what happens is that it isn't particularly relevant to anyone. I
think that ACBGE was strongest when it focused exclusively on
Federal employees. Since it broadened its scope, it has lost
membership. I know several human service providers who are
members of ACB, but have not been willing to participate in ACB
HSP. The reasons for this lack of participation vary from having
other involvements at convention, I. e. GDUI, FIA, etc. to not
knowing what ACB HSP can do for them that their professional
organizations aren't doing. I think that if HSP is to survive,
it will have to do 2 things.
> 1. To outline in concrete terms just what its purpose is.
> 2. I agree with Jessie that it will have to find ways of
involving members and other interested persons year round, and
not just at conventions.
> Andy
> From: acb-hsp-bounces at acb.org [mailto:acb-hsp-bounces at acb.org]
On Behalf Of J.Rayl
> Sent: Monday, January 21, 2013 5:58 AM
> To: Discussion list for ACB human service professionals
> Subject: Re: [acb-hsp] ACB-HSP Status Update
> 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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