[acb-hsp] ACB-HSP Status Update

[Donna]

I don't think having officers resign is the answer.  Darian makes a very
valid point regarding communication with those on the national level of ACB.
If this affiliate truly wants to rebuild we are going to need someone who 
can
work with those from the parent organization who have been appointed to
help.  Perhaps other questions that should be considered are:
Why aren't people paying their dues or renewing their membrership?
What is this group  offering to it's members to attract and retain them?
Perhaps people might feel more comfortable answering these questions off
list and those in charge might consider taking a short confidential survey
in order to give those who wish not to express their thoughts openly on an
email list  an opportunity to do so.

Since I posed the above questions I'm willling to start the discussion.
First off I have not paid dues in a few years probably since 2009 or 10.  My
reasons for this are mainly due to seeing the affiliate slowly dying.  I
along with many others are clearly not able to attend every convention and
since most of our activity is taking place their I feel like I would be
making a donation with no benefit to me.  Since this is a membership
organization we as members must be offered something as well as being asked 
to work on it's behalf.  If we don't go to
conventions we can't vote.  If we don't go to conventions we can't be
officers which is certainly understandable since there are specific jobs one
must accomplish during that week in order to keep the affiliate running
smoothly. If we don't go to conventions we miss out on presentations because
they are not recorded or posted anywhere for download later retrieval.  We
used to have conference calls and while sometimes these were not always
organized or they were poorly attended at least it allowed those who wished
to an opportunity to connect as a group.  We have this email list which
could be utilized as a venue for topics of discussion of interest to  those
of us in the human services field, but I very rarely see posts. Of course I
rarely post either so this is by no means a criticism. I'm just attempting
to point out that  perhaps the answer is starting slowly to rebuild and that
there are things we as a group can do now. that wohn't cost us anything
financially.

In terms of my willingness to step forward and fill a position on the board,
I'd be willing to pay my dues if I feel this organization is moving forward
and at that point  I'd be willing to consider any position presented to me
with the exception of treasurer.  I suck at math and hate it so would
definitely not do the affiliate a service by  accepting that appointment.
Lol. I have other talents that can be utilized for the good of this
organization. However, I refuse to be caught up in politics.  A title is not
as important as my integrity or following my principles.So at present I will 
give my
input if it is desired and hopefully in the future dues money will then
follow.

With Best Regards,
Donna
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Darian Slayton Fleming" <darehart56 at hotmail.com>
To: "Discussion list for ACB human service professionals" <acb-hsp at acb.org>
Sent: Tuesday, January 22, 2013 1:26 PM
Subject: Re: [acb-hsp] ACB-HSP Status Update


> My question is, how can we have elections if members don't pay dues or
> come to business meetings?  Are there people who would volunteer to be
> appointed to the board, in between conventions/like in the next few
> months?
>
> And if the remaining officers resign, who is going to do the work with the
> ACB mechanism to do the rebuilding?
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Darian
>
> -----Original Message----- 
> From: J.Rayl
> Sent: Tuesday, January 22, 2013 10:11 AM
> To: Discussion list for ACB human service professionals
> Subject: Re: [acb-hsp] ACB-HSP Status Update
>
> Hi.  Linda, I think you have some very solid and constructive ideas, and I
> would support them as well.  I am a little perplexed about one thing,
> however--if we do not send in dues and the roster, then can we truly hold
> elections and move forward?  Perhaps it is a little too early to make this
> decision about not sending in dues / roster because there is until
> March--another month and a half away.  I believe that even then, ACB would
> work with the affiliate if it were indicated to them our plan of action,
> and
> that we do need some assistance--specificly.
>
> I also agree strongly with working with and within other affiliates,
> especially at this point in time, to join with them in presentations.  It
> would seem to me that affiliates such as the Teachers, attorneys and,
> depending on how it goes, GDUI may be real potential--as well as the
> students.
>
> I don't know about Las Vegas--when is it?  <smiles> However, I do live
> close
> enough to Columbus that I can be there, at least for part of the
> convention,
> if there is, truly, a strong interest / commitment to the affiliate.
>
> I agree that this affiliate could be a tremendous asset in terms of
> providing mentors and general support for people within ACB.
>
> IN any event, it would seem that there is much work to be done here.
>
> In terms of the conference calls and even membership, again, I would
> question how many people outside of our membership or this list are even
> aware of them.  I am on ACB-L and GDUI-friends and have never heard
> mention
> one of ACB-HSP (since I stopped sending / mentioning it.)  I think it may
> be
> assumed people read the Braille Forum (if articles have appeared there),
> however I must admit that I frequently do not, or rapidly skim through and
> surely miss many things.  So again, much wider publication that there are
> even conference calls, much less what they involve, may be helpful /
> informative to people.
>
> As for the competition? I certainly understand that, however, again, one
> reason to work with and within other affiliates by joining.  Another
> reason
> to make a true commitment to the affiliate, then support it--even if you
> end
> up attending half of this, half of that ...or something.  (I've been
> there.)
> But again, the main work simply cannot happen once a year at a national
> convention which most of us are simply not going to be present.
>
> Stay well.  Its cold in WV.  <smiles>
>
>
> Jessie Rayl
> thedogmom63 at frontier.com
> www.facebook.com/Eaglewings10
> www.pathtogrowth.org
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Linda Porelle" <lmporelle at gmail.com>
> To: "Discussion list for ACB human service professionals"
> <acb-hsp at acb.org>
> Sent: Tuesday, January 22, 2013 12:39 PM
> Subject: Re: [acb-hsp] ACB-HSP Status Update
>
>
> Dear HSP Members~
> I'm observing this discussion with sadness. What I'm hearing is that
> members, at least most of those who have responded so far, have
> offered compelling reasons why they won't be available to revive this
> affiliate. In addition, very few have responded at all.
> Although it might be seen as a kind of palliative care that simply
> postpones the inevitable dissolution of the affiliate,I support the
> option of not sending in a roster and dues for this year. This gives
> us a bit more time to review our situation.
> As for any attempt to revive the affiliate, I will go on record here
> with a possibly controversial proposal.
> I suggest seeking consultation with the ACB mechanism, whatever that
> might be, which is in charge of supporting affiliates in crisis.
> In addition, I recommend that all current officers offer their
> resignation as a prelude to re-organization. In my view, this might
> create an opening for change. Of course, I would support a plan for
> new elections that would include current officers as candidates.
> I suspect that this may cause an uproar. I offer it in the spirit of
> bringing in air and light to our troubled affiliate.
> Sincerely,
> Linda
> PS I'm currently planning to  attend the las Vegas convention.
> PPS I also agree that the affiliate needs to be active outside
> conventions but our conference calls have not been well attended in
> the past couple of years.
> We will need lots of new ideas and many hearts and minds to carry them
> forward.
>
>
> On 1/21/13, Peter Altschul <paltschul at centurytel.net> wrote:
>> Hi:
>>
>> Congratulations, Marilyn, on your election!
>>
>> For what it's worth, the Convention Coordinator told me that she is going
>> to
>> make a major effort to encourage affiliates to work together on their
>> program planning so the competition won't be so horrendous.
>>
>> Best, Peter
>>
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: acb-hsp-bounces at acb.org [mailto:acb-hsp-bounces at acb.org] On Behalf
>> Of
>> MARILYN LUTTER
>> Sent: Monday, January 21, 2013 8:50 PM
>> To: Discussion list for ACB human service professionals
>> Subject: Re: [acb-hsp] ACB-HSP Status Update
>>
>> Hello Darien and other members
>>
>> I believe this affiliate could potentially help younger human service
>> providers, and students with much assistance and mentoring. However, the
>> events of the past few months, dating back to the 2012 convention make me
>> wonder whether there is enough leadership and participation for the
>> affiliate to continue.  We are not the only affiliate having such
>> problems.
>>
>> I am aware of at least one other affiliate having very similar problems.
>>
>> I have been retired for several years now, and do not feel my current
>> situation would allow me to take a leadership role.  I have just moved
>> into
>>
>> a retirement community and am still adjusting to this move.
>> Additionally,
>> I
>>
>> was recently elected President of the District of Columbia Council of the
>> blind.  There is a lot of work to do in
>> relation to this
>> .
>> I would not gbe able to take on any other leadership responsibilities at
>> this time.
>>
>> I would certainly be willing to continue my membership.  and pay my dues.
>> I
>>
>> will be going to the convention, but could not take on a lot of planning
>> responsibility for it.  Last year I was unable to attend the business
>> meeting because I was   program  chairperson for another affiliate and
>> our
>> major program time conflicted with the business meeting.  I see the
>> problem
>>
>> the affiliates are having as related to the fact that so much is packed
>> into
>>
>> so little time at the convention.  I have serious doubts about any
>> affiliate
>>
>> being able to run, based solely on annual meetings.  Any affiliate needs
>> to
>>
>> have leadership involved throughout the year.
>>
>> Another thing which is making it difficult for the affiliates is the fact
>> that it seems every national committee seems to find it necessary to do a
>> presentation during the convention     which adds to the competition for
>> meeting time.
>>
>> If we are going to dissolve, and do this through an annual convention it
>> may
>>
>> be difficult to get enough members there to make this decision.  Maybe
>> the
>> best approach would be not to send a membership list and dues this year.
>>   How many people have paid dues at this point?
>>
>> I hope my thoughts  are of some help in figuring out what to do.
>>
>> Marilyn Lutter
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Darian Slayton Fleming" <darehart56 at hotmail.com>
>> To: "Discussion list for ACB human service professionals"
>> <acb-hsp at acb.org>
>> 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
>>
>>
>>
>> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
>> ----
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> 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
>>
> _______________________________________________
> 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