Our business meetings have become too overburdened with contentious attacks. During our emergency meeting for the new motor last year or whenever we had the emergency meeting, a member(JR) commented on the reason we don't get better participation is because of the lack of courtesy toward fellow members. "All this fighting" she commented. "These aren't discussions". Those comments came from someone at the meeting, not from
speculation on why people are not in attendance. I witnessed similar attacks at our last meeting. Out of order, loud, repetitive under the breath comments. Failing to yield to someone recognized by the Board to have the floor. Speaking facts without facts. Outright bitterness.
Loud doesn't mean correct. Out of order is out of control. For those of you who are up on "Roberts Rules of Order", refer to Article I Section 3. "How to obtain the floor". Then read our By-Laws and how and when Roberts Rules of Order apply. By-Law Article IV section 5.
While I don't see this behavior changing anytime soon, please don't let it dissuade you from speaking your mind. This is your meeting too and it's your right as a voting member. That's in the rules, not by-laws by the way.
Curt
Several E-Voting/ Participation survey comments from various members echo what Curt says here. (The text of these comments was sent out earlier this summer. Copies available.)
ReplyDeleteI agree that we need to find a way to make meetings more friendly while allowing everyone to air their thoughts. Perhaps trying for a consensus is the wrong approach, and just stirs up frustration. We need to respect opposing opinions, realize that folks will continue to have different views, and rely on democratic decision making.
Point well taken and shame on us. What ever happened to the gavil?
ReplyDeleteDennis