This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hello Catherine,
<<<Yes. you are correct that members do have a voice in NFHR. The way you can have a voice is listed below. 1. Annual Elections 2. Annual Corporation Meeting (Where we have only had 4 maximum attend that were not NFHR BOD MEMBERS in the 4 years I have been on the BOD) In 2005 it is in FLORIDA.. Contact Roger Cabic for more details. THE BOD is trying hard to get people to attend the annual meetings. This is where the game plan for the year is set. COME and have a VOICE!!!!>>> Are you saying that we do not have a voice in any matter that is currently on the books? The only way our voice is heard is by voting for whomever might have APPLIED to be a director for the board of the NFHR? As for the yearly location of the "in-person" meeting, why was Florida chosen? Do we have that many members in the Southeast? I did not realize this! There is no way I can attend, I could not even figure out a way of attending the last one in Illinois, but had hoped to attend the next one in a location similar. <<3. Committee Memberships and committee work 4. Run and be elected to the BOD and do the work!>> I realize many of the BOD believe we as members are not appreciative of your efforts and this is not the case. However, using the "run and be elected to the BOD and do the work" is not the answer to the current problem concerning the logo. It is a simple aversion tactic to avoid facing the conflict straight on. Can we please simply discuss the logo in and of itself without going into the political aspects surrounding it? <<I hereby AGAIN. challenge all of you to RUN for the BOD. Send in your resumes TODAY.>> And I again will ask why we are not using a nomination system versus application system? <<If you want to see the logo or anything stay the same or if you want to see things CHANGE. YOU MUST get involved. Just do not sit here on this list and talk. DO SOMETHING. BE ACTIVE in your Organization.>> We are involved. Steve has taken the time for numerous years to provide us this immediate outlet for numerous members to discuss various aspects concerning the Norwegian Fjord Horse and the impact this wonderful animal has in our lives. As the NFHR is the leading registry in the States, it is obvious that there will be times discussion concerning NFHR events or changes will crop up on this list. As Jean mentioned, many people are unable to travel long distances to go to a yearly BOD meeting. Not all decisions pertaining to the NFHR are made during that sole meeting, but throughout the year, so this is by no means a cure to the current dispute. In addition, NFHR membership is spread all over the country, including other countries. Steve has shown us the advantage of using an online system to immediately discuss the Fjord, advertise, even debate Fjord issues. This is a perfect type of communications system that could greatly enhance the NFHR versus expecting members to go to an annual meeting that regardless of location, will entail tremendous travel time for most members. In the worst case scenario, a simple mailing might suffice for those issues that should involve the membership at large. What I am finding most disturbing is that these comments read much like "put up and shut up" type of attitude. All of us contribute to the NFHR by being MEMBERS first and foremost. Those of us who dedicate volunteer time to serve on committees and BOD positions also serve the NFHR greatly. However, to ignore one or more members opinions simply because we are not a member of a committee or the BOD is ludicrous. There would not be a NFHR if it were not for the members. I, for one, am not pleased with being made to feel like my membership means less than nothing unless I participate in a committee. I would very much like some questions answered. #1. What current bylaws of the NFHR are currently in effect to outline what issues should be voted on by the membership at large versus the BOD? #2. What is the reasoning behind the committees being "secretive" about their work? #3. Why isn't a nomination system used to elect all BOD members with the exception of the registrar? #4. Why can't we request of Steve to allow NFHR members to discuss current issues with a BOD member participating and passing along the concensous to the BOD? If this is not workable, why can't the NFHR create a board for NFHR issues to be discussed by the members? Regardless, I have witnessed many members that WANT to participate in the NFHR decisions, even though they may not be a member of a committee or the BOD. I would hope that our voices, as members only, are considered important to consider in such a monumental decision as changing our current logo. However, it is not feasible for our "voices to be heard" using the scenario you have presented of by running for a NFHR position or participating in the annual meeting. The first is an impossiblity as there are only a few positions open so obviously, not every member can run for office. :) The second option is also not workable for the membership at large due to distance involved. A new system must be incorporated for the membership to be heard. Lynda
