What really frosts me? And I mean really really?

Linda Edwards

How some folks in our club can get away with the most amazing crap. And the excuse, oops...reason? Why there is no consequence? To protect our club. Really?

Linda Edwards
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Rick Cooper · Joined: 22 Sep 2006 Posts: 53

George Orwell wrote:

"Some pigs are more equal than other pigs"

More true than he knew!

Will Hahn · Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2010 1:13 pm Post subject:

a lot can frost me too. Can I do anything about when they aren't listening? Yes, waste my time on earth.

Not

wrh
Mad

Linda Edwards · Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2010 2:00 pm Post subject:

Yes, and apparently in this case, nothing will be done because all of the BOD saw the evidence and several were copied on it in its original. But no apology? To allow this person to continue to represent our club? After openly defaming my reputation and the reputation of two AKC judges?

Why is this behavior allowed? There should be nobody in the club deemed beyond reproach, but alas, we have our "anointed ones." The elite, the entitled. damned shame Embarassed

Linda Edwards
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Johnny Miller · Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2010 3:07 pm Post subject:

What really frosts me is that conflict is the norm in the PRTAA. I said before that competition is the single biggest hindrance to progress in this club. I think it goes a little deeper and bad blood in general is the biggest hindrance.

Linda, people only become "elite" or "annointed" if dubbed as such by those who observe them. I prefer, "wrong, but able to get away with it due to the complacency of the membership," because that's the truth. The membership is small and made up largely of those who have survived all the turmoil of the years since the PRTAA's inception because they are able to look away from the unpleasant... If the "elite" that you mentioned are currently serving on the BOD, it's because the majority of the membership wanted them there. Sad

Time will tell if the membership wants them back.

It's going to be interesting to see what happens over the upcoming years. One thing is for sure: If this club can't overcome past failures enough to move on, there is going to be no progress. There is a fine line between learning from past mistakes and getting so bogged down in them that progress is futile.

My hope is this: In the upcoming election, I hope we get some new Directors who can work WITH some of the existing Directors, because without cooperation from the existing Directors, the BOD would be dead in the water until election time next year! And so on. Here's hoping that during this campaign time, we see a little less negative campaigning than is the norm for this club. I've already seen my stomachfull, between here and FaceBook. I hope to hear more about what is going to happen in 2011 and a little less about what happened in 2009. We already know things are bad and no single, past BOD is to blame. I want to hear exactly how things are going to become better.
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Annette Gilliam · Joined: 25 Sep 2006 Posts: 931 Location: El Cajon, CA

It is a viscious circle unfortunately. The "powers-that-be" only let in members who have bought their dogs and support them. They boycott new members sponsored by people who do not support their agenda. The unhappy people tend to quit rather than continue to contribute membership dues to an organization that does not support them or treat everyone fairly.

In response to my email to friends about signing my petition, I received two responses that indicated these people had not renewed after years of being members -- the reason -- the problems with the club that seem never ending and impossible to correct. That is only two people. How many dozens are there that fell away because of all the bickering and control issues? As the decent folks leave the fold, it leaves an overwhelming majority of people who support the status quo making it an even greater hurdle to jump for people who want to correct the problems to get on the BOD.

Annette
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BLOSSOM VALLEY PARSON RUSSELL TERRIERS
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Avatar:
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Will Hahn · Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2010 4:29 pm Post subject:

The unhappy people tend to quit rather than continue to contribute membership dues to an organization that does not support them or treat everyone fairly.

Correct because everyone has their limits.

As the decent folks leave the fold, it leaves an overwhelming majority of people who support the status quo making it an even greater hurdle to jump for people who want to correct the problems to get on the BOD.

Exactly, so keep your vote as long as you can. It's all you really can count on.

wrh

Chris Oldt · Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2010 7:22 pm Post subject:

As the decent folks leave the fold.....

On the flip side, many decent folks have decided to stay the course.

Chris

Linda Edwards · Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2010 7:26 pm Post subject:

Chris,

That is true....but almost 25% have decided to leave since late 2008. And how many new members have applied this year?

Linda Edwards
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Julie Dalbey · Joined: 23 Sep 2006 Posts: 544

Chris Oldt · Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2010 10:27 pm Post subject:

I don't have exact numbers Linda but a handful have been accepted this year. I believe a few are also in the works. I hope more will apply. I have voted yes to all thus far.

What is it you think we can do to spur folks to apply?

I've heard...faster membership process. Perhaps beneficial but I doubt that alone will spur folks to want to join us.

You said membership committee. I think that's a good idea. They could work on a drive etc...

We already have low membership fees.

We seem to talk about folks leaving every year. Lets talk about how we can encourage folks to join us.

Chris

Linda Edwards · Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2010 10:34 pm Post subject:

Chris,

I agree. Probably a bit late in the current term to be forming committees. Probably should have started the year with a Membership Committee. Maybe there could be a longer "grace period" for members that neglect to renew. Border Terriers give them a year, I think. Regardless, any change would take a Bylaw revision, and you know that won't happen this year. I think the 2008 revision was headed in the right direction with one publication and NO letters without letting applicants address them.
Good that there are any new applicants at all. I think in 2008 we had like 18-20?

Linda Edwards
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Chris Oldt · Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2010 10:50 pm Post subject:

Chris,
I agree. Probably a bit late in the current term to be forming committees. Probably should have started the year with a Membership Committee.

I recall it being discussed in the past but nothing really ever came to fruition. If folks are interested in being a part of such a committee, let us know. Some folks already seem pretty taxed so some fresh volunteers would be nice. Also, if we were to get a proposal for the Bylaws to allow "standing" committees to stand, it wouldn't be too late (if adopted). That way committees remain intact through each election.

Maybe there could be a longer "grace period" for members that neglect to renew. Border Terriers give them a year, I think.

I think a year is bit extreme (and not beneficial). I realize the time of year for our renewals is a tough one. Perhaps something your committee could check out. The board did attempt to extend the grace period last year but soon realized it was in conflict with our bylaws and had to back up the bus on that (in addition to the various complaints). Damned if you do or don't sometimes.

Regardless, any change would take a Bylaw revision, and you know that won't happen this year.

I don't know that. Why not Linda? You reside on the very committee that could propose this very thing to the board. The board would then consider it and vote. If adopted it then goes to member vote (and for AKC approval). There's time but not if proposals are not submitted to continue the process (so we have something to put on a fresh ballot). If we don't adopt proposals there is no reason to have a ballot. It would be blank.

I think the 2008 revision was headed in the right direction with one publication and NO letters without letting applicants address them.

I would agree with one publication but disagree on turning the process into a trial.....but I'm merely one of nine who would decide. Propose it if the committee feels it's warranted!

Good that there are any new applicants at all. I think in 2008 we had like 18-20?
Linda Edwards

I'm not sure but issues a membership committee could address.

Chris

Mary Henderson · Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2010 10:52 pm Post subject:

Bringing in new members is something every current member should want to do.
We all meet people through our dogs. I know several people who own PRT's that are not members. As a current member I plan on talking to them and asking if they are looking for a sponsor. I believe the biggest issue has to do with the process the PRTAA has. It took me 7 years to build up my courage to ask the couple of people I knew if they would sponsor me.

I had one tell me she had sponsored her quota (4), that number needs to change.
I had more then one person tell me that they had not be a member long enough to sponsor.
I was lucky enough to find someone who was willing to do a phone interview and willing to sponsor me.
When one is new finding a sponsor can be difficult.
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Linda Edwards · Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2010 11:05 pm Post subject:

Chris,

Nobody proposed turning the membership procedure into a trial, but at the present time, it is not very fair to the applicants if members can write letters against them without the applicant even having the right to know that, don't you think/

That was one of the Bylaws our committee cited as needing change. Once we get clear direction on the June request (in August maybe?), and maybe something in writing from our Pres. (instead of a phone call) or our corresponding secy, we can work on the wording. We would hate to go to all that work and then get a "nah, we don't think those bylaws need revising" from our current BOD.

Linda Edwards
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