• Beware of Counterfeit Woodturning Tools (click here for details)
  • Johnathan Silwones is starting a new AAW chapter, Southern Alleghenies Woodturners, in Johnstown, PA. (click here for details)
  • Congratulations to Paul May for "Checkerboard (ver 3.0)" being selected as Turning of the Week for March 25, 2024 (click here for details)
  • Welcome new registering member. Your username must be your real First and Last name (for example: John Doe). "Screen names" and "handles" are not allowed and your registration will be deleted if you don't use your real name. Also, do not use all caps nor all lower case.

Four Critical Issues for All AAW Members

Joined
May 1, 2006
Messages
133
Likes
0
Location
Georgia
From my vantage point, there are Four Critical Issues that are facing the members of AAW. In short, the four areas are as follows:

Bylaws - a complete revision that reflects the mores of the woodturning
community

Ethics Policies - a complete overhaul is needed.


Policies and Procedures Manual - a well written and clearly defined
Policies and Procedures that reflect the revised Bylaws and
Ethics Policy

BOD - Board members that are committed to change and who recognize
that AAW is a community of diverse turners.


Change and growth will only come through a community of woodturners who are committed to the organization . . . and whose views are considered by those who lead.

Two final thoughts . . .

"Communication builds trust" . . .
and
"Everybody has a seat at the table"

I'm ready to communicate . . . . I'd just like to have a seat at the table.

With all due respect,
Al Stramiello
 
Joined
Jun 25, 2010
Messages
202
Likes
1
Location
West Palm Beach , Florida
A chair

I want a seat at the table too:D

Whats for dinner?
 
R

Ron Sardo

Guest
From my vantage point, there are Four Critical Issues that are facing the members of AAW. In short, the four areas are as follows:

Bylaws - a complete revision that reflects the mores of the woodturning community

[snip]

I'm ready to communicate . . . . I'd just like to have a seat at the table.

With all due respect,
Al Stramiello

You do have a chance to communicate with the bylaws revisions by making suggestions by article number with actual text for changes and emailing them to this address



This may sound surprising, but not every single article needs to be revised.


Such as
Section 1.01 Name.
The name of this non-profit corporation shall be AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF WOODTURNERS, INC.
(the "Association"). The official acronym shall be "AAW".

Section 1.02 Registered Office and Registered Agent.
The Association shall have and continuously maintain in the State of Minnesota a registered office and a registered agent whose office is identical with such registered office, as required by the Minnesota Non-Profit Corporation Act. The registered office may be, but need not be changed from time to time by the Board of Directors.

Section 12.01 Corporate Seal.
The Board shall provide a Corporate Seal which shall be circular in form and shall have inscribed thereon the name “American Association of Woodturners, Inc.†and the name of the State of Incorporation.

Now Articles 4, 5 and 6, is a different story.







.
 
Joined
Apr 25, 2004
Messages
2,557
Likes
25
Location
Annandale, New Jersey
But

A'fore y'all start sendin' in your heartfelt ideas for honesty, transparency, and such, you do need to take a few minutes {actually more than a few HOURS} and figure out the words to make those laudable ideas work in a very nuts-n-bots "mechanical" way such that a 4th grader (who hasn't been "left back or socially passed") can read, understand, and apply.

and now for my next magical trick . . . .;)
 
Joined
Feb 28, 2009
Messages
204
Likes
0
Location
Red Oak, Texas
Mark, you posted a comment over on the MAG board that the committee is a bit under the gun. Can you elaborate? Have you been given a deadline? You stated before the earliest the bylaw change can be made is at the next general membership meeting in St. Paul. If so, why the rush now?

Does the committee expect a straight up or down vote on the revision without discussion prior to the final presentation? If so, why is that better than allowing votes on each article that is to be changed? In my opinion each article should stand on it's own. For example I might agree with a change in BOD nominations but strongly disagree with a change in say BOD duties. The result is either a no vote or a disgruntled yes vote. A further benefit with an article by article ballot is it should make more members read the changes.

I would like to see a final draft posted for discussion prior to the official ballot. I know for every change proposed you would get a variety of opinions ranging from you guys walk on water to why were evil people allowed into the AAW. On the other hand you might see in the comments things that as a group you agree should be adjusted. If you were to decide to post the draft it might be a good idea to have that post listed as a sticky and locked. Let the discussions be done in a separate thread.
 
R

Ron Sardo

Guest
Does the committee expect a straight up or down vote on the revision without discussion prior to the final presentation? If so, why is that better than allowing votes on each article that is to be changed?

I'm hoping that we can vote on each article, at this time we don't have a definitive answer.
 
Joined
Apr 25, 2004
Messages
2,557
Likes
25
Location
Annandale, New Jersey
Stuart,

Consider this: The by-laws have to be revamped in many material respects. Those rewritten provisions must conform to the minimum standards and limits of the laws of the State of Minnesota, whose laws were clearly (IMO) never drafted with an organization like the AAW in mind. The Committee must therefore walk a tightrope between what's "legal" and what "fits" with the organization that is the AAW. There has been a whole lot of sweat in the details, and there's gonna be a lot more.

Once a draft is completed, it will be reviewed. That review takes time because the AAW rules must not overlap, but may well interconnect and cross-reference, so internal conflicts can pop up easily.

When the final draft is "approved', it will have to be published for the general membership (meaning ALL the members) to read, raise objections, even propose changes, perhaps be amended again, and then again published to all of the members in time for each of them to have the opportunity to vote on the changes at or in connection with the Annual Meeting in St. Paul. Since an independent mailing to all AAW members will cost more than $20,000 for each shot (forget e-mail or posting here), all of this "publishing" will have to be done as an adjunct to the Journal mailings that go out every two months, but need to have everything set at least a month before the mailing date.

In case you haven't caught my drift, the people with the by-laws "take it or leave it" conspiracy theories are full of it. This is a very BIG deal to make sure that every single member has both notice, information on the whys and hows, and an equal chance to voice their choices.

I do hope this is responsive to your question.
 
Joined
Apr 25, 2004
Messages
2,557
Likes
25
Location
Annandale, New Jersey
If you were to decide to post the draft it might be a good idea to have that post listed as a sticky and locked. Let the discussions be done in a separate thread.

Stu, you may have a tough time with this, but forget the internet chatroom route. There are 13,000+ AAW members out there with just as much right as I have to have their comments heard. I have no doubt there'll be cards and letters comin' in right along with e-mails and UPS'd bags of poop, but that's the way it has to be.
 
Joined
Jan 20, 2006
Messages
2,051
Likes
352
Location
Martinsville, VA
I'm hoping that we can vote on each article,

i cannot imagine doing it any other way:eek:, its not as big as what congress does for each budget, definitly need line by line vote
 
Joined
Dec 10, 2006
Messages
578
Likes
7
Location
Mesa, Arizona
Mark, you posted a comment over on the MAG board that the committee is a bit under the gun. Can you elaborate? Have you been given a deadline? You stated before the earliest the bylaw change can be made is at the next general membership meeting in St. Paul. If so, why the rush now?

Does the committee expect a straight up or down vote on the revision without discussion prior to the final presentation? If so, why is that better than allowing votes on each article that is to be changed? In my opinion each article should stand on it's own. For example I might agree with a change in BOD nominations but strongly disagree with a change in say BOD duties. The result is either a no vote or a disgruntled yes vote. A further benefit with an article by article ballot is it should make more members read the changes.

I would like to see a final draft posted for discussion prior to the official ballot. I know for every change proposed you would get a variety of opinions ranging from you guys walk on water to why were evil people allowed into the AAW. On the other hand you might see in the comments things that as a group you agree should be adjusted. If you were to decide to post the draft it might be a good idea to have that post listed as a sticky and locked. Let the discussions be done in a separate thread.

Stuart,

I'm not Mark (much to the relief of his wife and family), but I do have some thoughts on the questions you posed.

The time line for the committee to complete its work has been discussed on this forum before. We hope to be able to complete our work in time for the membership to be able to vote on the proposed bylaws in December. When the deadline for completing our work was first proposed, we all agreed that, given the choice between doing the job right and getting it done by the deadline, we'd get the job done right. I still believe we can get the job done right by the deadline. If we cannot, we'll let the membership know we need more time and go from there.

The changes we anticipate making in the bylaws will require approval of the membership. That could take place at the next membership meeting (scheduled to take place as part of the next annual symposium) or by a vote of the membership conducted by ballot. The second method gives all members the chance to participate and seems preferable (to me if to no one else). As to why the rush, we don't believe we are rushing things such that the quality of our effort will be affected. As a practical matter, some of us have day jobs that will prevent our participation after the 1st of the year. (Okay, that last one may only apply to me. I'm a tax accountant and plan on being busy after January 1st.) Other than that, there has been some pressure from the membership to up date the bylaws post haste.

We do expect an up or down vote on the entire package. We debated among ourselves about the best approach. We considered posting each Article as we completed our work on that part of the bylaws. Frankly, despite having argued in favor of posting our work as we went along, I'm glad we did not take that approach. We've already found it necessary to reconsider some of the sections of the bylaws we thought we were finished with. As you might suspect, one part of the bylaws relates to other parts of the bylaws. So, a change here might necessitate a change there. Had we already posted, say, Article III in its "final" form, several of you might legitimately complain when we posted another "final" version of Article III a few days later.

It's this interrelated nature of the bylaws that makes it unwise (in my opinion) to allow the membership to vote on each section or article separately. Suppose we changed section 3.01 and made a corresponding change to section 16.06 and the first change was approved but the second was not (or vice versa). We might end up with a set of bylaws that were internally inconsistent. (By the way, don't bother looking up sections 3.01 and 16.06. Section 16.06 does not exist in the current bylaws.)

I understand that each of us may be asked to vote for a set of bylaws that contain some things we don't like. I'm on the committee and can guarantee that there will be parts of the bylaws that do not perfectly reflect my own preferences. I do believe that the proposed bylaws will be a substantial improvement over our current bylaws. If you or I feel strongly that something needs to be changed, I'm comfortable with the ability we will have as members to propose such changes as we feel are warranted.

If there is time, I'd support a draft being posted for comment by the membership before the vote. I just don't know that there will be time.

Update: I see that in some ways I'm in disagreement with my fellow committee members Mark and Ron. This, folks, is an example of the way the committee works. There is a diversity of thought. We really do hash things out. Usually, after some discussion, we modify our views and reach a consensus. For example, I fully expect that Ron and Mark, having read my words of wisdom, above, will see the error of their ways and will soon adopt my position. There is, after all, a first time for everything. :)

Update 2: Looks like I'm wrong, again. Our current set of bylaws do not permit members to vote on amending the bylaws via a mailed in ballot. While the law allows such a method for amending the bylaws, changing the bylaws to permit such a vote would be a "fundamental change" -- something the board cannot do without a member vote and such a vote can only take place (under our current bylaws) at a meeting of the members. The next scheduled member meeting will take place at the annual symposium. MN law also requires each member be given notice of the proposed changes to the bylaws and for each member to be allowed to comment on those changes.

By the way, this is one of the things we are trying to address in the new bylaws. The plan is to allow members to petition to add something to the agenda of a member meeting and to allow members to vote on each item on the agenda in person (by attending the meeting), by proxy (by authorizing someone attending the meeting to cast the member's vote), or by ballot mailed in before the meeting.
 
Last edited:
Joined
Apr 24, 2004
Messages
745
Likes
0
Location
Cowlesville,Western New York
Change?

From my vantage point, there are Four Critical Issues that are facing the members of AAW. In short, the four areas are as follows:

Bylaws - a complete revision that reflects the mores of the woodturning
community

Ethics Policies - a complete overhaul is needed.


Policies and Procedures Manual - a well written and clearly defined
Policies and Procedures that reflect the revised Bylaws and
Ethics Policy

BOD - Board members that are committed to change and who recognize
that AAW is a community of diverse turners.


Change and growth will only come through a community of woodturners who are committed to the organization . . . and whose views are considered by those who lead.

Two final thoughts . . .

"Communication builds trust" . . .
and
"Everybody has a seat at the table"

I'm ready to communicate . . . . I'd just like to have a seat at the table.

With all due respect,
Al Stramiello

Al,

Every politician around this great Nation of ours has promised us something called "Change", "change the way things are done in _________" (fill in the blank.) I can't speak for every citizen, but from where I'm standing, in my many voting years, I ain't seen no stinking change of any import. Or more importantly change what? Change can be as broad or narrow as you, I, or others envision it.

With no desire nor intent to create another round of controversy here; I and many others may be in complete agreement with your vision. But it needs to be clearly articulated, hopefully not quite as simplistically as described by Mark :p, yet as orderly and understandable so not to be easily misinterpreted or open to end runs.
 
Joined
Feb 28, 2009
Messages
204
Likes
0
Location
Red Oak, Texas
Stuart,

In case you haven't caught my drift, the people with the by-laws "take it or leave it" conspiracy theories are full of it.

I do hope this is responsive to your question.

Thanks Mark, I understand and appreciate the update. Now about the up or down conspiracies. I originally sent a message to the bylaw address asking several questions. I received one answer. In that answer I was told it would be up or down and the final would not be presented for discussion prior to the vote.

This is my original message:

-----------------------------------

Betty Scarpino posted on the forum that she had been requested to include a ballot in the December journal approving the new or changed bylaws as proposed by the review committee. I have a question or two about the review plus some concerns about any revisions.

First the committee selected by Tom. I have had contact with some of you in the past but not with most of you. Without it seeming to be finger pointing or judgmental I would like to know more about your backgrounds and qualifications to be on the committee. In my opinion being a woodturner, nice person, honest and trustworthy while admirable qualities don't automatically qualify you to write new bylaws. I think a joint post on the forum would be best but if any of you care to answer in a private email I won't post or comment on your answer without your express permission. (8/27 I hope I'm not breaking the no comment statement by these comments. If so I apologize.

The second thing is how the revisions or rewrite will be done. It sounds like you have been tasked to go through the entire bylaws and suggest revision as you agree to as a committee. Will a majority vote place a revision in the category to be voted on by the membership? Will the current BOD have veto or inclusion power? Will a Minnesota attorney review any revisions to be certain they are legal?

The third thing and in my mind the most important is a perception the task is being rushed. According to Betty the rewrite as it is to be voted on must be in her hands by mid October. This does not give sufficient time in my mind for you to do as complete a job as required. I feel there should be a draft list presented for discussion prior to a final delivered for membership voting. I don't see how that can be accomplished in time for inclusion in the December journal. I also feel each revision should be presented and voted on separately. We as members shouldn't have to vote up or down on the entire package. Someone suggested on one of forums that would not be a bad thing because any disagreement could be handled by changing the bylaws. That seems like how we got here in the first place.

I would like to finish by thanking each of you for taking on this project.

Stuart Johnson
Red Oak, Texas
 
Joined
Apr 25, 2004
Messages
2,557
Likes
25
Location
Annandale, New Jersey
Update: I see that in some ways I'm in disagreement with my fellow committee members Mark and Ron. This, folks, is an example of the way the committee works. There is a diversity of thought. We really do hash things out. Usually, after some discussion, we modify our views and reach a consensus. For example, I fully expect that Ron and Mark, having read my words of wisdom, above, will see the error of their ways and will soon adopt my position. There is, after all, a first time for everything. :)

Missed you on the conference call with Minnesota legal counsel, David.;)
 
Joined
Dec 10, 2006
Messages
578
Likes
7
Location
Mesa, Arizona
Missed you on the conference call with Minnesota legal counsel, David.;)

I wish I could have participated. I always enjoy chatting with attorneys (it makes me glad I'm a CPA).

On the other hand, this way I can do my committee work without the burden of knowing what Minnesota law permits or requires. I find such a lack of knowledge terribly freeing.
 
Joined
Jun 26, 2010
Messages
11
Likes
0
Location
Louisville, Ky.
I agree

with Al and in the direction he is pointing. Firstly we must all understand that what is written and finalized will not make us all happy and wanting to lavish love on the people who drafted it, in fact the by-laws will probably be a living document for several years until we find a final solution that is workable to the membership and is binding and acceptable under Minn. law. A line by line vote is needed, with as much legalize not in the way as possible. you know in the end if more members find that through all of this we make this association better, more participation might be forthcoming and 30 people won't have to do the work of 100 as is usually the case. Also like it or not, there will have to be some major house cleaning and some humble pie eating happening before any of this will work long term. And at that point I am going to turn some beautiful spalted beech and enjoy myself. You all do the same! I'm selfish, I won't share the beech!!!
 

hockenbery

Forum MVP
Beta Tester
TOTW Team
Joined
Apr 27, 2004
Messages
8,590
Likes
4,885
Location
Lakeland, Florida
Website
www.hockenberywoodturning.com
I understand that each of us may be asked to vote for a set of bylaws that contain some things we don't like. I'm on the committee and can guarantee that there will be parts of the bylaws that do not perfectly reflect my own preferences. I do believe that the proposed bylaws will be a substantial improvement over our current bylaws. If you or I feel strongly that something needs to be changed, I'm comfortable with the ability we will have as members to propose such changes as we feel are warranted.

Update: I see that in some ways I'm in disagreement with my fellow committee members Mark and Ron. This, folks, is an example of the way the committee works. There is a diversity of thought. We really do hash things out. Usually, after some discussion, we modify our views and reach a consensus. For example, I fully expect that Ron and Mark, having read my words of wisdom, above, will see the error of their ways and will soon adopt my position. There is, after all, a first time for everything. :)

David,
it is too bad more of our members aren't familiar with how boards and committees work. Familiar with the exchange of ides and the give and take of the committee process.
It would be a rare organization, or family for that matter that agreed on every decision.

thanks to you and your mates for stepping up to a daunting task.
Al
 
Joined
May 1, 2006
Messages
133
Likes
0
Location
Georgia
A'fore y'all start sendin' in your heartfelt ideas for honesty, transparency, and such, you do need to take a few minutes {actually more than a few HOURS} and figure out the words to make those laudable ideas work in a very nuts-n-bots "mechanical" way such that a 4th grader (who hasn't been "left back or socially passed") can read, understand, and apply.

and now for my next magical trick . . . .;)

Mark . . . Your characterization of my words as being "heartfelt" seems as though you are attempting to belittle my ideas. Is there something wrong with "heartfelt"? Are my ideas less valued because they are sincere and caring?

Perhaps you could also clarify your concluding statement . . . "figure out the words to make those laudable ideas work in a very nuts-n-bots "mechanical" way such that a 4th grader (who hasn't been "left back or socially passed") can read, understand, and apply." Surely you are not implying that the education level of the AAW membership is so low that you have to stoop down to our level to help us understand? Yes, Mark, I know that you're a lawyer . . . and that I have a doctoral degree . . . but, you know what? I never think less of those who have hadn't the opportunities that I have had. I'm guessing that you feel the same way that I do. But, your words can be misinterpreted.


As for your request that I "need to take a few minutes {actually more than a few HOURS} and figure out the words to make those laudable ideas work in a very nuts-n-bots "mechanical" way" . . . sorry, but I'm not on the committee (remember?). I don't have hours of my time to present my draft of the bylaws.

However, I will give you a few nuts and bolts ideas to consider. And, please Ron . . don't ask me to email these to the Bylaws Committee. You're sitting here reading them. Just cut and past.

When I talk about the Bylaws I think in terms of "transparency, forthrightness, and integrity". (Visit the MAG site for my original post.) By transparency I'm thinking that the AAW should operate in a manner in which we all have a seat at the table. I'm not interested in having the members micromanage the BOD or central office staff. That's the job of the Executive Director and President of the Board. However, all of the members should have open access to what is going on with the organization.

From your earlier posts, Mark, I can predict you're reactions to my next statement. But, frankly, its the Technology Age. And that means electronic communication. Everybody's doing it, Mark. And if they're not . . . they soon will be. We need to use the internet to the advantage of the AAW. To make it short . . . the AAW needs to turn to the internet to keep the members apprised of the goings on of the organization. Specifically:

Board Meetings should be broadcast live over the internet. Video recordings should be made . . . and posted in the Members Only forum. I'm not asking for personnel actions to be broadcast, I understand the legal requirements for privacy. However, there is no reason any the Board Meetings' general session should not be make available for us to observe. We could even have a portion of that BOD meeting open to live questions from the membership via such software programs as Elluminate or Skype.

That's just one example of transparency. There are more ways of helping the AAW's leadership become transparent. It's a matter of opening avenues for members to learn more about what's going on . . . and to participate, if they so desire.

As far as my requests for "forthrightness and integrity" . . . . that covers a wide array of avenues. You're an attorney, your entire profession is built around those cornerstones. But, to offer a few quick suggestions . . . a system of checks and balances needs to be built into the Bylaws. Committee Chairs need to have clearly defined responsibilities. The Executive Director needs to write a Professional Development Plan each year outlining his/her goals for the organization. At the end of the year, the President of the Board sits down and conducts a review of the Professional Development Plan and an evaluation of the ED. Incidentally, included along with the evaluation should be an assessment of the ED's disposition. (The dispositions should be clearly identified in the contractual terms of employment.) If you need help deciding on dispositions . . . just let me know. My university students and colleagues evaluate my own dispositions on an annual basis.

Among my other ideas . . . the minutes of Board meetings should be prepared and finalized within two weeks of the Board meeting. There's no need to wait months and months for the next BOD meeting to approve the minutes. Why not have the minutes written and approved via a conference call . . . within two weeks of the BOD meeting? Then, the minutes are posted on the AAW Members Only site.

But, it all starts with the election of the BOD. And, in my thinking, that means an open election with open discussions with the candidates. As long as the BOD has a selection committee to decide on who is qualified to run . . . . they will never have my trust. Open the candidacy to anyone who has been an AAW member for two years or three or whatever. Let them announce their candidacy in a designated forum ares of the AAW website. Allow the members to engage them in a forum dialogue . . . then, let us vote. It's the Technology Age, remember?


Those are just a few examples of what I think needs to be done to rebuild the faith and trust of the membership.
 
Joined
Apr 25, 2004
Messages
2,557
Likes
25
Location
Annandale, New Jersey
Ain't technology wonderful?

So, Al, you've got a job to do ("if you choose to accept it, Mr. Phelps"). There are 13,000+ AAW members out there. You need to confirm with each of those persons that their e-mail address is current and working. If you find some who, perish the thought, don't have a computer or don't have e-mail, you're going to have to figure way to drag those fugitives from a GEICO commercial into the New Age. This will, of course, be a continuing (hopefully expanding) task for your team as more members are added, people move, change e-mail addresses, drop off the membership list, take positions in the Great Turning Studio In The Sky, and a myriad of other possibilities.

Remember, now, every single AAW member is entitled to the same notice, disclosures, and opportunity to comment and vote; no exceptions, no excuses.

Once you have all the members technologically lined up and ready to go in this brave new world (along with a system to continually verify that their contact information is current and viable), it will truly be a huge savings to the AAW to be able to simply push out a mass e-mailing each time anything crops up that they should know about. I can agree with your goal, but maybe my vision's getting a bit blurry because I just can't see how you're going to do all of this.

As things stand now, the guys and gals with the bags on their shoulders and the "appointed rounds" in their oath are the only reliable option we've got to do what is required.

Oh, and I wasn't being sarcastic in the least with regard to my use of the term "heartfelt." I'm well aware that there are any number of members who are truly and deeply committed to the AAW, and wish to contribute in some way, small or large. I have and will continue to proceed on the assumption that people who take the time to offer suggestions are sincere. You'll just have to find something else over which to criticize me.
 
Joined
Sep 11, 2006
Messages
1,039
Likes
138
Location
Ormond Beach FL
Website
turnedbygeorge.com
And, please Ron . . don't ask me to email these to the Bylaws Committee. You're sitting here reading them. Just cut and past.

(I hate to do this)
The entire rest of your post stands quite well (IMO), but I have to point this out:
If you want to win the lottery, you need to buy a ticket (saying the numbers out loud doesn't get the money)...

By that, I mean that protocol needs to be followed. This is a great forum for communicating our ideas and getting feedback, but it isn't the proper path to the ByLaws committee. And, as much as I might like to rattle Ron's cage, it really isn't his responsibility to transfer your ideas to the proper venue, unless, of course, he gets to take credit for them.

AND, as you point out, it's really cut and paste (and send).
 
Joined
May 1, 2006
Messages
133
Likes
0
Location
Georgia
Ain't technology wonderful?

So, Al, you've got a job to do ("if you choose to accept it, Mr. Phelps"). There are 13,000+ AAW members out there. You need to confirm with each of those persons that their e-mail address is current and working. If you find some who, perish the thought, don't have a computer or don't have e-mail, you're going to have to figure way to drag those fugitives from a GEICO commercial into the New Age. This will, of course, be a continuing (hopefully expanding) task for your team as more members are added, people move, change e-mail addresses, drop off the membership list, take positions in the Great Turning Studio In The Sky, and a myriad of other possibilities.

Remember, now, every single AAW member is entitled to the same notice, disclosures, and opportunity to comment and vote; no exceptions, no excuses.

Once you have all the members technologically lined up and ready to go in this brave new world (along with a system to continually verify that their contact information is current and viable), it will truly be a huge savings to the AAW to be able to simply push out a mass e-mailing each time anything crops up that they should know about. I can agree with your goal, but maybe my vision's getting a bit blurry because I just can't see how you're going to do all of this.

As things stand now, the guys and gals with the bags on their shoulders and the "appointed rounds" in their oath are the only reliable option we've got to do what is required.

Oh, and I wasn't being sarcastic in the least with regard to my use of the term "heartfelt." I'm well aware that there are any number of members who are truly and deeply committed to the AAW, and wish to contribute in some way, small or large. I have and will continue to proceed on the assumption that people who take the time to offer suggestions are sincere. You'll just have to find something else over which to criticize me.


Mark . . . quit feeling persecuted. I've done everything but send you flowers. Remember the dinner invitation? The basket of Georgia peaches that I sent? The 50 yard line tickets to see the Georgia Bulldogs? The keys to the Porsche?

Seriously, Mark, I appreciate the time that you are donating to the AAW. But you need to stop feeling as though you are unappreciated. And . . . you are on my Valentine's Day list.

Now, about those 13,000 members. Let's try to find a creative solution to the problem. Maybe when a member renews their membership . . . they check off an option on their renewal form . .

"Please check one of the following:

A. I prefer to receive my ballot via USPS mail.

B. I prefer to receive my ballot via email.

(Please keep us updated if your email changes)"

The Central office people keep a database of members . . . and anytime an email gets returned for being a closed account . . . a post card goes out saying you will receive your ballot by mail unless we receive an updated email address.
 
Joined
May 1, 2006
Messages
133
Likes
0
Location
Georgia
One other thing for the Bylaws

Mark . . Ron . . et. al . . . .

I do have one additional suggestion for the Bylaws.

The AAW Forum operates under the direction of an AAW Forum Committee. The Forum Committee is comprised of three members, one of whom will serve as the Chair. The Forum Committee is responsible for writing the Forum Rules and Guidelines. The Webmaster and Forum Moderators serve under the direction of the Forum Committee. Committee members are voted on by the AAW members.
 
Joined
Dec 10, 2006
Messages
578
Likes
7
Location
Mesa, Arizona
Perhaps you could also clarify your concluding statement . . . "figure out the words to make those laudable ideas work in a very nuts-n-bots "mechanical" way such that a 4th grader (who hasn't been "left back or socially passed") can read, understand, and apply." Surely you are not implying that the education level of the AAW membership is so low that you have to stoop down to our level to help us understand? Yes, Mark, I know that you're a lawyer . . . and that I have a doctoral degree . . . but, you know what? I never think less of those who have hadn't the opportunities that I have had. I'm guessing that you feel the same way that I do. But, your words can be misinterpreted.
Al,

I don't think Mark was trying to imply that the average member cannot read above the 4th grade level. Instead, I think he was speaking to the fact that's demonstrated time and again on this forum -- it's quite easy to misconstrue the written word. The simpler the language (a/k/a, the lower the "grade level"), the more difficult it is to misconstrue. So, we are trying to write the bylaws in simple terms -- not to dumb things down because turners are stupid but to avoid preventable misunderstandings.
 
Joined
Apr 25, 2004
Messages
2,557
Likes
25
Location
Annandale, New Jersey
Let's try to find a creative solution to the problem. Maybe when a member renews their membership . . . they check off an option on their renewal form . .

"Please check one of the following:

A. I prefer to receive my ballot via USPS mail.

B. I prefer to receive my ballot via email.

(Please keep us updated if your email changes)"

The Central office people keep a database of members . . . and anytime an email gets returned for being a closed account . . . a post card goes out saying you will receive your ballot by mail unless we receive an updated email address.

You thinking of putting on some staff at the St. Paul office, Al? Right now we've got three overworked office people and a ED. Who's going to PAY for all the extra overtime or extra staff and how many, 1, 2? Who's going to PAY for the extra mail charges? Last I saw 30% of the e-mail bounces. That translates to 4,000 members needing 4,000 postcards/letters at $0.28 a pop, so more than $1,100 for each mailing because members don't keep the records current. How do you justify the extra costs to keep your technological system up and functioning when compared to just putting stuff in the Journal mailing that we KNOW gets to all the members?

I'm quite sure that you'd just love to move all of the rewriting out of the committee and onto this board. Nice try, not happening. You want to submit ideas, you know the address. Posting here may seem like great PR, but that's all it is.
 
Joined
May 1, 2006
Messages
133
Likes
0
Location
Georgia
You thinking of putting on some staff at the St. Paul office, Al? Right now we've got three overworked office people and a ED. Who's going to PAY for all the extra overtime or extra staff and how many, 1, 2? Who's going to PAY for the extra mail charges? Last I saw 30% of the e-mail bounces. That translates to 4,000 members needing 4,000 postcards/letters at $0.28 a pop, so more than $1,100 for each mailing because members don't keep the records current. How do you justify the extra costs to keep your technological system up and functioning when compared to just putting stuff in the Journal mailing that we KNOW gets to all the members?

I'm quite sure that you'd just love to move all of the rewriting out of the committee and onto this board. Nice try, not happening. You want to submit ideas, you know the address. Posting here may seem like great PR, but that's all it is.


There you go again, Mark . . . forget about my big brother.

My big sister can beat up your big sister.
 
Joined
May 1, 2006
Messages
133
Likes
0
Location
Georgia
Mark . . . if I keep offering suggestions for the Bylaws, here in the forum . . and you keep posting back telling me that my ideas won't work . . at least I have the opportunity to elaborate and start a dialogue that might just come up with a solution. And, others may join in with some creative solutions.

But, if I email my suggestion . . . then, will I receive an email back asking for elaboration? Or, will I just get a "thanks for the comments?" And, if I do get asked for more input . . . others won't be able to join in to offer their ideas. It's sort of a Brain Storming approach. Our ideas build off of each others' ideas.
 
Joined
Jul 15, 2008
Messages
384
Likes
8
Now, about those 13,000 members. Let's try to find a creative solution to the problem. Maybe when a member renews their membership . . . they check off an option on their renewal form . .

"Please check one of the following:

A. I prefer to receive my ballot via USPS mail.

B. I prefer to receive my ballot via email.

(Please keep us updated if your email changes)"

The Central office people keep a database of members . . . and anytime an email gets returned for being a closed account . . . a post card goes out saying you will receive your ballot by mail unless we receive an updated email address.


Al, you might want to check with the "central office" to see if your idea is viable. In the past, I have had conversations with Linda Ferber, administrator, who reports being regularly plagued with the fact that members often do not update their email addresses or whose spam filters stop mass emails (not to mention those who rarely use their email accounts). I expect that eventually email will be the primary communication method, but not just yet. For instance, if an issue that members need to be informed about is timely, here's what would happen as I understand your plan: postcards are mailed, along with a mass email. For all the failed email addresses, postcards need to be mailed. Time passes and the work load of the office has increased.

Postcard mailing can become expensive (time and postage), which is why inserts in the journal are used, rather than sending postcard reminders to renew memberships or for voting purposes. To mail a first-class envelope is, of course, even higher, which, again, is the primary reason for using the journal to carry ballots and renewal information.

The BoD, AAW committees, and the central office all understand that if they want to communicate with every member (to the best ability possible within financial constraints), the journal is the vehicle -- at least at this point in time.


Betty Scarpino, editor, AW
 
Joined
May 1, 2006
Messages
133
Likes
0
Location
Georgia
Al, you might want to check with the "central office" to see if your idea is viable. In the past, I have had conversations with Linda Ferber, administrator, who reports being regularly plagued with the fact that members often do not update their email addresses or whose spam filters stop mass emails (not to mention those who rarely use their email accounts). I expect that eventually email will be the primary communication method, but not just yet. For instance, if an issue that members need to be informed about is timely, here's what would happen as I understand your plan: postcards are mailed, along with a mass email. For all the failed email addresses, postcards need to be mailed. Time passes and the work load of the office has increased.

Postcard mailing can become expensive (time and postage), which is why inserts in the journal are used, rather than sending postcard reminders to renew memberships or for voting purposes. To mail a first-class envelope is, of course, even higher, which, again, is the primary reason for using the journal to carry ballots and renewal information.

The BoD, AAW committees, and the central office all understand that if they want to communicate with every member (to the best ability possible within financial constraints), the journal is the vehicle -- at least at this point in time.


Betty Scarpino, editor, AW

Thanks for the suggestion, Betty. I'd like to amend my suggestion . . to using the journal instead of postcards.
 
Joined
Oct 25, 2005
Messages
935
Likes
241
Location
Newberg, OR: 20mi SW of Portland: AAW #21058
Update 2: ... Our current set of bylaws do not permit members to vote on amending the bylaws via a mailed in ballot. While the law allows such a method for amending the bylaws, changing the bylaws to permit such a vote would be a "fundamental change" -- something the board cannot do without a member vote and such a vote can only take place (under our current bylaws) at a meeting of the members. The next scheduled member meeting will take place at the annual symposium. MN law also requires each member be given notice of the proposed changes to the bylaws and for each member to be allowed to comment on those changes.

Apparently I am misreading this Update since no one else has commented on it. Please help me see what I've missed.

Is this saying that, as governed by the existing bylaws, there will be no mail-returned ballots and any amendments we desire will have to take place during an in-person meeting? In other words, the work the bylaw committee is doing will only be voted upon by the symposium attending members next summer?
 
Joined
Apr 25, 2004
Messages
2,557
Likes
25
Location
Annandale, New Jersey
Apparently I am misreading this Update since no one else has commented on it. Please help me see what I've missed.

Is this saying that, as governed by the existing bylaws, there will be no mail-returned ballots and any amendments we desire will have to take place during an in-person meeting? In other words, the work the bylaw committee is doing will only be voted upon by the symposium attending members next summer?

No, Owen, Everyone will get a ballot and be able to vote whether they are in St. Paul or St. Kitts.
 
Joined
Jul 15, 2008
Messages
384
Likes
8
Thanks for the suggestion, Betty. I'd like to amend my suggestion . . to using the journal instead of postcards.

Right now, that's what's being planned -- using the journal to carrying the bylaw committee's information to the membership. I've had a request from, and a subsequent discussion with, Dale Larson for deadlines for submissions to upcoming journals. Contingency plans are being considered and options discussed for the best method of transmitting the needed information to all the members. Lots of folks are involved in the planning: bylaw revision committee members, administration, BoD, design company staff, printer rep, and me. (It's my policy to copy as many people as possible on this type of discussion -- never know who might have a good idea or possible unforeseen roadblock.)

So, when "the needed information" is figured out, there will be in place the best method for delivery. "Best" is defined as the most likely method of reaching all AAW members in a professional, ethical, open, timely, least-cost, efficient, and error-free fashion. So, to summarize: the administration is poised and will be ready to execute the next step after the bylaw revision committee's work is finished.


Betty Scarpino, editor, AW
 

hockenbery

Forum MVP
Beta Tester
TOTW Team
Joined
Apr 27, 2004
Messages
8,590
Likes
4,885
Location
Lakeland, Florida
Website
www.hockenberywoodturning.com
Mark . . Ron . . et. al . . . .

I do have one additional suggestion for the Bylaws.

The AAW Forum operates under the direction of an AAW Forum Committee. The Forum Committee is comprised of three members, one of whom will serve as the Chair. The Forum Committee is responsible for writing the Forum Rules and Guidelines. The Webmaster and Forum Moderators serve under the direction of the Forum Committee. Committee members are voted on by the AAW members.

On the surface electing committee members looks good.

I would suggest that electing committee members gets to be way too much cost for the benefit.
If you staff committees through elections we need a process getting people to run, for setting the ballot, for voting. we can just add the potential committee members to the annual board ballot. A whole lot of support tail.

As far as impact on AAW the Publications committee and the Symposium committee are of much greater importance. each spending roughly 1/3 of the AAW's money every year.

-Al
 
Joined
Jun 25, 2010
Messages
202
Likes
1
Location
West Palm Beach , Florida
Big boys

Just a thought, out loud, I think, we may need to put a reminder in the AW journal that reminds people every couple of months when it comes out to log onto the home page and update any changes to their email or mailing address.

The AAW already offers a membership without a paper copy of the AW journal.

Put a note in the AW journal and let everyone know we are going paperless..

I, as President of my club will announce at every meeting to check the aaw site for updates.

We can't continue to pander to the boys and girls who refuse to get into the 21st century.
 
Joined
Dec 10, 2006
Messages
578
Likes
7
Location
Mesa, Arizona
Apparently I am misreading this Update since no one else has commented on it. Please help me see what I've missed.

Is this saying that, as governed by the existing bylaws, there will be no mail-returned ballots and any amendments we desire will have to take place during an in-person meeting? In other words, the work the bylaw committee is doing will only be voted upon by the symposium attending members next summer?

Owen,

The current bylaws do not permit amendment except by member vote at a member meeting. The bylaws do permit members to vote at such meetings by mail. So, we'll all be allowed to vote whether we attend the meeting or not.
 
Joined
May 15, 2004
Messages
96
Likes
0
Location
Western North Carolina mountains
A simple but tough remedy

Make it: up front, simple, BIG and to the point. State it on every sign-up form and renewals. If you want to receive updates, e-mails, post cards, ballots, journals, etc. it is the members responsibility to keep contact info current and e-mail filters properly trained! That should eliminate all the problems except those in "limbo" when the actual communication is sent. The bounced 30% of all e-mails should mostly stop. In this day of the vast majority of us with cellphones, pods, pads, berrys, e-mail, Skype, and Twitter can we bring this group out of the Sixties? Don't we all get our power bills and bank statements every month, please try that for the AAW.

Bill Turpin
#23724
 
Joined
Apr 25, 2004
Messages
2,557
Likes
25
Location
Annandale, New Jersey
Make it: up front, simple, BIG and to the point. State it on every sign-up form and renewals. If you want to receive updates, e-mails, post cards, ballots, journals, etc. it is the members responsibility to keep contact info current and e-mail filters properly trained! That should eliminate all the problems except those in "limbo" when the actual communication is sent. The bounced 30% of all e-mails should mostly stop. In this day of the vast majority of us with cellphones, pods, pads, berrys, e-mail, Skype, and Twitter can we bring this group out of the Sixties? Don't we all get our power bills and bank statements every month, please try that for the AAW.

Bill Turpin
#23724

[psst, Bill. I get that stuff by US Mail]:D
 
Joined
Dec 10, 2006
Messages
578
Likes
7
Location
Mesa, Arizona
Make it: up front, simple, BIG and to the point. State it on every sign-up form and renewals. If you want to receive updates, e-mails, post cards, ballots, journals, etc. it is the members responsibility to keep contact info current and e-mail filters properly trained! That should eliminate all the problems except those in "limbo" when the actual communication is sent. The bounced 30% of all e-mails should mostly stop. In this day of the vast majority of us with cellphones, pods, pads, berrys, e-mail, Skype, and Twitter can we bring this group out of the Sixties? Don't we all get our power bills and bank statements every month, please try that for the AAW.

Bill Turpin
#23724

Guys,

I support the idea, but the notice requirements are mandated by MN law. We can only do so much to address the notice requirements and we can do nothing about them before the vote to approve the new bylaws. As far as informing the membership about the proposed changes to the bylaws goes, we have very few options.
 
Joined
Jul 15, 2008
Messages
384
Likes
8
Just a thought, out loud, I think, we may need to put a reminder in the AW journal that reminds people every couple of months when it comes out to log onto the home page and update any changes to their email or mailing address.

The AAW already offers a membership without a paper copy of the AW journal.

Put a note in the AW journal and let everyone know we are going paperless..

We can't continue to pander to the boys and girls who refuse to get into the 21st century.


Going paperless will take years for this organization. And that's okay for now in my opinion -- either way doesn't really affect my job as editor.

I think of my mother who is 85 and enjoys reading magazines by holding them, but has never (nor will ever) use a computer. The fact that she doesn't use a computer is self-preservation for me and my sisters. The accommodating I'm willing to do for her has more to do with helping her remember just where she wrote down her pin number for her ATM card . . . assuming she didn't change those four digits recently. But she's a whiz with a sewing machine. And I'd bet that a lot of the guys in the AAW who simply prefer not to become experts at computers could teach us all a few things about woodturning (come to think of it, they're probably out in their shops right now instead of posting on the Forum).

I would not want to think that any of the old timers are simply pandering to the newbies when they watch these young 'uns take up time at local chapter meetings, especially the ones who have been told for the umpteenth time, "point the flute in the direction of the cut and ride the bevel" . . . .

Betty Scarpino, editor, AW
 
Back
Top