[Businessmtg] Alternate positions

[Lynne]


This really is a lot of history and nuance to digest. 

One thing I took away is that we need an alternate GR. And that this is part of our evolution as an actual AFG. And the GR is in need of support. 

The CMA being a service position imposed by the WSO and GEA and unique to electronic meetings is very unsettling.  I would like to ask Anne if this issue has been discussed at the GEA by any of the other GRs. I know the district is still getting set up, but am also wondering how other groups in our district feel about the CMA issue. I would like to see the GEA disband the CMA forum and leave group representation to elected GRs. 

However, we live in reality and that might not happen in the near future. 

So we could leave it as is and Steve will be the CMA, both for physical mail and as our representative by email and the CMA forum. 

We could also elect an alternate CMA that would essentially be the electronic CMA and participate in the CMA forum. But at least it would be an elected position to represent ASP.  

I don’t think I’d be in favor of creating an alternate GR position that would essentially be the electronic CMA and the alternate to the GR as I think that is a lot to roll into one position and will lessen the chances that someone will volunteer for it (see below).

I understand what Jerry is saying about the at-large positions and their function. I also see the benefit of assigning needed duties to those positions as a nice solution to the situation we find ourselves in. Considering how rarely those at-large positions have been filled, I would lean toward changing those positions rather than creating additional SC positions. Especially since we have such trouble filling existing SC positions. 

But Jerry raises what I think is the most important issue. We can create whatever positions we want, but without volunteers willing to do those jobs, then we will still be in the same position we are in now. So whatever we end up doing I think should be done with the intent to lower the barrier to service. 

Which is why I do support a one year service term for any alternate. The 3 year service term makes sense for our other elected positions. But it is a barrier to service as it is daunting. And for an alternate position doesn’t seem to be needed. And it might help get someone to stand for one of these positions. 

Hugs,
Lynne

Sent from my iPhone