We got an overwhelming response yesterday. I’m going to stop referring people to the attorney investigating potential wrongdoing for now. But keep an eye on Stenonymous for updates.
With love to the folks at NCRA that suppressed member voices for years, and years, and years. I have a few messages for you. First, take a real serious look at the budget and fix it. Make hard decisions. Relocation should be an option if the rent money is bankrupting you like it did to Red Lobster. Get an executive director that is NCRA-dedicated and has done what we do. Stop relying on people who come from the association management and lobbying industry because they haven’t worked out for over a decade — we’ve only been shrinking, and I gotta tell you, it’s not due to technological advancements.
Stop letting the staff wag the dog. The board of directors needs to direct and not be directed. It’s been a problem for as long as I’ve been a part of any state or national association.
Stop stepping on the toes of volunteers that pour their heart and soul into the organization out of the goodness of their hearts. You’ll find that when that goodness runs out, there’s nothing but a bottomless pit that we’re happy to throw you into and listen to you scream all the way down.
And don’t rely on your usual whining of “we’re just volunteers”, “that’s defamation”, “our parliamentarian said this ain’t kosher so what can I do amirite?”, “you’re dividing us”, “what will you do without a national association?” Just be honest with people. Power and control is transient. Try to hold on too tight, you break your hand.
Lastly, remember that I’ve got the largest alternative publication in court reporting. You could’ve spent the last half decade feeding me stuff to show off to your members and potential members. You can continue stonewalling and lose or you can open up the gates and win. It’s only a matter of time until I hit funding that lets me hire a full-time journalist to cover the ins, outs, and rockstars of our field.
To all of you reading, thank you for your time. It means the world to me.
I love reading all your blogs, but the last few you’ve written have been on point! Keep rocking the boat and doing what you’re doing. It’s the only way to get the changes that are needed!
Thank you very much!