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Archiver > APG > 2007-07 > 1183824090


From: "Helen S. Ullmann" <>
Subject: Re: [APG] the disenfranchisement issue
Date: Sat, 07 Jul 2007 12:01:30 -0400
References: <mailman.97.1183791615.30335.apg@rootsweb.com>
In-Reply-To: <mailman.97.1183791615.30335.apg@rootsweb.com>


I've been following this discussion with some concern.

I imagine all of us have belonged to organizations that are staffed by
nominating committees appointed by the presiding officers. I'm
remembering my local League of Women Voters chapter, the local
Conservation Trust, etc., etc. When the "election" happens it is almost
always a rubber stamp. Anyone who really wants to be involved in
decisions gets seriously involved in the organization.

Of course there may be, probably will be, times when there are
disagreements among the decisionmakers. In the type of organization I
mention above, they are rarely resolved by a vote of the "members."

What has alarmed me enough to cause me to write this is Donn Devine's
comment about not supporting such organizations financially. If one
cares, truly cares, about the resources the organization provides to its
"members," dues-payers, or whatever, one will support it, whether or not
one has a "vote."

Once upon a time the organization which Melinde has mentioned had some
serious financial problems. The worst of it was resolved by a small
group of leaders -- not by some thousands of proxy votes. But the
organization still depends upon the financial generosity of its members.

That the NYG&B is in the throes of change is very worrysome. I hope and
pray that things will work out well for the genealogical community as a
whole. We should be very concerned about what will happen to the
library, to the RECORD, and to the other functions of the society. We
can express our concerns, preferably before issues come to a head. And
we can continue to support the NYG&B regardless of the outcome of this vote.

Even in a democracy, it's the squeaky wheels that get things done. So,
Roger and Melinde, kudos for being squeaky wheels. It's good that the
NYG&B leadership knows of your concerns.

Helen Ullmann


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