Quote: (Originally Posted by
jeff h)
That's not how it was explained to me. I just did a quick review of the CDS Constitution and By-Laws and couldn't find anything to that affect. Maybe you could point me in the right direction.
Cave Diving Section of the National Speleological Society Cave Diving Section of the National Speleological Society
What I did find was:
"ARTICLE II: The purpose of the organization shall be the same as that of the National Speleological Society (hereafter referred to as NSS), with the additional purpose of organizing NSS members who are interested in cave diving so that they may better promote the objectives of the NSS. These objectives include
1) promotion of the conservation, exploration, and study of underwater caves; and 2) education for increased awareness, safety, and skill in cave diving."
and
"ARTICLE IV: Duties and Operation of the Board of Directors
A. The Board of Directors shall have the power to conduct all legal business of the CDS Section, including, but not limited to:- The assessment and collection of dues.
- Conducting workshops, seminars, and similar programs including specifically a Spring Workshop.
- Publishing, selling, and distributing of books, booklets, information matter, and other items.
- The purchase of equipment and services, which shall become the property of the CDS.
- The adoption of policies that shall be binding on the membership as they relate to the goals and objectives of the CDS.
- The donation and expenditure of funds for purposes consistent with the goals of the CDS.
- Acceptance of cash, property, and/or equipment related to the purpose of the CDS.
- Promoting the purposes and objectives of the CDS and the NSS to the membership, and encouraging the membership to act in a manner consistent with said purposes and objectives."
Not that these are bad objectives but it has nothing to do with representing its members.
So if board feels introducing a "Rebreather Cave" course supports its objectives then so be it. My understanding is that the members support the CDS being an enforcing presence in the community and having a BoD that makes these types of decisions for them.
I could have this all wrong so if anyone knows better please correct me. I’m not trying to start an argument, just looking for a good explanation of how the CDS is run and how it actually supports its members.
Obviously my opinion of how member based organizations and BOD's work differs from yours.
Personally, I feel that if I support the organization monetarily and have the right to vote on its officials, then those officials have a duty to take my opinions into consideration, as I am ther constituency, and that through that representation I, as a member, have a voice in the governing of the organization. If you are happy to let the BOD act "in your best interest" as it were, without voiceing your opinions, then so be it. I am not.
Heather