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Voting for new boarD members

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Is there anywhere that is appropriate to talk about the new candidates that have been selected for us to vote on.

I would like to ask questions about the vetting process, qualifications etc etc. I realize they say no politics, but where else can we talk about this and all the other members see the discussion. Can we set up an area where this can happen. I was told if we wanted change or answers to get involved. Will I’m trying to get involved. Now I need to know how we as members can engage in a meaningful conversation about the new potential board members.

if we can not do it here, where can we do it so all the members that want to participate in discussion can?
 

hockenbery

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But who nominates the nominees? I’m sure 100 apply. Who chooses who the final 5 are that we vote on?

There is a nominating comittee each year defined in the bylaws that selects among the applicants those to put on the ballot for the membership election.

the comittee is composed of A current board member(chair), former board member, and and AAW member who has never been a board member.

I have been chair, and the previous board member a few times.

total applicants usually run around 10-12 one year I think there were 30.
The board members often encourage well qualified people to apply.
All the candidates are interviewed by phone by each comittee member.

the last time I was on the comittee it was extremely challenging. We had 9 candidates. 8 were viewed by the committee as well qualified to be board members, the ninth was viewed by all as lacking any meaningful experience. That meant telling two well qualified people they were not selected. Our committee's first round of voting we had the same 5 on our list and the were 2 had the same person for the 6th spot.

you can see the current comittee members:
https://www.woodturner.org/Woodturn...5-4d6d-a915-3f5c72b87062#Board_and_leadership
 
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Al is correct, the nominating committee is made up of a current board member, a past board member and at least one AAW member who has never been on the board. A call for candidates is sent out and candidates must submit a letter of intent, two references and a head shot. When I was nominating chair there was one year with only 6 candidates who submitted and a second year when 8 candidates submitted. Each candidate is phone interviewed by members of the nominating committee who then decide on the slate of candidates. The August edition of American Woodturner will have all the candidate profiles and the same information can be found on the AAW website. In addition a recorded question and answer session was held with each candidate and those are also on the AAW website. Voting begins on August 1 and concludes on August 31.
 

John Jordan

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I was on the committee a couple of years ago. We narrowed the field to six after interviewing each candidate individually. There are videos from the candidates on the website that go beyond their statements in the Journal. The process is in the by-laws, also on the website.

John
 
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Let's remember something, the AAW bylaws do not allow campaigning of any type, either by the candidate or on his behalf. Getting involved does not mean stirring the pot here on the forum. The process has worked well for over 32 years.
Or has it?

I have zero interest in increasing tension, unrest or unhappiness. My question to Al was basic curiosity, as I've wondered about it ever since I became a member and received a ballot to select among total strangers, all of whom had similar sounding resumes. I don't think I've returned a ballot yet, due to ignorance of the candidates.

That being said, this is the second major upheaval on the board in the 10 years I've been an AAW member. That seems like a pretty high frequency for a basically non-controversial organization. Perhaps the system is not actually working well. If this forum is not the place to discuss, I can accept it, but then, what other medium do members have for inquiring, becoming informed, and having some say in how their organization is going?

The last time we had an upheaval, lots of people apparently dropped their memberships. Perhaps that will happen again. If those former members had had a better understanding of the workings of the organization and an opportunity to impact it's direction, they might still be members and the AAW would more effectively represent the whole world of woodturners.

Just some dispassionate thoughts that have occurred to me. Thanks for allowing me to share.
 

hockenbery

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Al,
What criteria do the selectors consider when choosing the nominees?

It is a bit subjective. And the applicants have a myriad of experiences.
Through the application and letters of recommendation there is usually a history that gives insight into
Leadership experiences, management skills, budgeting experiences, project management etc.
The interview gives opportunities to fill in the blanks.


Does the applicant work well with others
Can the applicant grasp the goals and vision of AAW
Does the applicant pay attention to details
What skills will the applicant bring to the board
what work has the applicant done for AAW(committees, chapter offices, regional symposium boards etc.)
Is the candidate passionate about AAW


For the board to function well it needs: someone with the leadership skills to be president, someone with the managerial skills to be symposium chair, and someone with the budgeting and accounting experience to be treasurer, and someone who is a professional turner or collector.
 
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Or has it?

.... If this forum is not the place to discuss, I can accept it, but then, what other medium do members have for inquiring, becoming informed, and having some say in how their organization is going? ...

.
AAW has an annual member meeting every year. Until this year, it was held during one of the Saturday rotations at the symposium. Unfortunately, it has never been very well attended. This year the member meeting was held prior to the virtual symposium and attendance was impressive. Based on the increased number of members able to participate, future member meetings will most likely be virtual.

The annual meeting is your opportunity to learn about the current status of AAW. Like most annual meetings, there is the financial report and then a report of activities and programs. In the past year, there have been a number of new programs, technology and innovations -- many brought about by COVID-19. We also addressed questions from the members
 

Emiliano Achaval

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Like Bill, I hate to delete posts. But folks, I will not let anybody relieve the past here. What happened it's in the past, we moved forward, we are still here. No organization is perfect. This is not the place to gossip. Search Google if you want more info. Do not ask for it here. This thread is going to be closed. No more comments. Let's move on.
 
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