strathspey@strathspey.org:27422

Andrew Smith

Re: RSCDS restructure AGM motion

Sept. 18, 2001, 8:50 p.m. (Message 27422, in reply to message 27405)

Hello, Malcolm,
Thank you for the analysis. I was originally advocating distribution via
Branch Secretaries, but gather there seems to be a significant minority who
are very bad at issuing things to members, so I have to accept that an
individual mailing is the consequence. Pace all those Secretaries who do a
sterling job. One mitigating circumstance would be if the publication dates
were co-ordinated, so that as with shareholder information, in the normal
course of events one gets the Annual Report and all the AGM material in one
mailing. There are several models for managing a dispersed electorate. My
Trade Union had a committee which composited motions as appropriate, so it
is entirely feasible to do away with the "preliminary and final agenda"
scenario, for example.  I feel that it is an issue for the Management Board
to get sorted.

With respect to representation, I feel most strongly that if I am going to
pay more I want to have my own two-pennyworth rather than through a branch
rep. As we have pointed out, the Branches are autonomous in law, and it is
valid for those who wish to support the work of the RSCDS directly, and to
pay accordingly to have the say in what happens, and not have some branches
"throwing their weight about" on a size basis. There is nothing in the
proposed scheme to stop branches running fund-raising activities for the
Society if they so wish.
I can imagine that branches might for example put a 50p surcharge on a dance
ticket, which would have the advantage of probably touching the pockets of
non members as well.

In this day and age for most of us, and I am on a pension now,  £25 is still
a considerable sum of money, but in fact it is not much more than a good
meal out with wine included these days. ( I am paying more than double that
per term for a yoga class, for example.) I believe that there are many who
have an emotional commitment to the ideals of the RSCDS and what it stands
for and has stood for - look at all the pleasure, health and friendships it
has inspired, and want to give it a kick-start in to the new millennium so
that new generations can enjoy what we have  enjoyed, and still enjoy.
I look forward to seeing you at Perth,
Best wishes,
Andrew.