Chris1Ronald
The RSCDS Constitution and Young People
March 20, 2006, 1:20 a.m. (Message 44746)
Hello Strathspeyers,
This message is addressed to the RSCDS members on the list - which I assume
means most subscribers.
HQ is proposing a number of changes to the Constitution, which it plans to
submit to the AGM in November. They have just been posted in draft form on the
HQ website "for consultation with Branches and members". Overall, they seem
designed to further streamline the management arrangements that were
introduced three years ago.
Among the changes - if I have understood them correctly - is one to
eliminate the provision that authorizes the Management Board to appoint Directors for
Schools, Music, Archives and Youth. The provision would be replaced with a
more generic statement, to give the Board authority to make appointments it
deems in the best interests of the Society. The argument is that this will
give the Board more flexibility in making appointments, which seems fair
enough.
At the same time, I'm mindful of the many comments on the Strathspey over
the last few months about how to make our dance form more appealing to younger
dancers. I wonder whether the time isn't ripe to do something more to
improve the Society's image among young people.
My proposal is that one seat on the Management Board be reserved for a young
person (say, under 30 years of age.) I believe this would be a good way of
ensuring that the voice of young people gets heard.
What do others think?
Chris Ronald, New York (definitely not qualified to occupy such a post, but
still young at heart!)