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Tonight an email was sent to all eligible members to vote for or against acceptance of revisions to the FRA constitution.
If you have not received this email and think you should have, please contact me via the forum's personal message service at the bottom of this posting.
Many thanks
I stupidly omitted to say that the close of voting will be 0:00 Tuesday 28th July giving you just over 1 week to get your vote in.
Okay, I'll start the ball rolling if anyone else wants to join in.
I voted no because I have a general issue with the constitution that gives the Governing Body too much power without recource to the larger membership. Now having said that, I see one of the changes allows the executive to make decisions between meetings of the Governing Body without the requirement to consult the remaining officers (even by Email or phone). What can be so urgent that the executive can bypass the non-executive and if so urgent, surely it is also a matter of discussion for the membership? This means that 2 officers out of the 3 of Karoline, Kane and Geoff in their National Officer capacities can make decisions and only need report the decision to the remaining officers.
Paul, your suggestion is on the agenda for the meeting this Saturday - it has not been ignored. The email that went out is to ratify the changes discussed at the last meeting with the membership - changes which have been too long overdue.
Like paying Companies House for the annual return or paying the internet host - maybe next time I can get Kane to call a AGM................Quote:
What can be so urgent that the executive can bypass the non-executive and if so urgent, surely it is also a matter of discussion for the membership?
Karoline, in your own words, the Email went out to ratify the changes from the last meeting. That it was I am saying a no to and I quote one of the changes allows the executive to make decisions between meetings of the Governing Body without the requirement to consult the remaining officers. The larger picture of involving the general membership is another topic although related.
As for your subsequent post, the original constitution allowed for the executive to make financial decisions between meetings so why change it by removing the word financial? Also the two examples you quoted would not in themselves be unexpected and could simply be raised at the prior meeting during any fincial report highlighting creditors that would be due during the coming period plus were covered by the original constitution without change
It is regretful that you felt the need to be sarcastic by suggesting that Kane call an AGM. I am trying to be constructive and become involved in my limited capacity as a voting member to try and help move the FRA forward in an open and accountable manner.
Moving forward is something the FRA governing body has been trying to do for years but each time gets bogged down by petty side issues that have disrupted any progress.
The constitution as it was had to be changed to reflect the needs of the association and to clarify issues such as voting rights which were not clear in the original - that is the main change however things are not set in stone. The executive would need to make a decision on many things - most recently to exclude someone from the forum. A decision like that needs a quick turnaround especially if a situation is getting out of hand.
Dammit! The whole point I am trying to make here is that there has to be a certain degree of trust in the GB and the Exec. I can understand your scepticism but I hope that your return to the FRA was in part down to seeing that a new regime (dare I use that word? :lol:) may have restored some of your faith. The GB is trying hard to put away the demons that have existed (take that as you may) and have been holding all of us back. Sometimes caution has to be thrown to the wind if it means that something is finally achieved. Sarcasm on my part? Yes! But I have been on the GB now for over 3 years now and finally things are starting to happen - good things too.
Personally I've voted yes.
The main reasons being that the constitution is realatively unchanged apart from a few point of clarification.
I feel that the powers given to the executive are necessary to ensure quick and effective resolutions to what are minor issues for the vast majority of the time.
I don't really think that the majority of the FRA's business needs more than one person to deal with it and also if there is something fundementally wrong that the executive do there is always a failsafe built in which means by getting 10% (as I recall and I'm not about to look it up again) of the memership to request a vote on the issue it has to be put to the members.
I don't find the constitution unusual for this type of organisation in any way and have to say that the more people involved in a decision the longer it takes.
Personally I've taken the decision not to be involved in the running of the FRA as I do not have the time to do anything effectively. Unless someone wants to tell be that axe/flipper combos or four wheel drive robots aren't allowed anymore then I don't really have any issues with what the FRA decides. As far as rules goes it's about having everyone on a level playing field and at the end of the day each of my/our robots will turn up to events complying with them. If I really object to a rule change I'll do what the constitution says and muster up enough people who agree with me and put it to the vote.
Andy
Twice in fact :lol: but only one counts :wink:Quote:
Personally I've voted yes.
Well.....that's what alcohol does for you eh!! :lol:Quote:
Originally Posted by anukhet
Just a reminder,
Can people please get their votes in asap. I know that all that polilitcal crud is boring but it is YOUR association and this vote is YOUR say on how it is structured.
Many thanks
Come on Boys and Girls. Cast your vote. It is important and you don't want Aunty Karoline to smack your bums do you?
To John Frizell
Sorry John but the reply I sent to your 1st message has not moved from my outbox on the forum and I cannot find out how else I can send it. I just wanted to let you know that the voting email was sent to the email addy shown on your 2009 membership form.
Anyway - many thanks for your 2nd message containing your vote.
Karoline
Don't be listening to that Lambert fellow - I don't want to be smacking anyone's bum!
(Hey! Where's the smilie for throwing up?)
Anyone reading this thread would think the FRA has millions of pounds stashed away in accounts around the world and is some secret organisation bent on ruling the earth. :evil: :evil:
It€™s a club for people, who make and fight robots, help put on shows for the public and enjoy each other€™s company. :uhoh: :uhoh: :uhoh:
I voted yes because there is nothing in the amendments that will cause any major problem in the future. :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
The big issue is the future of the movement and how to support the EO€™s in this tough time, with out focus and resolve we will only argue around the problems with nothing left to actually do no EO€™s no FRA. :idea: :idea:
i am with you craig. i have no interest in polatics and all that pointless stuff. it is a club that is being taken too far. All i want is for everyone to be friends and enjoy robots. it pretty simple really when you think about it.
Simple until you start to think of the bigger picture. Our so-called little 'glee club' involves both roboteers and EO's doing something that is dangerous. It is also a complex pastime that needs it collective of experience and expertise to make it as safe as possible for the likes of people already in the sport and for those who are starting out or aspire to do what we do. To this end we all have a responsibility for everyone to make and keep it safe as possible while at the same time being entertaining.Quote:
It€™s a club for people, who make and fight robots, help put on shows for the public and enjoy each other€™s company.
All that cannot be done haphazardly so out of this the FRA was born (cue Powerpuff Girls theme tune :crazy:) - an organisation started and run by us - the roboteers. I came into this community just over 5 years ago. It wasn't long before then that you were all holding events in playgrounds and car parks - oh happy days perhaps but given the likes of what we see today in arenas - would YOU still like to be separated from it by just of bale of straw? We could still be in this situation if it wasnt for the co-ordinated effort of the ENTIRE community.
You probably havn't even got the time or the inclination to read this dissertation - the politics IS a pain in the butt however it is a necessary evil that has determined the fundamental structure of what we do and how we do it today.
Hey all, just vote OK??
:wink:
you put it so well karoline. keep up the good work on the politics and i will bring the bar. i really should be re-instated as something else.
How about, the gobby one that just hasnt got a clue
or, I have got a good idea...you lot sort it out
FRA Head Barman?
i like it
People,
The polls close at midnight tonight so have YOUR say and get your vote in.
Well said Craig. We are all in this together, we all feed off each other FRA, EOs and Roboteers.
OK here goes...... the result of the membership vote to change parts of the constitution as referred to in this announcement: viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2727
Yes 36
No 1
37 votes represents just over 52% of the voting membership however with such a result, even if there was less apathy over politics, the proportion in favour would more than likely have not been much different.
The changes will now be incorporated into the constitution.
Thank you and goodnight :wink: (Anne Robinson moment there)