Re: Thursday's General Meeting
Posted: 09 Nov 2018, 14:19
My main issue with the meeting was that it wasn't very diverse - not sure whether that reflects our membership or not (I certainly hope not).
I do think it's unfair to accuse committee members who gave up their time to come to the meeting as Trotskyist recruiters in official uniforms. We had ample discussion before the meeting within both Fundraising and International to decide who would lead the breakout session on the night. Luckily there was quite a few of us that could do it in Fundraising, but no one could do International (others were there wearing different hats, most others committee members aren't UK based). I ended up giving up a shift to be there and lost a night's wage as a result.
During the breakout, I showed people International's remit and told them what we've been working on since September. International managed to get a number of new committee members from the night who've been very active in the group since - so I'd say it was a success from that side of things.
I really want to reaffirm the way committees work. Committees work best when members participate actively in them, shape their directions, and contribute their energy. They don't work well when they are simply delegated a long to do list - I understand Community is under quite a lot of pressure at the moment.
That all said, it would be good to see minutes. Personally I'd like to see an Annual Report in the summer. Yes, I know that's delegating a to-do to someone else
Finally: regarding Telegram/Whatsapp - I honestly much prefer organising this way, as I am not always able to make evening meetings due to work commitments and training. I understand it's not everyone's preferred way of talking though so I hope each committee finds what work for them.
I do think it's unfair to accuse committee members who gave up their time to come to the meeting as Trotskyist recruiters in official uniforms. We had ample discussion before the meeting within both Fundraising and International to decide who would lead the breakout session on the night. Luckily there was quite a few of us that could do it in Fundraising, but no one could do International (others were there wearing different hats, most others committee members aren't UK based). I ended up giving up a shift to be there and lost a night's wage as a result.
During the breakout, I showed people International's remit and told them what we've been working on since September. International managed to get a number of new committee members from the night who've been very active in the group since - so I'd say it was a success from that side of things.
I really want to reaffirm the way committees work. Committees work best when members participate actively in them, shape their directions, and contribute their energy. They don't work well when they are simply delegated a long to do list - I understand Community is under quite a lot of pressure at the moment.
That all said, it would be good to see minutes. Personally I'd like to see an Annual Report in the summer. Yes, I know that's delegating a to-do to someone else
Finally: regarding Telegram/Whatsapp - I honestly much prefer organising this way, as I am not always able to make evening meetings due to work commitments and training. I understand it's not everyone's preferred way of talking though so I hope each committee finds what work for them.