Original E Mail - edited to delete member references:
Subject: IAVM Bylaws vote
As IAVM Sector Director for ----------, I have been asked to encourage you to vote on the three changes currently up for decision by our membership. This topic has been discussed for over a year now, with members on each side of the issue having had the opportunity to state their opinion.
Please read the words below from our Chair (and past Arenas Sector Director):
The voting on the proposed IAVM bylaw amendments remains open until September 2nd. If you have not done so, we encourage you to vote. Your voice has never been more important to the future direction of our organization. If you need assistance in voting, contact Rosanne Duke at IAVM Headquarters at rosanne.duke@iavm.org
Your Board of Directors believes that membership approval of the proposed changes will allow our Association to effectively regain our position as a vibrant and relevant organization and a true representation of our industry.
Your senior leadership will be empowered to govern at a higher level of excellence specifically focused on member benefits and results. The enhanced engagement of Allied members through allowing them to vote on IAVM matters will help stop the significant attrition we have seen recently from this group but even more importantly, allow them opportunities to become more involved and connected.
Please take a few minutes to read a sampling of the comments that have been posted by members in recent weeks on this subject. These and many more postings can be found in the Venue Managers Open Forum at http://venuenet.iavm.org/home/ .
Most importantly, take action now! Educate yourself and then please take the time to vote – your voice matters.
As your representative on the IAVM Board, I am always open to your comments and suggestions. Please feel free to contact me if I can be of any assistance to you. Thanks for your support of IAVM!
Thoughts for Consideration From the Preceding E Mail:
"Your Board of Directors believes that membership approval of the proposed changes will allow our Association to effectively regain our position as a vibrant and relevant organization and a true representation of our industry."
"Your senior leadership will be empowered to govern at a higher level of excellence specifically focused on member benefits and results. The enhanced engagement of Allied members through allowing them to vote on IAVM matters will help stop the significant attrition we have seen recently from this group but even more importantly, allow them opportunities to become more involved and connected."
Questions:
In essence, leadership is saying that IAVM has lost its relevancy, vibrancy and ability to represent our industry because as an association, we do not allow Allied members to vote and participate. Am I reading this correctly?
Further, in the second section, are you suggesting that by allowing Allied members to vote and serve in senior officer positions, that this action will stop the significant attrition we have seen recently from our Allied members. Is this a correct reading of your note? And if correct, how does the empirical data support that statement?
If the response to the preceding questions is no, then what is the rationale for a by laws change?" If you believe the preceding - namely that IAVM has lost its relevancy and vibrancy, then why are our membership numbers growing notwithstanding the alleged decline in Allied members. And if the Allied Members that spoke at VenueConnect reflect I can't grow my business because I can't vote - is the association value for my business appropriate for me to continue to buy space and be a sponsor, is that a membership voting issue or a value proposition for their marketing dollars for building their business.
This is an important decision, do as our leadership requests:
".........Educate yourself......."