Proposed Amendment to OI Bylaws 2014-2015 Scary

Undoubtedly, the calendar event of most significance to Optimists is the International Convention held each year during the first couple weeks of July. The 96th Optimist International Convention is scheduled for the exciting city of Las Vegas from July 10 -12, 2014. As they have in years gone by, many Optimists will make the pilgrimage to be at one of the largest gathering of volunteers in the world. We in the Caribbean know that several among us will always be in the party. 

Convention is said to be the best platform for the highest quality training, personal development and engagement, and of course, understanding the values and strategies that make Optimism work. It is also the highest decision-making body and so, as expected, affirmations about bylaws and policies are also taken at the International convention.

If the delegates attending the 2014 confab vote in favour of the proposed amendment to the bylaws that each club face a compulsory financial contribution to the staging of future conventions, then the clubs of the regular pilgrims to International Convention can almost guarantee a credit for many years to come. But what is this proposed amendment? And why does it stand out for me - one who is (surprisingly to many it seems) yet to embrace the mystique of convention? 

I do think all five issues identified for amendment this year (http://www.optimist.org/Documents/2014-2015_Proposed_Bylaws_Amendments.pdf) need to be discussed; but the one that I am particularly concerned about is the proposal for a convention assessment fee. Each proposal carries with it an explanation for good measure and here is that for Issue #3.

CONVENTION ASSESSMENT FEE (Submitted by the International Board of Directors)

EXPLANATION: The Board of Directors feels that it is appropriate for all Optimist Clubs to support a portion of the costs incurred to provide the training, input to the governance process and other organization-wide benefits that occur at the International Convention. In doing so, the Board also feels it appropriate that each Optimist Club that sends a delegate to the Convention be refunded the proposed support fee.

PROPOSED: Bylaws Article IV, International Conventions and Elections Section 1. International Convention New Paragraph B. Convention Assessment. At the beginning of each fiscal year, all Clubs shall be assessed a fee of $100 annually to support the International Convention. Each Club that has a fully registered Delegate attend the International Convention shall receive a credit for the amount of the convention assessment fee on its next International dues billing statement following the International Convention. 

The explanation is quite understandable; and on the face of it seems acceptable. There is obviously an increasing financial challenge to do many of the things to which we have become accustomed. That I believe is reflective of the harsh economic realities in which members, and by extension clubs, have to operate. Interestingly, or rather unfortunately, in times like these, it is customary for a financial solution to be found for a financial problem. This has become the logic for many especially those at the top levels of organisation.
However, personally, I think any additional cost to the clubs at this time is going to be seen in a negative light. I speak especially of the clubs in the Caribbean. A couple consequences of this amendment passing come to mind immediately: First, it is going to add to the pace at which clubs are revoked because of inability to pay. The clubs at tier three already know too well the difficulty of being dues-compliant even with the benefit of being at the lower end of charges. And, secondly, most clubs will not benefit from a credit because most clubs will simply not have a delegate at convention. It is simply not a good incentive strategy to me.

deep-democracy.net

But individual positions may not be sufficiently reflective of the majority's and so as a District we should have a clearly defined mechanism through which we can:

1. Encourage the clubs to have a discussion on the matter;

2. Develop a district position on such matters; and

3. Present our consensus to/at the Convention

We have to find other ways of lifting the creative and innovative spirit of our people beyond the economic challenges of being a volunteer. The welfare of our children demand it and the survival of our movement compels it. Probably the pilgrimage to International Convention should be more about deepening the democratic processes around which we can truly develop Optimism as a way of life. After all, promoting good governance should start from within.