[nabs-l] Scientific facts~really scientific?

[Carrie Gilmer]

Sorry Heather but I am tired of these statements, I think they are used too
often as a cop out and excuse. And are they really scientifically verified
as facts? Really?

"I will close by sharing another two, 
scientifically varified facts about the successful functioning of 
groups like the NFB."

1. Between 9 and 12 percent of the membership are willing and able to 
take on leadership positions.
IT depends on the definition of leadership>there are many leadership
roles...is this only officers? Or heads of committees? Or leaders of a local
one time specific thing like a fundraiser or a picnic? OR is it who will
talk to the legislators when we all get in the office? How many times is it
the same 10% doing it because it is so micromanaged by the 10% and they are
afraid to give any one else a chance lest they "mess-up", power grubbing
attention seeking themselves, the 10% just do with little effort on giving
the 90% training/actual experience/encouragement to lead in some fashion, or
the 10% insist on doing the same ineffective thing in the same ineffective
way because that is how we do it. We all have experienced that in
reality~only those who can face it and do something proactive about this
factor in every human group succeed.

2. Roughly ten percent of the people do roughly 90 percent of the 
work. Generally, the remaining membership attend sporadically, work 
occasionally and talk.  and, I would assume in these days of 
techological communication, e-mail, text and twitter.

I really hate this one, seriously, I think it is cliché and a cop out not
scientific fact of gravity or some thing that has to be. Those who have near
100% doing SOME work with all the passion and energy they do have to give
are the groups who welcome with open arms and meet the realities of the
tendencies mentioned in my response to #1. People do show up when they feel
valued and have some thing real to do that they can tangibly feel has some
effect either now or in the future and they are inspired to do so. Of course
there are also always lazy complainers who just complain or those who only
want to take and not give~but I find they are a minority in a group that has
a vibrant vision, does not micromanage its grassroots members like children
or use them as puppets, and values and encourages and REWARDS efforts on its
behalf.

"What people are prepared to actually, do. in their community will 
determine what the NFB looks like and what it is doing in fifty years."

That is for sure heather.

carrie