[nabs-l] What Has The NABS Board Been Doing?

[Elizabeth Mohnke]

Hello All,

In a recent email, one of the NABS board members stated that NABS is not the 
board but rather the membership. I find it rather refreshing to hear one of 
the Board members make such a statement, and hold this point of view. 
However, as a general member of the organization, it seems as though there 
is a growing disconnect from the NABS board and the membership at large.

I do not mean to discredit anyone, but where exactly has the NABS board been 
for the past year, and what exactly has it been doing? It just seems to me 
that if the NABS board is asking the membership at large to step up and take 
part in various activities that it would not be unreasonable for the 
membership at large to ask the same thing from the NABS board as well.

Since last year's elections, I have only seen maybe two or three NABS board 
members actively step up and take part in things as a leader of this 
organization. Perhaps there are other NABS board members doing things behind 
the scenes that I do not know bout, but as a general member it seems as 
though I am no longer privileged to this information.

At one point in time, the NABS board put out a monthly update highlighting 
major events, state student division announcements, and a copy of the 
minutes from the most recent NABS board meeting. I think this monthly update 
is a great way for the NABS board to communicate and connect with the 
general membership on a regular basis. However, it would appear as though 
this monthly update has mysteriously disappeared.

Personally, I find it easier to volunteer for things when I feel a sense of 
connection with others and believe that my participation will actually make 
a difference and be worthwhile to others in the organization. If NABS is 
truly about the membership and not the board then perhaps the NABS board may 
want to consider reconnecting with the membership by bringing back these 
monthly updates.

I do not mean to sound like some harsh critic. However, as a general member, 
I would like to see a more mutual exchange of give and take between the NABS 
board and the membership at large. If the NABS board is asking for the 
membership to step up and get involved then it would be nice to receive 
something from the NABS board stating what it has been doing as well as what 
it is currently doing. I think this could go a long way in helping to 
inspire general members to become more involved in the organization.

However, these are just my thoughts.  It is possible other people may 
disagree with me. I honestly hope I have not offended anyone by posting my 
thoughts to the email list. If I have offended anyone then please accept my 
sincerest apologies.

Warm regards,
Elizabeth