[Nfbf-l] When can We Expect "Better Communication"?

[Marion & Martin]

Dear NFBF Members & Board of Directors,
One of the issues we discussed at the Leadership 
Workshop from October 30 - November 1 was the lack of accountability and transparency of the Board of Directors. One way the Board has promised to better communicate with the membership is through the posting of the minutes of the Board of Directors meetings to the website. We were promised that the minutes of the Board of Directors meetings would be posted to the website soon. Can anyone on the Board give us an idea of what "soon" might mean? The last posted minutes are dated January 12, 2009. Is this the level of communication we can expect?
    We have seen a lot of messages about raising funds for the affiliate, yet we are kept in the dark as to how the Board spends the funds we have raised in the past while asking us to raise more. We are told that some of the $900 the board voted to give each of themselves to attend the National Convention while requiring Chapters to make special requests for support was returned, but no details have ben forthcoming about how much was returned.
    During this workshop, the members were assured there would be "better communication" and the minutes would be posted "soon". What does "Better" mean and when will "soon" arrive? Is this something we can really expect to happen or, like financial support to attend our annual meetings, will the membership be required to continue to beg for this information? Will we continue to be patronized and placated?
    The board of Directors is elected by a majority vote of members present and voting. If you don't like the way the Board is operating and their lack of responsiveness to our demands for accountability, you have the right and the responsibility to elect those who will follow our constitution, honor their promises, and act in a manner that is consistent with good business practices. 

Fraternally yours,
Marion Gwizdala, President
East Hillsborough Chapter
National Federation of the Blind