PS-Making Changes

I fogot to add a few things.

No girls? Where are you guys playing Saudi Arabia? I didn't know it snowed there. I have no daughters, but rules like that make me wish I had one. To quote Mr. Rogers, "Can you say lawsuit? I knew that you could."

The problem with trying to bring about changes in organizations like these (my own included) is that the "oldtimers" take offense to the notion that they do not have the perfect setup. By wanting change, you are implying they have done something wrong. Many people take these things very personally. I would suggest getting involved on the coaching level for next year and then getting on the board in any capacity you canboards LOVE field maintenance volunteers. Sometimes getting your foot in the door is the hardest thing.

If you become a "Rabblerouser" from the audience at the meetings, you will never be on the "inside" which is where you need to be to effect the type of changes you want. It's taken our President the better part of 2 years to put some very good changes into motion because of the resistance from the "senior" members of the board. If you have some ideas taht you really want to share now, write a letter to the President and offer to sit down and discuss them with him and/or the board. Volunteer for any committees, show up for work days, etc., etc.

I went from being on double-secret probation as a coach to a member of the Executive Committee (a section of our board) in 2 years. Like my father always said-"Keep your mouth shut and your eyes and ears open." and "Know who to pick your fights with."