Apr
Adjusted Membership Guidelines
Posted by
We have adjusted the membership guidelines in response to the recent developments in the group. We have realized that the bigger the group gets, the more formal guidelines we need.
The new guidelines will be posted on the webpage and they apply to all pending membership applications and for existing members as of today, May 1, 2009.
The most pertinent changes are listed below
Missed meetings: if 4 meetings in a row are missed, the membership will be on probation, and if 5 consecutive meetings are missed, the member is removed from membership list and web page and the category is re-opened.
New members: you will become a regular member when
- your application has been approved by the executive committee
and - you have attended three (3) consecutive networking meetings
All applications are treated on a first come first served basis.
Members are encouraged to contribute to the group. The group is run by an executive committee, 5 people are elected each January at the regular meeting.
4 Responses to “Adjusted Membership Guidelines”
Here’s my 2 cents’ worth on the new membership rules.
I for one am open to competition, and I know 6 current members and at least 3 recent applicants have indicated their categories as open.
I indicated so in my application form when I applied for a category change.
I think the executive are confusing the member’s right to control the exclusivity of his/her category with the process of accepting new members. These are two separate issues.
The fact that most people prefer their categories closed doesn’t mean we can simply remove this option.
This very option is one of the things that makes this group unique!
On the subject of membership, the executive’s new ruling for missed meeting makes no sense to me. Theoretically a member could show up once every 2 months and still maintain full membership privileges. I would have voted for 4 consecutive misses and you’re out, or 8 total in a 12 month period (that’s 8 out of 26 in a year).
Also, I don’t remember that the executive were given the power to change the rules unilaterally. My understanding of the executive’s role was the managing and day-to-day facilitation of the group’s activities.
I feel these new membership rules require a vote. However, if no other member objects to the new rules, I will accept them as well.
My suggestion would be to post the membership executive committee and their various functions plus a procedure where members can make suggestions.
I don’t think that we ever discussed the powers of the executive so in order to clarify the situation, I think a vote would be in order.
The question would be; do we want the executive committee to make rule changes with or without the vote of the membership.
I agree, to vote is the right way.
I was involved in a business networking group where the executive board decided everyone would be put into teams and points would be given or taken away every week for wearing a name tag, handing in a written testimonial, bringing a guest and providing a referal.
There were some other rules as well not voted on or agreed to. This caused alot of problems within the group as you can imagine.
This Oakville Networking Group is one of the best!
Let’s Vote.
Thank you to the executive for the work they put in on our behalf. I am confused! I have never seen anything about how the executive works or which member categories are open or closed. I have also heard conflicting information on how member’s are accepted and what other groups I can join. Is there another place beside this website where information is held?
Perhaps having executive meeting minutes would be helpful so we can see what is discussed, who is applying and what the results of those applications are and who is under consideration for removal. I do not have too much experience organizing networking groups but I do have experience taking meeting minutes with Action Items and Follow Up!
I agree I think this group is unique and one of the best and I would be willing to take meeting minutes if that would be helpful.
Transition/Growth/Change is always a pain but this group is worth putting the time and effort into. Thanks for all you do