Officials Needed

[DeletedAccount]

It is time that we start working on getting a governing body for this club. We are hoping to hold election in a few months, but need volunteers! Please e-mail me at mathueson@aol.com to let me know if you are interested in volunteering your time to help get this wonderful club off the ground! Let me know what kind of position you may be interested in.

Thanks!

Misti

[DeletedAccount]

We need elected officials (pres., vp, treasurer, secretary) as well as folks for committees to assist in planning meetings, getting donations, working on educational projects, increasing membership, etc. We need a lot of help if we are going to have any luck keeping the club portion of this organization going! I need volunteers! PLEASE!

[REEFAHOLIC]

Misti, count me in. Whatever I can do.

Tina

Can't even spell my own name :oops:

[Tim Marvin]

I'll help out.

[Jimnorris]

I'm in! I would like to be Chief Inspector but if this is already spoken for then anything will do.
Jim

[Chris]

You planning on finding some weapons of mass destruction Jim?

:-D

[Yano]

You planning on finding some weapons of mass destruction Jim?

:-D
What are you talking about its just a protein skimmer ;)

[Jimnorris]

I wasn't thinking along those lines but if its a part of the position then someone has to do it! ;)
Jim

[Henry]

I'm in let me know how I can help.

[Isis]

You know I would love to help, but being in Houston kind of makes it hard to run for a position, but I will be glad to nominate myself for ex-officio since that doesn't have a board vote, but does get help input with the experience.

[TexasState]

I would like to nominate Joshua for President. I think he have the highest post count.

[Isis]

LOL... Everyone will be appointed according to their post count :-D

That means I am definitely out of the running...

[SuperXdude]

I'll help out where needed.

Not sure if I can hold a position with my military workload, but I'll try.


X

[MikeP]

I don't need a official title but would like to help keep providing research and ideas we can follow to broaden our depth in understanding marine life. If we have a 'Mad Scientist' or 'Eco - Activist' position I think those would fit me fine :)

If I get keys to the executive washroom well now that's another story!

[Isis]

I think it is important for MAAST members to understand that it is VERY important that there are people who are going to be dedicated board members. Currently, only on eperson is doing the majority of the work for a club that should have at least 9 people doing it all collectively. I personally know that being on a board is time consuming at times, but rewarding. Not to say that people's intentions of volunteering are truw, but following through with your actions is whole different thing. MAAST is still a new club and as much as there is enthusiasm for all the side projects and things that people want to do with and for the club, there NEEDS to be an established board first. Without any organization, this club will fall apart! Just because there are many participants online, doesn't mean that all are willing to put in the extra effort to keep a great thing going (and I speak from experience). I really enjoy MAAST and the people I have met so far, I would hate for there not to be one anymore in a few years because the most important details fell through the cracks. Remember, this club is non-profit, so for it to survive, it needs dues and support from the LFS and the community, which is hard for one person (or even two) to set up alone. All clubs must be run like a business, and if things don't change soon (as far as organization goes), this business will dwindle like our friends at ARK...

[Jimnorris]

Kim,
You are very wise! Your message is O so true.
Thanks,
Jim

[Lisaod12]

I would not mind helping somehow, but I do live in Austin and it makes it hard with everyone all over Texas.

[Isis]

This is true, because MAAST members are spread out, coordination of officers and meet time will be a challenge, but this is something that is part of the commitment to this club. Keep in mind, that everyone's efforts here that are trying to propagate the hobby and help educate new and old will be wasted if there isn't any room for give and take. I am sure that once all those who decide to be officers or board members will work something out to accomidate as many as possible. It isn't a requirement that ALL the board be present at EVERY meeting, just a majority, so don't feel that your inability to show up everytime doesn't mean you can't have a say in the club's operations. If you can't ever show up, then that is an issue.

[MikeP]

Might I suggest if you want to discuss this you hash it out in IRC. Would be a perfect place for weekly meetings etc of board members.

School will be starting back up for me again in a month but I hope I can continue to work on some content for the website here and I'll attend meetings if I ever get another weekend off.

[Isis]

I would also to suggest that to make it easier on the people who would like to be active officers,... If the people who are elected are active at club gatherings, all board meetings should be held before regular club meetings. This would help lighten the travel burden for all those who live far apart. And since MAAST represents all of South Texas, the major cities should be represented some how... :?

[RedDragon]

I would love to help in any way I can!!!

[Texreefer]

I am one of the original founders of maast. and now that i'm back online i will be willing to help out anyway i can

[COBRA201]

I will love to help mathuson but i dont know how much i can do from Laredo.

[rwilliams26]

Not sure if this would be more of a logistical challenge or a step toward handling our geographic size, but maybe we should consider a two-tierd system where two or maybe three regional "committees", with members in positions of responsibility, would report to the governing organization.

Just thought I'd run it up the flagpole. :grin:

[rwilliams26]

Well...yeah...sorta.

It seems a club like ours, which encompasses such a large area, might benefit from some more localized infrastructure. For instance, events like the upcoming Austin tank tour could be better coordinated on a local level, by club officers (VP, Vice Grand Poobah, etc...) assigned or elected to handle more localized functions. The higher tier officials could, and would, be from all over the area. This might also help make things like fundraising (friendly competitions?) a bit easier to handle.

Again...just one guy's flight of ideas. :-o

[Texreefer]

sounds like a good idea to me..keep the ideas coming and we will have something worthwhile

[captexas]

The idea of having localized club officials sounds good in theory, but I don't think it will work, at least not at this time. This club is not yet big enough and does not have dedicated involvement from enough people to do so, yet. I think if the club continues to grow and finally organizes, perhaps having a committe in each area to help organize events and such will help of course. The most important thing right now is not thinking too big and just getting things finalized so an an infrastructure can be put in place. Once that infrastructure gets going and has some stability, changes can always be made in the future to improve things.

Just my thoughts,
Chris Parker

[Sherri]

I'll help out here in San Antonio...but I need to get thru the Sept/Oct Grand Jury first. :roll: If needed....just let me know.

Sherri