May I propose a referendum?

Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 4:05 pm

I have not been to any other states organization's websites, but what do they say about non-resident membership in Minnesota, Michigan, Illinoise, or Iowa?

Joined: 2002-02-18 Posts: 3399 Location: West Allis, Wi

I don't think we should make any changes. I think the membership types are appropriate as-is.

When the "founding fathers" (myself included) wrote the bylaws, we wanted the WGA to represent WISCONSIN geocachers. We wanted to be the voice for geocachers in WI. I do not see any reason to suddenly change this.

We openly welcome anyone to use our forums an attend our events. Non-residents are welcome to participate in everything, except voting and running for office.

If someone is opposed to the term "WGA Friend", I'd be open to changing that title. I still feel, however, that membership with voting and leadership priviledges should remain with Wisconsin residents that meet the definition in our bylaws.

This is the WISCONSIN geocaching assocation. We represent Wisconsin. We are friendly and openly welcome friends from other regions to participate. They are FRIENDS.

Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2007 5:30 pm

Xenophobia is a fear or contempt of foreigners or strangers.[1] It comes from the Greek words ????? (xenos), meaning "foreigner," "stranger," and f?ß?? (phobos), meaning "fear." The term is typically used to describe fear or dislike of foreigners or in general of people different from ones self.

Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2007 7:32 pm

lagrac wrote:

Xenophobia is a fear or contempt of foreigners or strangers.[1] It comes from the Greek words ????? (xenos), meaning "foreigner," "stranger," and f?ß?? (phobos), meaning "fear." The term is typically used to describe fear or dislike of foreigners or in general of people different from ones self.

Hi Brett,

Yep, that is what xenophobia is, you are right about that. But I dont think anybody here is being xenophobic, since those of us who know ya, like ya and dont fear ya at all. And I dont see where anybody here is that way at all. You have lots of friends here.

I will say that organizations of all types and all sizes are resistant to change. That is just the natural order of things. So if ya wanna change something, ya gotta expect it to take time, and maybe not meet with success right away, or even in the way you first thought the best.

One thing ya might want to do, is explain why the "friends" label is an issue to you in a way that all can understand, and what are the range of options available to remedy the situation, in your mind.

Anyway, that is just my thought on it. Hope to see ya soon.

zuma

Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2007 7:36 pm

Thanks, zuma, for saying it in a more diplomatic manner than I did. I have revised my post.

Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2007 8:26 pm

You know, it's kind of funny. When I originally posted this topic, all I asked for was that a referendum be proposed to the WGA Members about this issue. I don't think I could have been more civil. There were some members who were in favor of changing the membership prerequisites and some opposed... that's democracy. I like that, but the people who were opposed never gave me a reason besides, either it violates the by laws, or because I don't live in Wisconsin.

Well, the by law argument, as I posted previously, is flawed. It contradicts itself. Article III covers membership, but when ones goes to Article X it covers non-discrimination. If my citizenship is not a legally protected characteristic, could someone clarify this?

So the only thing left is the fact that I don't live in Wisconsin... well, I guess that makes me a foreigner. I never insinuated that any members either past or current were xenophobic (check my post) I was just attempting to rationalize this unfounded attitude present towards us "foreigners"

Just tell me what I need to do to be a WGA Member. That's all I ask. If you don't want me to be a member, fine, I'll be a little disappointed, but it won't affect the relationships that I've developed with assorted cachers in Wisconsin nor will it affect my dedication to improving the environment in the State. But I think I deserve a reason other than that's the way its always been. Too many times in our past, people have needlessly been affect by this attitude. A specific example would be women's and African American's suffrage in the US as well as Aboriginal rights in Canada.

I apologize for the misunderstanding about my previous post. The nicest people, not just geocachers, that I've ever met have been in Wisconsin. I just ask for a chance.

Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2007 3:01 pm

hi,

My 2.5 cents I know I am just a causal cacher but I belong to other associations that represent the constituency of the local politicians (the local voting public) the association would have more pull or say in different political things..I.E. the Governor the wdnr big wigs and the sort if it was concerning people who can vote for them as opposed to people who cannot vote for them. There are people who do not live in Wisconsin that belong to the Wisconsin Campers Assoc. but they cannot vote. But they camp way more in Wisconsin then I do.

Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2007 4:47 pm

I would propose that you could keep the Membership requirements as they are. But instead of someone outside the nucleus simply being able to call themselves a friend - we offer something different. It's an idea that you see in numerous other organizations. AN ASSOCIATE MEMBER. They still get to be a member, but without the voting privileges. Seems to me that this new title is something that everyone could live with and wouldn't take the skin off anyone's nose to put in practice. Think about it before your next board meeting. I think it will work.

Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2007 7:44 am

I still do not understand the driving force behind needing to be a WI member. It seems the primary difference in Friend of or Member of is voting. Is the problem that non-members do not get to buy a tee-shirt or is there a secret puzzle decoder ring available only to Members?
How would the classification change how a Friend enjoys the sport?
If simply belonging to this club as a Member is the most important thing in a Friends life they could move to Wisconsin, and in doing so only increase the number of potential caches along a commute to and from work in MN, or Iowa, or IL or OZ. This is a game/sport and this group seems very generaous with accolades and congratualations for all classifications of WI geocache participants.

Posted: Sun Dec 02, 2007 12:29 am

lagrac wrote:

Well, the by law argument, as I posted previously, is flawed. It contradicts itself. Article III covers membership, but when ones goes to Article X it covers non-discrimination. If my citizenship is not a legally protected characteristic, could someone clarify this?

Sorry lagrac, but I do not see any contradiction in the by-laws. Article X is not violated by not allowing membership to non-residents of the State. It applies across the board to everyone the same.

I don't think there is anyone who does not agree that your caching accomplishments speak for themselves. You are a true friend of the WGA. Your opinions are greatly appreciated and your voice is heard in these forums.

Sadly, I must agree that no change to the by-laws regarding membership is warranted.

I admire your moxy and fighting spirit. I, for one, am flattered that you have fought so hard to become a full member of WGA. I hope to meet you someday on the trail or at a WGA event.

Happy Caching and Merry Christmas!!

Matt