April Referendum Results
4/15/2008
On April 1 the WGA Board of Directors posted referendums seeking member input on 4 topics: 2008 Wisconsin geocoins, temporary geocache logging at WGA events, 2008 Geo-Picnic date, and bylaws change procedures. Over 120 members voted on these referendums during the past two weeks, which is almost as many as voted in the recent Board of Directors election. Because of this excellent participation, we believe that we’ve obtained a good sample or cross-section of member opinions. The WGA Board thanks those who took the time to vote, and they are already working to implement some changes based on your feedback.
The complete results are shown below. The response with the most votes is shown in red. Note that all the referendums were non-binding so the “winner” is not automatically implemented; however, the Board will definitely consider the referendum results when making decisions in these areas.
2008 WGA Geocoin
There have been some concerns brought up about saturating the market with having Wisconsin geocoin editions coming out too frequently. We want to gauge the demand for another Wisconsin geocoin.
Should the WGA make a 2008 geocoin?
77 (60%) – Yes.
34 (27%) – No. It’s too soon – wait until 2009 for another coin.
17 (13%) – No vote
If the WGA made a 2008 geocoin, would you buy at least one?
45 (35%) – Yes, definitely.
56 (44%) – Maybe. It would depend on design or price.
16 (13%) – No.
11 (8%) – No vote
Last year’s first runner-up in the geocoin design contest was a cow-shaped coin by LDove. It finished a close second and some members have expressed interest having it made. The WGA board is considering the use of this design for our next geocoin, whenever that happens to be, and would like your opinion.
Should the cow coin design become the next Wisconsin geocoin?
62 (48%) – Yes.
53 (41%) – No. We should hold another design contest.
13 (11%) – No vote
Logging Temporary Caches At WGA Events
The Wisconsin Geocaching Association has a long history of allowing people to log all the temporary caches they found at WGA events. For many years, Groundspeak took a neutral position on this practice. The greater geocaching community seems to frown on this practice, and the WGA often receives bad publicity after each event. The WGA has taken a neutral position, allowing people to log temp caches if they so desire. To gauge what the membership currently believes are acceptable temp logging practices, the WGA would like your opinion.
Should geocachers be allowed to make multiple “Attended” logs on geocaching.com to record temporary cache finds at WGA events?
40 (32%) – Yes. The WGA should continue to allow multiple logs for temp cache finds.
83 (67%) – No. The WGA should no longer allow multiple logs for temp cache finds.
1 (1%) – No vote
If the WGA no longer allowed multiple logs, would you still attend WGA events?
105 (85%) – Yes. I would attend regardless of whether multiple logs are allowed or not.
13 (10%) – No. It’s very important to me to be able to log the temp caches. If I can’t log them, I won’t attend.
6 (5%) – No vote.
WGA Geo-Picnic Date
Before 2007, the WGA Geo-Picnic was held on a Saturday in August. Last year, this event was moved to September.
When would you like the annual WGA picnic to be held?
59 (48%) – I prefer having it in September.
47 (38%) – Move it back to August.
18 (14%) – No vote.
WGA Bylaws Change Process
The WGA bylaws govern the operation of the organization, essentially serving the same purpose as the constitution of a government. The WGA bylaws were written and adopted in 2001, and over time numerous modifications, additions and deletions have been made by the Board of Directors. As they are currently written, the bylaws permit the Board of Directors to change the bylaws with no direct involvement of the membership. We are investigating whether the requirements for bylaws modifications should be changed in the future.
As a member of the WGA, would you like to be involved in the process to modify, add or delete bylaws?
22 (18%) – No. I have no interest. Bylaws changes should be completely handled by the Board of Directors (as is currently done).
55 (44%) – Yes. I want to be notified of potential bylaws changes before they are voted on by the Board but DO NOT want to vote on them. A “comment period” should be mandated in which members could voice their opinions about the proposed changes, but the final approval for bylaws changes should be still be granted by a vote of the Board of Directors.
43 (35%) – Yes. I want to be notified of potential bylaws changes AND have the ability to vote on whether these changes are adopted. A general membership vote (open to all active members) should be required to approve any change to the bylaws.
4 (3%) – No vote.