Election nss

[rddvet]

See- good discussion.

And I seriously doubt Forrest will moderate the thread that he's an active participator in.

[jblack]

Aside from personal gripes........ wouldn’t it be a good idea to have someone who has served on the CDS side on the NSS board?
I don’t see where it could hurt, it may just be a good asset. Good luck TJ.

[Kelly Jessop]

Aside from personal gripes........ wouldn’t it be a good idea to have someone who has served on the CDS side on the NSS board?
I don’t see where it could hurt, it may just be a good asset. Good luck TJ.

This is true. Ironically the CDS is the largest grotto, and has the largest voting group,but rarely if ever do we exercise it. We only have a representative at the national convention by default, because someone connects with their dry caving identity,but our voice at the congress of grottos etc goes wasted, or giving identity to the CDS with an informational kiosk. So I would say having TJ, or someone similar there is good,but that person now has an identity to serve the whole NSS membership, not the CDS exclusively, so this leaves the CDS with the continued dilemma of being the largest group in the NSS, and squandering their opportunities. As I mentioned previously, there are opportunities to get outstanding CDS members who are doing great work recognition at the national level,but for the last 10 years it hasn't occurred. What I have always felt is a pity is that most CDS board members don't take the time to reach out and develop a relationship with the NSS,or understand the organization. The NSS isn't the evil empire,but it is really an organization that we want to embrace and utilize their resources, which are very far reaching.

[jlillest]

This is true. Ironically the CDS is the largest grotto, and has the largest voting group,but rarely if ever do we exercise it. We only have a representative at the national convention by default, because someone connects with their dry caving identity,but our voice at the congress of grottos etc goes wasted, or giving identity to the CDS with an informational kiosk. So I would say having TJ, or someone similar there is good,but that person now has an identity to serve the whole NSS membership, not the CDS exclusively, so this leaves the CDS with the continued dilemma of being the largest group in the NSS, and squandering their opportunities. As I mentioned previously, there are opportunities to get outstanding CDS members who are doing great work recognition at the national level,but for the last 10 years it hasn't occurred. What I have always felt is a pity is that most CDS board members don't take the time to reach out and develop a relationship with the NSS,or understand the organization. The NSS isn't the evil empire,but it is really an organization that we want to embrace and utilize their resources, which are very far reaching.

Well said.

I will cover this later as it will be a long post.

Don't leaving us hanging TJ! We all want to know your thoughts on the matter. I, for one, am still unsure of the state of the current NSS/CDS split. It seems to be in an unfinished state and I'm curious of the direction of both sides.

[Kelly Jessop]

I, for one, am still unsure of the state of the current NSS/CDS split. It seems to be in an unfinished state and I'm curious of the direction of both sides.

Me too. Personally, without the NSS, the CDS has the chance to head the route of the NACD. If the CDS' only identifier is training, and with all the other training agencies, then yes, the CDS will potentially become the NACD. With a connection to the NSS, survival as an organization is more assured.

[jblack]

Me too. Personally, without the NSS, the CDS has the chance to head the route of the NACD. If the CDS' only identifier is training, and with all the other training agencies, then yes, the CDS will potentially become the NACD. With a connection to the NSS, survival as an organization is more assured.

This is why I’m supporting TJ I believe he will help strengthen the relationship between the Two.

[Squirrel Girl]

See- good discussion.

And I seriously doubt Forrest will moderate the thread that he's an active participator in.

There's no need for anyone to moderate so long as people keep their discussions civil. There's nothing wrong with a difference of opinions. It's the ranting that leads to breaking of the forum rules that leads to moderation.

[shellmoundal]

I have the Vice President of the NSS attending our(NSS-CDS's) upcoming workshop in Mariana for starters, and the NSS will have a table there.

As for as a discussion, having one here would be tough with Forrest being a moderator. I think this post is safe until morning as Forrest goes to bed around 5pm.

The Workshop has passed. I think you meant to say The International Cave Divers Conference, in May.

[Kelly Jessop]

As for as a discussion, having one here would be tough with Forrest being a moderator. I think this post is safe until morning as Forrest goes to bed around 5pm.

Moderator's note- this would not be a problem, because there have been discussions in the past where moderators have recused themselves. Please allow a discussion to occur, as always, kept civil.

[JoeyP]

TJ, my issue with you is voting against changing the anti NSS bylaws that the past chair got pushed through.

Hi Forrest! Good to hear from you. To be clear, the past chair (me) "pushed" nothing through. There was nothing "anti NSS" about the bylaw change unless you consider anything pro NSS-CDS to be anti NSS. The changes were presented to the membership for a vote and the will of the membership was carried out. Now perhaps there are some who believe that their personal wishes supersede those of the members or perhaps that the members aren't savvy enough to know what is best for them but I believe the BOD serves at the pleasure of the members. As such it is the BODs mission to carry out their will and not to do as it pleases and ignore them. Anyone who thinks otherwise should not be on any board of any Non profit.

In years gone by a small group of well meaning people ran the NSS-CDS into the ground with a string of bad decisions which almost led to its demise. Those bylaw changes were designed to put the NSS-CDS in a better situation should another adverse circumstance arise and to help it expand its numbers. It was done at the suggestion of the NSS after TJ was sent to one of their meetings. It seems that you and a small handful of members are unhappy about this. That is your privilege. Diversity is what makes an organization strong.

If the NSSCDS is to grow and prosper it can not have a board filled by the same people with the same stale ideas year after year for decades. It needs fresh blood with new ideas which is why it desperately needs to have term limits established, not the faux revolving door limits it currently has.