RRGCC & Forest Service News

[TrueNorth]

Could not an individual(s) with the skills you mentioned be elected by the members of the RRGCC. In fact would that not be the primary reason to elect such an individual? Remember four seats would still be permanent. Legal council, President, Vice President and Secretary

Again my biggest concern is (by the looks of this thread) there is a lack of enthusiasm, passion and drive. Rocktofest is upon us. I would love for our area to have a festival larger than the New River Climber’s Rendezvous. I would love to know that our climber’s were organized and political passionate. It’s the “fire” I sense missing. Not in the leaders, not the board, but the members. The very members who are the very heart and soul of such an organization.

No one has spoke out to explain why or to correct me in my analysis. If the passion has been lost, is it because the members feel disconnect, with no voice? Perhaps there are no problems, but if there is, lets identify them and work towards solutions.

Perhaps we establish two groups under the RRGCC, one for property management and one for events, promoting the area and political activism. Have a closed board for the property management and allow members to directly participate and control the second group. But before we start reorganizing, is there a problem?

Does the RRGCC have the means to pay for the property?

Can the RRGCC pull off a Roctoberfest equal too or larger than the Climber’s Rendezvous?

And if it became political advantageous to deal with an issue of access is the RRGCC prepared with a solid database, ACTIVE members, legal support, email and mail campaign, lobbyist and a war chest?

If the answer to any one of these questions is “no”. My next question is, does anyone really care?

If this thread doesn’t become active, are we to assume there is little or no interest?

[Saxman]

Search for all the old threads. I would say a great many people have simply given up. Many people were very passionate on here and all it got many of them was a fight. Sometimes it only takes the right group of people to draw in and encourage everyone else. Now who that should be is the question. Maybe the coaltion simply needs some PR work done by the most charismatic of those in the community. BTW, when was the last time membership renewals were sent out? How many current members are there? Are the area reps ever going to have a meeting? etc etc

[Spragwa]

RRO: There can be serious drawbacks to having board members elected on a "popular" basis. First, people can try to infiltrate the board for the wrong reasons. They end up not working very hard and becoming a drag on the community. Second, people can be elected for the wrong reasons (mind you I'm just posing the negatives here). A popularly elected individual is frequently elected based upon charisma instead of benefit to an organization. Few climbers, including me, know how much work and dedication go into being a board member. Someone might be a great person, then end up sucking as a board member.

Many nonprofits are structured with a board of directors selected as is the RRGCC's. The board members know what goes on so they can ask people to join. These members have a better idea of who would fit in and work well. Perhaps one solution would be some board seats reserved for the Pres. & Vice Pres of the CAC. Just a thought. I think this might enable climbers to have more of a direct influence over the board. It's also and option that I know the board has discussed.

Just my two cents of limited experience.

[meetVA]

Personally I see a change coming about in the coalition, and hopefully other people see it too, AND sometimes it is just nice to not have people bashing the entire organization.

Maybe instead of a lack of enthusiasm you see it is more of a pensivity. Wondering what is to come next?

In answer to Saxman's questions about membership letters or renewal, probably too long of a time.

[J-Rock]

By the way, when is there ever going to be an actual CAC meeting?

[Paul3eb]

If this thread doesn’t become active, are we to assume there is little or no interest?

no, you're simply to assume that the posts are way too long and most people on here don't care to read that much. they would, however, listen attentively if you spoke to them.

i think delegating responsibilities would help the board members a lot. that being said, i've never really seen any of the behind the scenes stuff or see how busy/not busy they are. i just know in past situations delegating those duties helps. some help with to land management/legal affairs and a separate group takes care of the public relations stuff, web pages, newsletters, member databases, event organization. there are a limited number of board members and they're all busy. that means a limited amount of time that each one can devote to getting stuff done. when they have ten other things to do, some things are going to get neglected.

[rhunt]

Again my biggest concern is (by the looks of this thread) there is a lack of enthusiasm, passion and drive.

No one has spoke out to explain why or to correct me in my analysis. If the passion has been lost, is it because the members feel disconnect, with no voice? Perhaps there are no problems, but if there is, lets identify them and work towards solutions.

If the answer to any one of these questions is “no”. My next question is, does anyone really care?

I was trying to address this with my last post. IMO people don't care because they are not threatened by closures and restrictions. Why should the average climber care about the RRGCC when first they are hearing all kinds of negetive things about the coalition and second their climbing is not directly threatened? There is no sense of impending doom that our beloved sport climbs will be closed soon. In fact the RRGCC and private people(Rick and Liz and the folks that bought roadside) keep purchasing land that assures access indefinitely.

I have no solution to this problem, I am just pointing out a perspective of which I am guilty of fostering myself.

[TrueNorth]

they would, however, listen attentively if you spoke to them.

I'm as interested in listening, as speaking. I wonder what would be the best format to accomplish this effectively.

[the lurkist]

The enthusiasm for the RRGCC is stronger now than it has been in recent memory. Change is in the wind and having a BOD's that can all work together and make definitive and expeditious headway, all working in a concerted effort is key to the RRGCC continuing to grow and carry out its mission.
BOD members of any non profit are recruited and welcomed based on their commitment to the mission of the non profit and based upon a skill set which the nascent Board member might bring to the table to be utilized (e.g. Ryan- an accountant. Johnny- an attorney, etc...) Becoming a board member isn't a popularity contest and shouldn't be a political office one seeks to push one's personal agenda.
We, the climbing community of the Red, are the energy source the BOD uses and guides to bring about the ultimate ends of the RRGCC.
TrueNorth, if you are trying to find and outlet for your passion and energy get involved with the PMRP or one of the functions. We could use the help and would welcome your input. I am sure the BOD's always would welcome your input and critical appraisal.

[RRO]

I would be willing to host the RRGCC board members and a few climbers that want to be more active in the RRGCC at the shop one afternoon. I cant have 100 people show up but can have 25-30 people gather and discuss LAC updates, SR land issues, upcoming events and the RRGCC in general.

Bill/Bob/Tim/Ryan,
Would this be something that you may be interested in ? Bill, I would also like to vol time to the Rocktoberfest planning team. I wouldnt mind handling the sponsors and help with entertainment. Not sure how far along your team is and if you do need more help. I would assume you all need all the help you can get. Is there somewhere people can sign up for the planning team ?