Nearly four years ago I was asked to run for a position on the OVWG Board. Many members had voiced their opinions regarding the complete lack of discourse on the current Board. I had been warned by several people against taking a Board position due to the current situation. The position I had been asked to take was the VP of Programming. I later found out that numerous other individuals had previously turned down the VP of Programming position. I felt the opportunity to give back to such a wonderful club was one I could not afford to pass up. The position of VP of Programming is labor intensive and very rewarding, especially when the majority of the members communicate their deep appreciation of thanks and gratitude.

At the time I accepted the position of VP of Programming I had no intentions of running for the position of President. During my time as VP of Programming I witnessed first-hand the conduct of the Board and knew some of the actions of Board members should not be tolerated. There were several “appointed” Board positions that the membership had no say or approval in. Many of these appointed positions were undeniably made to gain additional votes that were the same vote as the person who had appointed them. The few that did attempt to speak for themselves at Board meetings were cut off and talked over in an attempt to silence their opinions. I witnessed and immediately understood that many of the ideas that were being brought up by individuals were not about the ideas or if the ideas would benefit the member’s but more about who’s idea it was. I began to dread the Board meetings and actually thought about walking away from the mess that had been created. When I reached my limit of being bullied and talked over by established Board member’s I decided to run for President so I could do more for the OVWG and right what had been viewed by so many as wrong.

The new Board members were informed that the past “bullying” and talking over a member would not be acceptable behavior or tolerated. The new Board members were in full agreement and wanted only what would be best for the OVWG. They looked forward to working together to accomplish what was best for the OVWG.  The ideas brought forth by the new Board were about what was best for the OVWG and never about who’s idea it was. It was a breath of fresh air! Some members thought the new Board moved too quickly in changing the By-Laws of the OVWG. We worked very hard with numerous meetings in the months leading up to the new Board members assuming our new positions. We received invaluable information when we reached out to Board members from years past including John Lannom, Gary Brackett, Terry Elfers, and Dave Morrical. These were long time, extremely successful members who created the OVWG and understood what a woodturning club should be about. These gentlemen believed in our Mission statement and stayed true to it.

For those who read the By-Laws, it is understood how the adjustments to the By-Laws have changed the direction of the OVWG. Those who thought the changes were made to give the President more control must not have read the By-Laws. The changes the Board made to the By-Laws ensure that you and the people YOU voted for are sitting on the Board with a vote. Another major change was that no one person has the final say in any decision. Now even the President’s appointment of an individual to a committee must be approved by the rest of the Board members. These changes guarantee the decisions made for the club are a group effort. All Board members now have a voice and it is truly amazing how well it has worked!

The current COVID-19 situation has temporarily made in-person meetings impossible, the Board meetings we were able to hold were remarkably different! Any member who would like to give back to the club now has an opportunity to do so in a big way. When you voted for me you voted for a new and better direction. You voted to hold the OVWG to our Mission Statement. As members we have high expectations moving forward and a responsibility not to bring back some of the old problems. The OVWG membership is a large group of enthusiastic and intelligent people who are more than capable and who have the people skills that this organization needs.

The position of President will soon be open again and I encourage you to consider running for the position. You can make an improved difference in many ways. There were many issues the Board did not have the opportunity to address, however, the changes to the By-Laws will go a long way toward making the OVWG an organization to be proud of.

This past year has been very difficult for many people. I am now at a point where I believe I must take a step back and reevaluate the direction I am headed. My term will end in September of 2021 and I would be happy to discuss the position with any interested OVWG member. You must be a member of OVWG for a minimum of two years to be a Board member. Decisions are no longer made by the President alone and all decisions are made by a group of Board members who will support you every step of the way. If you would like to make a difference and you would like to be considered for the position of President, please let me know. I can answer any questions you may have and help you in any way possible.

I understand it is early to be discussing OVWG May elections, however, I wanted to give each of you the opportunity to think about stepping up and making a difference.