Re: [Fsfe-uk] Re: Standing Orders, Postal Votes etc.

[MJ Ray]

No-one has a Grant Plan? Let's see if I can lose my comments among the 
queued emails... ;-)

On 2004-05-21 16:35:29 +0100 John Seago <address@hidden> 
wrote:

> [...] What does the AFFS want its Constitution, Standing Orders, 
> Rules, Electoral Procedures, etc., to actually do?

Personally, I want a constitution to be a stable framework that is 
acceptable to members and bankers, while leaving opportunity to grow; 
I want SO/Rules that are the minimum procedures necessary to be 
generally recognised as fair and productive.

These are conflicting pressures: stability safeguards increase length, 
while I think most want a short constitution (judging from feedback 
about the length of the amendment); fairness means that everyone 
should have chance to speak, while productivity means you sometimes 
have to end a discussion before they have. I'm never going to be 100% 
comfortable, but there's probably some wide range which will make me 
happy enough.

> [...] Perhaps the best option 
> would be an overhaul, and re-adoption of Constitution, to be as 
> concise as 
> possible.

As you know, I'm reluctant to play with the constitution any more than 
absolutely necessary yet, because it's relatively well-worn, but known 
to be incomplete. If we can put the simplest possible completion to it 
in the form of the Rules and let them run for a year or so, then I'd 
agree with replacing it if doesn't work.

> I am prepared to be of what help I can, however it has to be realised 
> that 
> prescription painkillers leave me in a condition [...]

The help is appreciated. I suspect we have enough members who "step 
out" occasionally that people can understand that. I think we bought 
ourselves 10 or 11 months now before this becomes urgent again, so as 
long as all-out war doesn't erupt among the new frontdesk, we should 
be OK.

--
MJR/slef
My Opinion Only and possibly not of any group I know.
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