I appreciate you taking the time to address these questions Doug. Below are some counter points to your responses.
Some people may think of this back and forth is a waste of time but I hope that membership can see a value in openly discussing
the club's issues.

Our club is nowhere near dissolving as we all know, but we have been in decline for some time now, I'm sure there are people that will
keep it going no matter what… even if it is back to just a few members trading in someone's garage, but this would be pretty sad after
all the work that everyone has put into it.

Wouldn't the "future" of our club be in attracting new members? Putting energy into past members who have not been involved
is fine but obviously limited.

I spoke up at our business meeting and addressed the fact that we need a real focus on getting new members. I also talked about grant writing
and development. I don't know if our business meetings are taped like the lectures but I'm guessing someone takes the minutes?

If the BOD has decided not to entertain working with an outside 501c3 strategic planner... Who is going to give us a real sober evaluation of where we are organizationally and help us with a plan for adaptation and strategic growth… I think it shows we are in bigger trouble than we know. In my opinion, it shows that the BOD is fearful of giving up a position or maybe having something brought up that they don't want to talk about.

There is no doubt that someone from the outside would have a fresh prospective for us and solutions that we have not considered?

I know these posts don't get me any more popular with the BOD but I don't want to sacrifice the club's health for egos or individual agendas.

We need to go to the 501c3 doctor. Doug… really… You are too quick to dismiss this request. It is not dumbed down to "we need membership". We have organizational and structural issues that are not being addressed.

I'd bet if it was posed to membership whether they would support the BOD seeking outside help with organizational development and help creating a clear strategic plan for growth...

Who would say no? Besides the BOD…

Thanks again,
Westen