Post by jessw on Mar 21, 2019 11:26:25 GMT -4
The executive current and those who have stepped down met on March 19 and a statement was prepared. It was written by Dean on behalf of all the executive and we all had our hand in it. Please remember this is to provide information and start a dialogue that will be discussed in person at the quarterly meeting in April (date to be confirmed and posted next week). Please refrain from any posts that in any way attack or condemn any persons but feel free to voice your thoughts on what we have said. Any questions and comments posted will be addressed at the meeting in April so please feel free to post and we will add to the agenda.
HALIFAX NSJC EXECUTIVE STATEMENT
NSJC Halifax members,
As you all know, a lot has transpired in the past 2 weeks that has caused a great deal of strife and infighting within the Halifax Chapter. Many questions have been asked as to what started this chain of events, tempers have flared, fingers have been pointed and heated words have been said as people chose sides in what became the darkest days this Chapter has seen in a long time.
I (Dean) am writing this statement on behalf of the Halifax Executives after an emergency meeting was held on the night of 19 March 2019. You, as members of the Halifax Chapter, have a right to know the series of events that brought us here. Before you’re provided those details, I would like to convey to the members that, during this meeting, the Executives (I included) used this closed-door opportunity to air our grievances, clarify/correct statements that were made against other Executives and ultimately, strive to find common ground so that we could come together and reform a cohesive group (as an Executive group should be). Having hit rock bottom and now having seen each other at our worst, I truly think this Executive group will be stronger and more united than we ever were before.
So, how did we get here?.... Well, a wise man once told me “don’t try to do too much too soon”. Only days after the AGM and with a complete new Executive group full of ambition, we got right to work with a heavy agenda that covered everything from new membership and business cards, new business bank account, Registry of Joint Stock, Social Media, re-writing the charter, enhancing monthly fun runs and so on and so on. An aggressive plan for a medium sized business…..A ticking time bomb for a small club. Over the course of 3 months, the Executives communicated via a newly established messenger group that we had set up so that we could exchange ideas throughout the day in an effort to knock down the task list at hand. Messages were exchanged constantly throughout busy work days and we were enthusiastic in brainstorming new ideas and exchanging those regardless of the hour.
As one can imagine, the honeymoon phase ended very quickly for this executive group. Yes, we accomplished a lot. New members were rolling in, the club was getting more visibility and other off-road groups were now saying “Halifax NSJC seems like a cool place to be these days”….Well, they were right!….Unfortunately, the aggressive agenda and daily messenger group communication took a toll on the Executives and it reached a point where almost every communication turned into a heated discussion. On the morning of 8 March, another heated conversation (which turned out to be the tipping point) was one where Ben, Hannah, Jessica and myself exchanged opinions (which we later learned were grossly misinterpreted by one another). As a result of that exchange, I resigned from my position as President.
Regrettably, in the days that followed, I referenced that heated conversation as one of the reasons for my departure to a handful of people that had messaged me. Although I appreciated their support and taking the time to check in on me, I was horrified to learn that my narrative had spread like wild fire. As a result, Ben, Hannah and Jessica were targeted and personally attacked by a barrage of personal messages, some of which were purely hateful. It was also disturbing to hear that other Executives and even our local Steering Committee Rep received personal attacks (bordering on extortion). Unfortunately, the attacks continued on into 17 March and eventually took a toll on Ben and Hannah. Realizing that harassment of this magnitude simply wasn’t worth it, they indicated they would be resigning from their positions.
Due to the events that transpired, it was clear that a meeting was required not only to determine if we’d still be able to move forward, but how we were going to move forward and with whom. Regarding the details of my resignation, we discussed that issue, clarified our comments (as we should have done in person 11 days ago) and many, MANY other things as this was the time to do it. As a result of that meeting, the Executive group emerged mentally exhausted but united, ready to move past this and prove to the chapter members that we’re ready to get back to the business of growing this chapter and represent NSJC. I think it’s fair to say we’ve gone through an advanced bout of growing pains and now have a renewed sense of purpose and respect for each other. More importantly, we now support one another and we are now asking for your support moving forward.
Obviously, many words have been spoken over the last few days and several options floated as to how the chapter should move forward. Fortunately, the Executives are confident they’ve arrived at the best solution. We realize that it’s hard to take back heated words that have been exchanged but we’re asking everyone to lay down their weapons so that we can start the healing process. We’ve been half way to hell, let’s get back to Jeeps!
We look forward to discussing any concerns/comments you may have either in person or on the Chapters Proboard Forum upon posting of this memorandum.
Regards,
Dean Caldwell
(On behalf of the Halifax NSJC Executives)
Note:
As a result of resignations, and to comply with the Charter, positions that were resigned will have to be voted on at the Halifax Chapter Quarterly Meeting (details to follow).
Current Halifax Chapter Executive Status:
President – Vacant -Open for nominations (Dean Caldwell has accepted a nomination)
Vice President – Jessica Wolfe
Treasurer – Esther McLaren
Secretary – Hannah McDonald (position open for nominations & vote at Quarterly Meeting)
Membership Coordinator – Mikaela Zwicker
Sponsorship Coordinator - Virgina Wadden
Trailmaster 1 – Vacant - Open for nominations (Sebastien Labbé has accepted a nomination)
Trailmaster 2 - Ben Gosse (position open for nominations & vote at Quarterly Meeting)
HALIFAX NSJC EXECUTIVE STATEMENT
NSJC Halifax members,
As you all know, a lot has transpired in the past 2 weeks that has caused a great deal of strife and infighting within the Halifax Chapter. Many questions have been asked as to what started this chain of events, tempers have flared, fingers have been pointed and heated words have been said as people chose sides in what became the darkest days this Chapter has seen in a long time.
I (Dean) am writing this statement on behalf of the Halifax Executives after an emergency meeting was held on the night of 19 March 2019. You, as members of the Halifax Chapter, have a right to know the series of events that brought us here. Before you’re provided those details, I would like to convey to the members that, during this meeting, the Executives (I included) used this closed-door opportunity to air our grievances, clarify/correct statements that were made against other Executives and ultimately, strive to find common ground so that we could come together and reform a cohesive group (as an Executive group should be). Having hit rock bottom and now having seen each other at our worst, I truly think this Executive group will be stronger and more united than we ever were before.
So, how did we get here?.... Well, a wise man once told me “don’t try to do too much too soon”. Only days after the AGM and with a complete new Executive group full of ambition, we got right to work with a heavy agenda that covered everything from new membership and business cards, new business bank account, Registry of Joint Stock, Social Media, re-writing the charter, enhancing monthly fun runs and so on and so on. An aggressive plan for a medium sized business…..A ticking time bomb for a small club. Over the course of 3 months, the Executives communicated via a newly established messenger group that we had set up so that we could exchange ideas throughout the day in an effort to knock down the task list at hand. Messages were exchanged constantly throughout busy work days and we were enthusiastic in brainstorming new ideas and exchanging those regardless of the hour.
As one can imagine, the honeymoon phase ended very quickly for this executive group. Yes, we accomplished a lot. New members were rolling in, the club was getting more visibility and other off-road groups were now saying “Halifax NSJC seems like a cool place to be these days”….Well, they were right!….Unfortunately, the aggressive agenda and daily messenger group communication took a toll on the Executives and it reached a point where almost every communication turned into a heated discussion. On the morning of 8 March, another heated conversation (which turned out to be the tipping point) was one where Ben, Hannah, Jessica and myself exchanged opinions (which we later learned were grossly misinterpreted by one another). As a result of that exchange, I resigned from my position as President.
Regrettably, in the days that followed, I referenced that heated conversation as one of the reasons for my departure to a handful of people that had messaged me. Although I appreciated their support and taking the time to check in on me, I was horrified to learn that my narrative had spread like wild fire. As a result, Ben, Hannah and Jessica were targeted and personally attacked by a barrage of personal messages, some of which were purely hateful. It was also disturbing to hear that other Executives and even our local Steering Committee Rep received personal attacks (bordering on extortion). Unfortunately, the attacks continued on into 17 March and eventually took a toll on Ben and Hannah. Realizing that harassment of this magnitude simply wasn’t worth it, they indicated they would be resigning from their positions.
Due to the events that transpired, it was clear that a meeting was required not only to determine if we’d still be able to move forward, but how we were going to move forward and with whom. Regarding the details of my resignation, we discussed that issue, clarified our comments (as we should have done in person 11 days ago) and many, MANY other things as this was the time to do it. As a result of that meeting, the Executive group emerged mentally exhausted but united, ready to move past this and prove to the chapter members that we’re ready to get back to the business of growing this chapter and represent NSJC. I think it’s fair to say we’ve gone through an advanced bout of growing pains and now have a renewed sense of purpose and respect for each other. More importantly, we now support one another and we are now asking for your support moving forward.
Obviously, many words have been spoken over the last few days and several options floated as to how the chapter should move forward. Fortunately, the Executives are confident they’ve arrived at the best solution. We realize that it’s hard to take back heated words that have been exchanged but we’re asking everyone to lay down their weapons so that we can start the healing process. We’ve been half way to hell, let’s get back to Jeeps!
We look forward to discussing any concerns/comments you may have either in person or on the Chapters Proboard Forum upon posting of this memorandum.
Regards,
Dean Caldwell
(On behalf of the Halifax NSJC Executives)
Note:
As a result of resignations, and to comply with the Charter, positions that were resigned will have to be voted on at the Halifax Chapter Quarterly Meeting (details to follow).
Current Halifax Chapter Executive Status:
President – Vacant -Open for nominations (Dean Caldwell has accepted a nomination)
Vice President – Jessica Wolfe
Treasurer – Esther McLaren
Secretary – Hannah McDonald (position open for nominations & vote at Quarterly Meeting)
Membership Coordinator – Mikaela Zwicker
Sponsorship Coordinator - Virgina Wadden
Trailmaster 1 – Vacant - Open for nominations (Sebastien Labbé has accepted a nomination)
Trailmaster 2 - Ben Gosse (position open for nominations & vote at Quarterly Meeting)