Raising issues and getting yourself heard

[Luca]

Let me be perfectly clear ... this is a peoples club. Everyone should feel that they can contribute to the club in a positive way.

So here is the deal...

So what is an issue:
- A concern about anything (including the way the club is run)
- A suggestion (something that might improve the way the club is run)
- A gripe (something that you don't like, or gets your back up)

So ... how does one raise issues with the club:
Do:
- Email or PM a coordinator you feel you can trust with your concern/suggestion/issue.
- Ask to speak with a coordinator face to face or on the phone if you like (cos online is never a good substitute where emotion is involved)
- Privately email or PM a member who is causing you issues and ask for them to stop.
- Post a constructive suggestion as a new thread and ask for input.
- Consider conflicting opinions/points of view/feelings before posting

Don't:
- Never post a thread about something you just don't like, or want to whinge about. Unless it is constructive.
- Never hyjack a thread, to raise an issue about something you don't like, or want to whinge about.
- Never make a new forum member feel bad about posting a thread (directly or indirectly). If you do ... apologise.
- Never make a derogatory remarks about anyone, or defame their persona.

What can you expect when raising an issue:
This is far more difficult, because everyone deals with things differently. Here is how I will approach issues, and expect that most commitee members would feel the same way.
a)Listen to what someone has to say
b)ask if they wish to remain anonymous
c)If appropriate, post a thread asking for forum members input
d)Raise the issue at the next committee meeting and seek resolution
e)If appropriate, post a reply to the thread stating the proposed resolution
f)Privately inform the person requesting of the outcomes and any further actions where relevant.

Other things to consider:
- Noone on this forum is perfect (even the committee members)
- The committee members have sunk massive costs into this site and the operation of this club. Show your appreciation by becoming a financial member, and contribute to the running of this club.
- The committee is here for you, so do tell us what you think
- Everyone on this site is unified in 1 thing ... FTOs. We don't all think alike, we don't always agree, and we don't all want the same things from the club. Just because you don't like something, or don't get your own way, doesn't make it bad ... remember there are hundreds of us out there.

Conclusion:
Finally ... If after all that, you still really don't like the club/committee/forum members. That's ok, but all you have to do is to not post and not get invloved. It's really that simple.

So please feel free to contact your local coordinator, myself or anyone else for that matter, if you want to be heard.

Cheers all.

Luca