WM: This is the $64,000 question. When no compensation of any sort is offered, the only people who can attend are the feckless and the very powerful/wealthy. While both can make a contribution to any endeavor, having all the board members be on the opposite edges of the lives of most people may not provide the best range of intelligences. Though it could be rewarding, and it will certainly be a learning experience, odds are that it's mostly a pain in the butt which generates tons of paper and takes forever. Bureaucracies are designed to slow down processes to a wounded snail's pace.
(VF)
Well, I beg to differ. I am not powerful, nor am I wealthy, matter of fact, don't even have a job. But, I sit on PHAC, Public Health Advisory Comm..; I am thankful for the chance to represent my city, my ward and my family, all done without a stipend. In fact, there are many other boards in the city that do not get stipends. So how are they running without the almighty dollar? Not all intentions are motivated by the money.
I think companies and government alike, lure people to their meeting's and while it may be good when we had the money to do those sorts of things, it is clear the money is not there at this point in time. I would feel terribly guilty; even upset and outraged, if board members are able to get funding, while the summer youth program and services to seniors are being cut.
WM: There is a good side to the boards having honoraria or stipends: People who have to take off work or hire baby sitters so that they can attend can participate.
VF:
I like to think that people knew before going in, that being on a board would take time and commitment. In fact, the same kind of time and commitment it took to getting elected to the board. I definitely think that while the library has a board, they like the park board, choose to run for those offices, they are not appointed nor is there a sign up sheet at city hall to be on those boards. Who was watching the kids at every single run off or campaign speech that was being delivered? (Rhetorical question)
We say something needs to be done about the budget, but, only if it does not take away my share. Come on now, We really need to do much better than that.
Vanessa Freeman Hawthorne
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