An observation-- Officers are elected to run the day-to-day operations of companies, organizations, governments, and other such groups of people in lieu of having a council or committee mico-managing the trivial details. They are expected to make certain decisions on behalf of the organization without consulting the entire membership or executive council or board of governors. For instance, they would be expected to go buy a roll of tape or box of staples if they were needed for the conduct of business. Likewise, if a special mailing were required for a safety alert or an election they could conceivably be expected to spend $100 on postage stamps to see the mailing got to the members--without asking anybody. That is their job. Along that same train of thought, I would suggest that if the Chairman and newsletter editor decided to send out free digital copies as advertising to prospective new members of the various college clubs they would have it completely within their powers to do so--and be praised for their aggressiveness--and need to ask no one's permission. Indeed, there is a long and respected history of the TSA doing just that. No board action would be necessary--or even expected, for that matter. Especially if no expenditures were required.
Now then, I'm not a TSA member so I would never presume to tell the TSA how to conduct its business. I'm merely speaking as an independent Texas caver bystander and interested observer. So, I have been both TSA Chairman and TEXAS CAVER editor on more than one occasion over the years. I would presume that most Texas cavers would suspect that I have a bit of experience with officer power and responsibilities and how they can get things constitutionally accomplished. Believe me, creativity can be a valuable tool in the running of a volunteer organization. Both Davy Crockett and Sam Houston used to proclaim, "Be sure you're right and then go ahead." No officer will ever be chastised by the membership for handing out free advertising supporting the aims and goals of the organization and encouraging membership. It is the right thing to do. And no other current advertising brochure will fulfill that function better than a free digital copy of The TEXAS CAVER sent (or made available) to all non-TSA-member NSS cavers in Texas. So now, they can go ahead. No board action is required. It is an officer responsibility. I'm looking forward to seeing old Sam and Davy crack a smile over this one. --Ediger
