[at-l] Question for Jim Owen and any others who know

[wdlists at optonline.net (Walter Daniels)]

. We already 
> heard all that) and (the disturbing part to me) was that the 
> recent changes 
> in how ATC will operate put it on that same basis. According to this 
> source, rather than draw the board of directors from concerned 
> members/volunteer leadership at large, these policy making 
> positions will 
> be doled out to those who bring in the biggest bucks. The 
> point of this 
> presentation was that ADK was different (which is great) but I'm also 
> concerned about ATC.
> 
> I confess to not reading the changes ATC announced as carefully as I 
> probably ought, but that was not my impression of the changes 
> being made in 
> ATC's organization. Is that characterization true? If so that 
> opens the 
> door to subversion of the organization by moneyed interests. 
> ATC is an 
> obstacle to our development plans? Simple solution, make 
> large donations, 
> appoint our own directors and change ATC to fit our development goals.
> 
> True or untrue, that is the question.
> 
> Saunterer
FALSE!

In fact the process of board selection process is not changed very much.
What has changed is the enforced regional representation to not having
explicit regional representation. The nomination committee has always
selected people based on what the board needs at given election cycle, e.g.
there needs to someone willing and able to be secretary and treasurer, some
with financial savy, some with trail savy, etc. One way of describing the
new process is casting a wider net. Clubs will still be able to suggest
people for the board. Very few board members are likely to be selected
because of their strong skills in only one field.  They will have to be
strong in several fields.

One way of describing the current and recent past boards is too many trail
people and not enough fund raisers. So in all likelyhood there will be some
fund raisers, not necessarily those who already have money, but those who
know how to approach those who do have money.

One of the top items on the strategic planning list was raising more money
to support new projects including an increased role of the AT Land Trust in
protecting more land adjacent to the AT. Some of this will come from new
efforts to increase membership, but the costs of land are very high and some
of this will have to come from individual and corporate/foundation donors.

In case you haven't noticed, ATC has had a high turnover rate in the
development department. I don't know any real reasons, but I would guess
that it is at least in part due to ineffective support from the volunteers.
Board members are volunteers and they must take a lead role. One of the
changes in qualities being looked for in board members is to be able to
contribute within their means. When you approach donors, it is very
difficult  if you can't claim that the whole board has contributed.

NY-NJ Trail Conference has a board structured very similar to the new ATC
board and it indeed has two or three members from the development community
who advise our staff member. The rest of the board is expected to make
personal contacts with potential donors. We also have members of very
limited means who willing give very nominal contributions so that we can
claim 100% support by the board. We pride ourselves on being volunteer
driven. One could fault AMC for being staff driven, even more than catering
to the monied set. Those traits are independent.

The whole board is voted on by the members at the biannial meeting, so a
"takeover" would only happen if the membership approves.

Walt Daniels
ATC Board Member.

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