I've been to a few and most have been set piece presentations, rubber 
stamping the accounts and annual report, and nominating rather than electing 
representatives.

The former due to the lack of interest by the parents, usually.

Should AGMs be more than just the set piece? Should they be a point where 
concerns are raised? Should Any Other Business really mean what it says and 
if people have a question or an issue that they can raise it then and there?

I'm curious because one AGM recently broke away from the structure ( for 
reasons that I won't go into here). As a consequence, a raft of issues came 
up and were addressed. As a consequence new people joined the Executive 
Committee.

I'm not suggesting that we reduce AGMs to free-for-alls, but by opening them 
up and being prepared to answer questions and indeed, encouraging input, we 
may be able to turn these dull set piece dramas into something that gets 
people involved.

Thoughts?

Ewan Scott

"Ewan Scott"  wrote in message 
news:RN-dnec6Np2W4njXnZ2dnUVZ8tGdnZ2d@bt.com...
> I've been to a few and most have been set piece presentations, rubber 
> stamping the accounts and annual report, and nominating rather than 
> electing representatives.
>
> The former due to the lack of interest by the parents, usually.
>

Officially an AGM is for that purpose.


> Should AGMs be more than just the set piece? Should they be a point where 
> concerns are raised? Should Any Other Business really mean what it says 
> and if people have a question or an issue that they can raise it then and 
> there?
>

AGMs should not have AOB. BUT I agree with what you are saying and perhaps 
that possibly before the AGM something along the lines you suggest could be 
good. I say before rather than after because then if you are going to get 
volunteeres it is better to have them as part of the AGM rather than after 
it.

The AGM itself however should be clear and concise.


SNIP

DaveB
West Yorks

Dave wrote:
> "Ewan Scott"  wrote in message 
> news:RN-dnec6Np2W4njXnZ2dnUVZ8tGdnZ2d@bt.com...
>> I've been to a few and most have been set piece presentations, rubber 
>> stamping the accounts and annual report, and nominating rather than 
>> electing representatives.
>>
>> The former due to the lack of interest by the parents, usually.
>>
> 
> Officially an AGM is for that purpose.
> 
> 
>> Should AGMs be more than just the set piece? Should they be a point where 
>> concerns are raised? Should Any Other Business really mean what it says 
>> and if people have a question or an issue that they can raise it then and 
>> there?
>>
> 
> AGMs should not have AOB. 

Why not?

BUT I agree with what you are saying and perhaps
> that possibly before the AGM something along the lines you suggest could be 
> good. I say before rather than after because then if you are going to get 
> volunteeres it is better to have them as part of the AGM rather than after 
> it.
> 
> The AGM itself however should be clear and concise.
> 
> 
> SNIP
> 
> DaveB
> West Yorks 
> 
>

"Gooders"  wrote in message 
news:iPydnYMCIKZsGHjXnZ2dnUVZ8uidnZ2d@pipex.net...
> Dave wrote:
>> "Ewan Scott"  wrote in message 
>> news:RN-dnec6Np2W4njXnZ2dnUVZ8tGdnZ2d@bt.com...
>>> I've been to a few and most have been set piece presentations, rubber 
>>> stamping the accounts and annual report, and nominating rather than 
>>> electing representatives.
>>>
>>> The former due to the lack of interest by the parents, usually.
>>>
>>
>> Officially an AGM is for that purpose.
>>
>>
>>> Should AGMs be more than just the set piece? Should they be a point 
>>> where concerns are raised? Should Any Other Business really mean what it 
>>> says and if people have a question or an issue that they can raise it 
>>> then and there?
>>>
>>
>> AGMs should not have AOB.
>
> Why not?
>

Read POR about what the AGM is for and there is no place for AOB.

I was also told that on many courses I have attended.


DaveB
West Yorks

Dave wrote:

>
>"Gooders"  wrote in message 
>news:iPydnYMCIKZsGHjXnZ2dnUVZ8uidnZ2d@pipex.net...
>> Dave wrote:
>>> "Ewan Scott"  wrote in message 
>>> news:RN-dnec6Np2W4njXnZ2dnUVZ8tGdnZ2d@bt.com...
>>>> I've been to a few and most have been set piece presentations, rubber 
>>>> stamping the accounts and annual report, and nominating rather than 
>>>> electing representatives.
>>>>
>>>> The former due to the lack of interest by the parents, usually.
>>>>
>>>
>>> Officially an AGM is for that purpose.
>>>
>>>
>>>> Should AGMs be more than just the set piece? Should they be a point 
>>>> where concerns are raised? Should Any Other Business really mean what it 
>>>> says and if people have a question or an issue that they can raise it 
>>>> then and there?
>>>>
>>>
>>> AGMs should not have AOB.
>>
>> Why not?
>>
>
>Read POR about what the AGM is for and there is no place for AOB.
>
>I was also told that on many courses I have attended.

EGMs should have no AOB.  AGMs need AOB.


-- 
John Russell
CSL  1st Pinhoe  Exeter  Devon
http://www.pinhoescouts.org.uk/cubs/
Cubs don't care how much you know, but they need to know how much you care.

"Dave"  wrote in message 
news:gMmdnbJW5tnpH3jXnZ2dnUVZ8lqdnZ2d@eclipse.net.uk...
>
> "Ewan Scott"  wrote in message 
> news:RN-dnec6Np2W4njXnZ2dnUVZ8tGdnZ2d@bt.com...
>> I've been to a few and most have been set piece presentations, rubber 
>> stamping the accounts and annual report, and nominating rather than 
>> electing representatives.
>>
>> The former due to the lack of interest by the parents, usually.
>>
>
> Officially an AGM is for that purpose.
>
>
>> Should AGMs be more than just the set piece? Should they be a point where 
>> concerns are raised? Should Any Other Business really mean what it says 
>> and if people have a question or an issue that they can raise it then and 
>> there?
>>
>
> AGMs should not have AOB. BUT I agree with what you are saying and perhaps 
> that possibly before the AGM something along the lines you suggest could 
> be good. I say before rather than after because then if you are going to 
> get volunteeres it is better to have them as part of the AGM rather than 
> after it.
>
I have looked at POR and I can see where that urban myth arises. The details 
of running an AGM are omitted. There are references in various documents, 
but one would have thought that a basic factsheet on running an AGM would be 
available. if there is, I can't find it.

This is the best I can find.

http://www.cvsfife.org/publications/agm.htm

AOB is the point where the "rebels" can raise issues that the "establishment 
wish to hide.

Ewan Scott

"John Russell"  wrote in message 
news:fk2be51god6a7h0gdrof3rfss2glq2lh6r@4ax.com...
> EGMs should have no AOB.  AGMs need AOB.
>
>

For what purpose?

The only thing that I can think of - but even that should be put on the 
agenda is any changes to the constitution.

Business should not be invited from the floor as most decisions are made by 
the exec committee (that is what they are elected to do) and as such should 
do it as the exec and not as the full Scout Council.

SNIP

DaveB
West Yorks

"Ewan Scott"  wrote in message 
news:MYWdna-fpcplCXjXnZ2dnUVZ8gOdnZ2d@bt.com...
>
> "Dave"  wrote in message 
> news:gMmdnbJW5tnpH3jXnZ2dnUVZ8lqdnZ2d@eclipse.net.uk...
>>
>> "Ewan Scott"  wrote in message 
>> news:RN-dnec6Np2W4njXnZ2dnUVZ8tGdnZ2d@bt.com...
>>> I've been to a few and most have been set piece presentations, rubber 
>>> stamping the accounts and annual report, and nominating rather than 
>>> electing representatives.
>>>
>>> The former due to the lack of interest by the parents, usually.
>>>
>>
>> Officially an AGM is for that purpose.
>>
>>
>>> Should AGMs be more than just the set piece? Should they be a point 
>>> where concerns are raised? Should Any Other Business really mean what it 
>>> says and if people have a question or an issue that they can raise it 
>>> then and there?
>>>
>>
>> AGMs should not have AOB. BUT I agree with what you are saying and 
>> perhaps that possibly before the AGM something along the lines you 
>> suggest could be good. I say before rather than after because then if you 
>> are going to get volunteeres it is better to have them as part of the AGM 
>> rather than after it.
>>
> I have looked at POR and I can see where that urban myth arises. The 
> details of running an AGM are omitted. There are references in various 
> documents, but one would have thought that a basic factsheet on running an 
> AGM would be available. if there is, I can't find it.
>
> This is the best I can find.
>
> http://www.cvsfife.org/publications/agm.htm
>
> AOB is the point where the "rebels" can raise issues that the 
> "establishment wish to hide.
>
> Ewan Scott

As I have put in another post - if you have AOB that is not the business of 
the Scout Council no decisions can be made. Most decisions need to be made 
by the exec and that cannot be done with 50 people there most of whom have 
no right to vote at the exec. They have a right to elsec the exec but not 
influence the decisions they make other than by request.

DaveB
West Yorks

"Ewan Scott"  wrote in message 
news:MYWdna-fpcplCXjXnZ2dnUVZ8gOdnZ2d@bt.com...
>
> "Dave"  wrote in message 
> news:gMmdnbJW5tnpH3jXnZ2dnUVZ8lqdnZ2d@eclipse.net.uk...
>>
>> "Ewan Scott"  wrote in message 
>> news:RN-dnec6Np2W4njXnZ2dnUVZ8tGdnZ2d@bt.com...
>>> I've been to a few and most have been set piece presentations, rubber 
>>> stamping the accounts and annual report, and nominating rather than 
>>> electing representatives.
>>>
>>> The former due to the lack of interest by the parents, usually.
>>>
>>
>> Officially an AGM is for that purpose.
>>
>>
>>> Should AGMs be more than just the set piece? Should they be a point 
>>> where concerns are raised? Should Any Other Business really mean what it 
>>> says and if people have a question or an issue that they can raise it 
>>> then and there?
>>>
>>
>> AGMs should not have AOB. BUT I agree with what you are saying and 
>> perhaps that possibly before the AGM something along the lines you 
>> suggest could be good. I say before rather than after because then if you 
>> are going to get volunteeres it is better to have them as part of the AGM 
>> rather than after it.
>>
> I have looked at POR and I can see where that urban myth arises. The 
> details of running an AGM are omitted. There are references in various 
> documents, but one would have thought that a basic factsheet on running an 
> AGM would be available. if there is, I can't find it.
>
> This is the best I can find.
>
> http://www.cvsfife.org/publications/agm.htm
>
> AOB is the point where the "rebels" can raise issues that the 
> "establishment wish to hide.
>
> Ewan Scott

There used to a guide in Scouting circles somewhere but it has possibly 
gone. Either in Chairmans or other Group stuff.


DaveB
West Yorks
>

On 26 Oct, 10:50, "Ewan Scott"  wrote:
> I've been to a few and most have been set piece presentations, rubber
> stamping the accounts and annual report, and nominating rather than electing
> representatives.

I've been to a few too! And most have not been set piece
presentations....

:-)

>
> The former due to the lack of interest by the parents, usually.
>
> Should AGMs be more than just the set piece? Should they be a point where
> concerns are raised? Should Any Other Business really mean what it says and
> if people have a question or an issue that they can raise it then and there?

AGMs MUST BE AGMs!

They should not be a barbecue.

They should not be a disco.

They should not be an annual dinner.

They should not be a 10 minute discussion over a cuppa and meat pie at
halftime during the Huddersfield Town v Tranmere Rovers match!

Etc.

(But you can include these things if you like!)

There is a 'structure' which you have to follow but this does not have
to be done in a formal committee meeting type of manner.

Very often I found when I went to AGMs it wasn't the substance that
drove/kept people away it was the boring presentation and presenters
that did so.

Largely your typical AGM will likely have: introduction/welcome, a
brief explanation of what's to happen, review/acceptance of minutes of
last year's AGM, nominations/elections to GEC/sub-committees, trustees
report, report and/or statement by GSL/SiC and GC, presentation of
accounts with maybe a summary/highlight by GT, review/acceptance of
report and accounts, final words and bye-bye.

These are the typical 'core agenda' items.

BUT

They shouldn't be the only items!

I would suggest that sections should 'report' too. How they report is
up to you. Some do static displays, e.g. what we did this year, camp,
competitions, events, community support, etc in words and pictures.
Some do active reports with the kids and/or section leaders I've seen
talks by kids about an event or a badge, a game the beavers learned, a
sing/dance by some kids who took part in a gang show, an instrumental
musical piece by cubs, a pioneering race/challenge by scouts, there
was even one scout who did a 10 minute stand up comedy act - part of a
badge - and one cub who did magic tricks. The section reports is a
chance for you and your yp to show parents why they send their kids to
your group!

You should also take the approach that the AGM is a celebration. (And
hopefully you've got lots to celebrate, even if it's just surviving
another year!) So get out all the silverware. Some groups also have
annual prizes/presentations.

One group that was celebrating its 50th incoporated aspects of a
reunion with some of the former members and leaders giving snippets
about life/scouting back then.

And you must debate the issues which are uppermost in the Group. 'Does
anyone have any questions?' often doesn't work because a lot of people
don't want to be the first to rock the boat or even sound contentious.
When I was a GSL I always gave a 'report' to parents and I always
raised major issues in it. And during it I talked with parents in the
audience, not just to them, i.e. 'What do people think about this
idea? What do people think we should spend this money on? What do
people think about the level of parent help/involvement? Etc. And use
OPEN questions! Closed ones let parents off by them having only to say
yes or no.

And if there is a major issue then set it as an agenda item and have a
debate about it. E.g. 'Should the Group close down because it's not
getting any parental help?'

And if it's items that have a district input then make sure the DC is
there. Put the DC on the spot even and let her/him take questions from
parents.

And don't forget that some items do not have to be done to death in
depth! The GT does not have to go through every item in the accounts.
Most accounts are straight-forward and IME I'd cap the GT to 5 mins
tops. In fact one year they were so straight-forward all the GT said
was 'Here are the published accounts, page 7 of your booklet. Notes
are self explanatory. Thanks to Dave for independent review. Later
I'll be proposing they be accepted.'

Keep the 'formal' items to the point, concise (as necessary) and
relevant.

Don't let anyone get up and waffle! (Especially the DC. It only takes
10 seconds to promote the District Annual Dinner Dance!)

PUBLISH! Everyone in attendance gets an AGM pack. And what goes in the
pack? A copy of the Report and Accounts, for a start! And then
whatever's relevant. Disclosure forms, for example, if you're trying
to recruit leader/helper support. Info about joining if you're trying
to recruit kids. Info about upcoming events. Etc.

The thing about putting things down in print - i.e. actually
publishing a 'Report' - is that you can meet a lot of the legal/
statutory/POR obligations in doing so and don't need to ocver these
(in words) in the actual meeting.

For example, in my ex-groups we published (in print) the Trustees
Report and all I said during the meeting was: 'You'll find the
Trustees Report on page 5. This outlines the responsibilities and
actions of the GEC and those who sit on that body. It was approved by
the GEC on XXXXXX. If anyone has any matters from it they wish to
discuss then please see me or a GEC member later.' Done.

I've already said about accounts. All that needs to be said is
highlights. Most of what could be said should be in print with
explanatory notes. Parents don't need to be told that 'the interest on
the group's main account fell from 1.7% to 1.5% this year'. However,
the GT should say to parent if subs will have to go up from £15 per
term to £30 per term!

Towards the end of my AGMs we always had prize-giving. Most kids got a
'prize' for something - sometimes it was just a dip in the candy box
for a good turn at camp, say - but significant awards were not handed
out like confetti. There was always a 'supporters' type award (which
often went to parents). The GSL usually had his personal awards to
make as well (e.g. thanks badges to leaders/GEC members for
exceptional service).

And do have tea/biscuits/other refreshments to finish! And time for
informal chat. Some groups had an 'interlude' where they did this -
stopped parents charging off as soon as someone said 'that concludes
our meeting. Tea and co.....' One group which had its AGM at the end
of the calendar year included its Christmas draw/tombola to raise
funds and support for its kids parties.

So: plenty of material to look at; plenty of displays; plenty of
action; plenty of kids doing things; plenty of interaction.

Boring, but necessary, stuff goes on paper to be read (shredded?)
later.

So what about incorporating it in some of the things I mentioned
above, e.g. dinner, barbecue, disco?

Er...no!

Include them in the AGM! Don't try to bury/hide the AGM. Remember it's
not the AGM per se that's boring but rather sometimes it's the people
running/speaking at it. Even sometimes the necessary bits can be quite
interesting. And liven it up. One group many years ago got the
sponsoring authority in person to contribute. The RC priest stood up
and gave the meeting 15 minutes of his memories about the value of
scouting interspersed with jokes (some 'unusual' for a priest)and
witty cracks which had them in pleats.

Don't be frightened of holding an AGM. It's not what it is which puts
people off, it's what it does. If it's too formal, stuffy, boring and
only covers the necessary in a boring, drole way then it will put
people off. An AGM is a celebration. Make it so.

I would suggest though not to hold it over a cuppa and a meat pie at
half-time at the Huddersfield Town v Tranmere rovers game!

:-)

I'm saddened by those who believe they need to have a barbecue, for
example, and include AGM items in that because they feel parents are
put off by AGMs.

Parents are not put off by AGMs that are interesting, informative, and
interactive.

Parents are put off by under-cooked sausages at a barbecue! :-)

>
> I'm curious because one AGM recently broke away from the structure ( for
> reasons that I won't go into here).

Do tell me where in POR it lists a particular structure that must be
followed?

An AGM as a minimum covers the appointment of the formal management
structures and the publication of the Report and Accounts. There are
accepted norms for doing these things but there are no formal laid
down directed procedures as such.

Of course if people didn't cover these minimum necessary requirments
at the meeting then it wasn't an AGM.

> As a consequence, a raft of issues came
> up and were addressed. As a consequence new people joined the Executive
> Committee.
>
> I'm not suggesting that we reduce AGMs to free-for-alls, but by opening them
> up and being prepared to answer questions and indeed, encouraging input, we
> may be able to turn these dull set piece dramas into something that gets
> people involved.

But an AGM doesn't have to be a dull set piece drama unless the people
organising it want it to be!

Whenever I've stood up to talk at an AGM - either as a section leader,
GSL, trustee, commissioner, etc - I've always accepted and expected
questions to be put to me. And those in the audience have always
expected/demanded that I answer them! Have I been in a free-for-all
AGM? No. But I've been in some where the debate has been heated and
intense.

If I was a parent and I was invited to an AGM and I went, I listened
to leaders/GEC people speaking, and then I went home - I would be
livid and gunning for the GSL's balls!

If I'm a parent at an AGM I want opportunities to question others, ask
questions, and contribute, if I so desire. Now that can be at the end
of the GSLs speech, during nominations, after a presentation, or
during a break, or over a cuppa at the end. AGMs must be interactive -
not one way.
>
> Thoughts?

Just one or two!

:-)

(Apologies for being quiet recently. Been busy donating my body to the
NHS - again! - and trying to keep the ECG regular while studying and
doing some tricky exams. Okay now.)

GAGS

Dave wrote:
> "Gooders"  wrote in message 
> news:iPydnYMCIKZsGHjXnZ2dnUVZ8uidnZ2d@pipex.net...
>> Dave wrote:
>>> "Ewan Scott"  wrote in message 
>>> news:RN-dnec6Np2W4njXnZ2dnUVZ8tGdnZ2d@bt.com...
>>>> I've been to a few and most have been set piece presentations, rubber 
>>>> stamping the accounts and annual report, and nominating rather than 
>>>> electing representatives.
>>>>
>>>> The former due to the lack of interest by the parents, usually.
>>>>
>>> Officially an AGM is for that purpose.
>>>
>>>
>>>> Should AGMs be more than just the set piece? Should they be a point 
>>>> where concerns are raised? Should Any Other Business really mean what it 
>>>> says and if people have a question or an issue that they can raise it 
>>>> then and there?
>>>>
>>> AGMs should not have AOB.
>> Why not?
>>
> 
> Read POR about what the AGM is for and there is no place for AOB.
> 
> I was also told that on many courses I have attended.
> 
> 
> DaveB
> West Yorks 
> 
> 
So _Scout_ AGMs should not have AoB?

I regularly attend my company's AGM (FTSE100 company) and there is 
always an 'AoB' section to take questions from the floor. These 
questions can, but do not have to, be pre-registered.

Stephen

On 26 Oct, 11:05, "Dave"  wrote:
>
> AGMs should not have AOB.

Eh?

What?

According to the published procedures of an organisation there
generally is a set minimum that an AGM must cover. (In scouting's case
the 'mimimum' is covered in POR, IIRC.) There isn't, AFAIAA, a
maximum. AOB can be on the agenda. In fact you can put whatever you
want on the agenda so long as the minimum requirements are met. Of
course good practice says that you should only include things that may
be relevant. Thus an item to discuss the quality of the pies at the
recent Huddersfield Town - Tranmere Rovers game may not be relevant,
however, the quality of the pies at the same game which your cubs went
to and ate and got e-coli poisoning may be! (Only 'for example'. I'm
sure the pies are okay!)

If my ex-leaders Tarquin and Chardonnay wanted to do a song/dance
routine in their tutus at the AGM then why not? Nothing there to stop
them. In fact there's nothing, AFAIAA, in POR that says Tarquin can't
present the Annual Accounts while dancing to the Dance of the Cygnets
from Swan Lake with all the cub scouts.
>
> The AGM itself however should be clear and concise.
>

And where does it say it should be? Not in POR methinks.

An AGM can within certain limits be almost whatever it wants to be.

I always say that an AGM should always be interesting, informative and
interactive.


GAGS

"Tony Mochan"  wrote in message 
news:op.u2fc2qhh700lht@mochalap...
> On Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:22:11 -0000, Ewan Scott  
> wrote:
>
>> Not having AOB at an AGM distances the Exec from the Scout Council and 
>> gives it free reign to do as it pleases. That is NEVER a good thing.
>>
>> If the parents don't turn up at the AGM, if they don't ask questions, 
>> then that's fine, but they must have the opportunity in order to 
>> actually give the Exec a mandate to do its work. Without AoB, without 
>> open discussion, the Exec is just a Junta running a mini-dictatorship.
>
> Have to agree.
>
> The last District AGM I was at was attended by the Chief Commissioner.
>
> One leader (from a different group) asked the only question under AOB - as 
> to whether District Scouters Meeting were to be restarted.
>
> As there were no district Scouters meetings, (no GSL meetings, no 
> nothing!) at the time, he had no opportunity to raise this issue at any 
> other meeting.
>
> With invited guests in attendance (local police and fire chief, lord 
> provost etc...) the district was made to look as though it didn't 
> communicate with it's own leaders (which was and probably still is the 
> case)
>
> After the AGM the Chief Commissioner berated the District Chairman and 
> District Commissioner for allowing AOB.
>
> I found it incredible.  I still do.  I wholeheartedly agree with you Ewan!
>
> People loose touch so very quickly when a committee starts a meeting!
>
> Never seen true open discussion in Scouting except with young people, or, 
> with adults in a social setting(!)

I've played the awkward git role a couple of times at District AGMs.  On 
both
occasions it related to the way that the District Exec chose to treat 
Explorer
Scouts within its accounts - IMO in contravention of both POR and charity 
law.

It didn't make me popular.  I didn't even get any support (I think a lot of 
people
were wondering why I didn't shut up and let them get on to the cheese and 
wine)
but it served to remind the DEC that they couldn't ride roughshod over the 
District,
and we did get some changes as a result.  I don't think those changes would 
have
been achieved by private discussions without the embarrassment factor of
public questioning.

Grant
ASL, 1st Disley

"GAGS"  wrote in message 
news:6d14eeee-e4fb-4fde-86cf-0299df085844@r31g2000vbi.googlegroups.com...
> AGMs MUST BE AGMs!
>
> They should not be a barbecue.
>
> They should not be a disco.
>
> They should not be an annual dinner.
>
> They should not be a 10 minute discussion over a cuppa and meat pie at
> halftime during the Huddersfield Town v Tranmere Rovers match!
>

Has Ewan been trying to engage our Wirral friends in debates about Explorer
Scouts again?!

Grant
ASL, 1st Disley

"David Kendall"  wrote in message 
news:3aadnf3SmJ4y4nrXnZ2dnUVZ8hGdnZ2d@pipex.net...
> Actually, no meeting (not just AGM) should have AOB.   Items for 
> discussion
> should be invited and included on the Agenda - only those items on the
> Agenda should then be discussed.
>
>
>
In a work context, I would agree.  In a (volunteer) Scouting context, I 
think it
is unreasonable to expect everyone to raise everything they might want to
discuss in advance.  So I would allow AOB - at least for discussion, even if
possibly prohibiting decision on controversial / important matters because
 of the lack of advance notice.  I think this is more important when the 
level
of day-to-day engagement is lower - eg at AGMs rather than Executive
Committee meetings.

Grant
ASL, 1st Disley

"Grant Mitchell"  wrote in message 
news:g9CdnSTCp9EFPHrXnZ2dnUVZ8vWdnZ2d@bt.com...
>
>
> "Tony Mochan"  wrote in message 
> news:op.u2fc2qhh700lht@mochalap...
>> On Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:22:11 -0000, Ewan Scott  
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Not having AOB at an AGM distances the Exec from the Scout Council and 
>>> gives it free reign to do as it pleases. That is NEVER a good thing.
>>>
>>> If the parents don't turn up at the AGM, if they don't ask questions, 
>>> then that's fine, but they must have the opportunity in order to 
>>> actually give the Exec a mandate to do its work. Without AoB, without 
>>> open discussion, the Exec is just a Junta running a mini-dictatorship.
>>
>> Have to agree.
>>
>> The last District AGM I was at was attended by the Chief Commissioner.
>>
>> One leader (from a different group) asked the only question under AOB - 
>> as to whether District Scouters Meeting were to be restarted.
>>
>> As there were no district Scouters meetings, (no GSL meetings, no 
>> nothing!) at the time, he had no opportunity to raise this issue at any 
>> other meeting.
>>
>> With invited guests in attendance (local police and fire chief, lord 
>> provost etc...) the district was made to look as though it didn't 
>> communicate with it's own leaders (which was and probably still is the 
>> case)
>>
>> After the AGM the Chief Commissioner berated the District Chairman and 
>> District Commissioner for allowing AOB.
>>
>> I found it incredible.  I still do.  I wholeheartedly agree with you 
>> Ewan!
>>
>> People loose touch so very quickly when a committee starts a meeting!
>>
>> Never seen true open discussion in Scouting except with young people, or, 
>> with adults in a social setting(!)
>
> I've played the awkward git role a couple of times at District AGMs.  On 
> both
> occasions it related to the way that the District Exec chose to treat 
> Explorer
> Scouts within its accounts - IMO in contravention of both POR and charity 
> law.
>
> It didn't make me popular.  I didn't even get any support (I think a lot 
> of people
> were wondering why I didn't shut up and let them get on to the cheese and 
> wine)
> but it served to remind the DEC that they couldn't ride roughshod over the 
> District,
> and we did get some changes as a result.  I don't think those changes 
> would have
> been achieved by private discussions without the embarrassment factor of
> public questioning.
>
> Grant
> ASL, 1st Disley
>

But that particular discussion is a question that can be asked of the 
Treasurer as part of their report so is quite valid.

Whether done in the best way is not something that I can comment on.

DaveB
West Yorks