Being a member brings responsibility

I believe that if you join an organization you have a responsibility to participate in its activities and governance. Many people join groups and never attend a meeting or participate in any activities - and then have plenty to say about how everything is always being done wrong.

Last Sunday I attended the annual general meeting of the New Brunswick Equestrian Association. I have been a member for more than 25 years and have, occasionally, been on the Board or held office, so I feel I have the right to make the following observations because I've done my bit.

There are over 1600 members at the moment. The association's bylaws require that a mere 20 members be present at an AGM to ratify the actions of the outgoing Board of Directors, accept reports and financial statements, and elect the members of the incoming Board. Sadly, there were only 17 current members in attendance including the existing executive.

Three guest speakers had been lined up and each gave excellent presentations. David Lynch, Animal Protection Officer with the SPCA, spoke emotionally about his work in helping to save abused and neglected equines. Sarah Connors talked about her once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be the only Atlantic Canadian member of the national team attending the AQHA World Youth Cup event in Oklahoma. Equine Canada's CEO, Akaash Maharaj updated everyone on Equine Canada's activities, the performance of Team Canada at WEG, and how Equine Canada and the NBEA will work together to promote good horsemanship in a variety of ways.

Those who did not attend missed some excellent information and their opportunity to exercise their democratic rights as members of the association. Sadly, their organization now has to spend money to re-schedule the business portion of the meeting and try to generate more attendance. Also, regrettably, it was embarrassing to have guest speakers spend the time, effort and, in the case of Akaash, money in travel costs, to prepare presentations and attend the meeting with so few in attendance.

The existing Executive and Board have worked hard and given countless hours to the organization. Is it so much to expect the members, who benefit from all of the above, to show up and say thanks?