Proposal for proposals at BCA meetings

[DanWyatt]

Although this is too late to be discussed and proposed for this year, perhaps one option in the future is consider an online discussion/voting system, similar to one's used by lots of universities.

You could allow any member to post an idea, and then anyone else can make comments/vote for or against the idea. Each idea is given points based on number of voters and how the votes are spread (and how strong those opinions are) and then if they get enough points they are taken to the national council/appropriate working group for discussion (general ideas) or a more in depth proposal can be written based on the feedback for the AGM. 

This would give a better idea of levels of support for each proposal before meetings, helping prioritise agendas and discussions, and it would allow a much more in depth discussion on a idea/proposal on a bca managed forum before the meetings (including pros and cons)

Ideas can be shared nationally making it easier to find support than getting 10 signatures (which effectively just becomes a petition), increasing member involvement across regions. You could still allow proposals with a minimum number of signatures for those who don't have internet access as an alternative, although this number could be higher to encourage use of the online system to promote discussion. 

A similar system is used by my local university students union (although there are constitutional differences so its not used exactly the same) and an example of a approved idea is at https://www.thestudentsunion.co.uk/representation/student-ideas/125/

 

[nearlywhite]

We were discussing something similar at the weekend, so it is very much on the agenda*.

edit: for next year

 

[Badlad]

I have to admit that I have put in 10 proposals/motions to the next BCA AGM.  I don't consider any silly or ill thought out.  Let me explain...

Nos. 1-8 were drafted by Matt Ewles when he was BCA secretary as part of his modernisation agenda.  He was elected on a modernisation agenda and therefore I think the membership would expect to see these sort of proposals.  Unfortunately well reported issues led to Matt resigning and he never submitted his proposals.  With his permission I have submitted them exactly as he drafted them but in my name.

No.9 is a limiting motion on a proposal to enact a social media policy.  This seemed to be directed at limiting council members from speaking out on social media.  I hope it will be aimed at making the BCA more transparent and to communicate better with cavers.  It must take into account that many members of council represent other organisations and how they report back on issues to their members is really up to them.

No.10 seeks to change a line in the constitution which some feel very strongly about.  Unfortunately it can also be used to prevent the BCA functioning as a national body in researching national issues, responding to complaints and ensuring that its funds are spent properly.  However, this motion only instructs council to come up with a new form of words which they will agree on and that can then be put to the 2021 AGM.

I don't have ten signatories but I'd be willing to bet cavers will support these motions - more than ten anyway.

 

[Russell Myers]

So why not have a "General Administrative Assistant", who needn't be full time, to take some of the workload off the Secretary.  This might have the effect of encouraging more people to consider taking on the post of BCA Secretary if they are sure they won't be expected to be superhuman.

Sorry, too busy being superman to comment! Damn, these underpants don't go with those tights!