Message: 5 Date: Wed, 9 Aug 2023 16:00:17 -0700 From: Jan Jeddeloh <seedyjan1@gmail.com> To: Pacific Bulb Society <pbs@lists.pacificbulbsociety.net> Subject: Re: [pbs] Treasurer's role Message-ID: <5C1AF675-ED94-4458-AB9C-9C840BCB1C1B@gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8 > Mike, I think you misunderstand the use of a nominating committee in small horticultural organizations like PBS. ...... ..... >The plant world is really very small. I got the job of seed exchange organizer because I?ve known Robin and Jane for years AND, based on that knowledge, they knew I had the skills and experience of come up with a workable system. They also knew I wouldn?t flake on doing the job and leave the group high and dry. >Peace? >Jan To all I wasn't going to get into this conversation because I moved on and started healing after the "experience" I had with volunteering for this organization with the current leadership. But the last message today says "I wouldn?t flake on doing the job and leave the group high and dry. " - and I felt that it was pointing at me, as if I had done that. It also showed that you have to be friends with some of the leaders to be able to volunteer, otherwise you need not apply. It may have appeared that I left the group high and dry, but I was put face to face with 2 bad choices I could make, and I took the most dignified for me. I wanted to do the SX/BX, I volunteered, I was not friends with anyone in the organization, but I knew many-many of the 300+ members from other similar organizations; and I did the best I could in this position. It is a time consuming job. It was a job for 2 people. I had a workable system, was also improving it, but no one asked me about it. Going back to zero was the decision. I was told I was not bringing in enough money - contrary to the belief that the seed exchange is not a revenue stream for the organization's activities. There were donations plenty, if only there were 2 people doing the job. I found a 2nd person to help out, but the "leaders" already decided I was not acceptable as the volunteer manager. Maybe me as a person did not fit the "leaders" expectations. However - I was a volunteer, and was trying to do my best. I was getting advice from the 2nd previous exchange manager, and I thought I would do everything he told me. I was getting advice from other members of the organization, but there is no way to impact decisions made by the "board" as a regular member. The by-laws govern the structure of the organization, and the power people have in those positions seems to make them "less kind" or "less human" - they forget that in my case I was giving the best of me - my time. Lots of it. I accepted the shame of being a quitter against the shame of being dismissed, as I was told to make my choice. Digital proof still exists, if anyone doubts it. This experience was so impactful for me - I will not volunteer anywhere else again. I will just do what I think is the right thing to do. And yes, in my opinion, the seed exchange is the most important reason people sign up - the world of species and rare plants is getting smaller and smaller , and the seed exchanges is the only way to obtain a few rare plants. Keep that in mind. Not only PBS, but many other plant organizations. The skeletons in this closet will remain there, but I felt I needed to clear the "leave the group high and dry" - I did not do that, I was coerced into leaving. And yes, it was for ego and personal related reasons on the part of the decision makers. And if the statement did not refer to me, but to someone else, at least I had the opportunity to express my point of view. This is what my position is, and I will stand by it with documentation in case it is needed. I have a feeling there will be some comotion regarding this, it's ok at this point because I decided to not volunteer anywhere else, I need no references from the board, and everyone that knows me from here or anywhere else will be able to find me through many other avenues of plant organizations. If any of my behavior was unacceptable - I was not told. If there were complaints, there was no opportunity to work them out. And if there were misunderstandings, there was no discussion to clear them out. Luminita Vollmer, Ex PBS exchange manager _______________________________________________ pbs mailing list pbs@lists.pacificbulbsociety.net http://lists.pacificbulbsociety.net/cgi-bin/… Unsubscribe: <mailto:pbs-unsubscribe@lists.pacificbulbsociety.net> PBS Forum https://…