Is This Ethical?

XSK_Diamond · #1 10-07-2008, 12:02 PM

Hi all,

I have a question about National officers. I just want to double-check before anything is done...

I am the founder of a new sorority for nontraditional women students, and graduates. We need one more national officer, a Treasurer (one of four positions our Constitution requires never to go unfilled, but there are other board positions to be filled as candidates become available). Because the sorority's bank account will be set up to require two signatures on any checks written, I want the Treasurer to live in the same area. We are based and headquartered in the Upstate region of South Carolina.

My dilemma and question is this. Most of the women I know locally (I have friends and acquaintances in several states) who are nontraditional are related to me. One relative actually is in bank/financial management, and I think she would make a great Treasurer. However, I am reluctant to ask her to take the position because I already have a relative on the national board. I'm uncomfortable about having too many relatives being national officers, because I do not want to even give the impression that the National Grand Chapter (the board's official name) will be in a position to abuse its authority.

Am I right to be concerned about how having several (well, two) family members on the national E-board (of only 4 required positions right now) will look to potential new members or am I overreacting? I really want to move forward and start putting our name out there, but I have to do things the right way from the beginning.

Thanks so much, in advance, for any advice and insight any of you can provide. It's appreciated.

AOII Angel · #2 10-07-2008, 12:11 PM

I don't think it per se is unethical, but you would have to be sure to make everything VERY transparent so that members would have no reason to question the boards activities. Also, be prepared to replace these officers as soon as you can find a reasonable replacement.

Kevin · #3 10-07-2008, 01:45 PM

It depends on how democratic you are.

Many national organizations choose a national board of directors and President (or some equivalent thereof) at an annual or semiannual convention. There's an element of democracy there, so we can put a little more faith in our national organization.

That elected body, in turn oversees the employment of the folks responsible for the day to day operations of the fraternity (the executive director, CFO, etc.)

My advice would be to set up some sort of democratic process whereby you have a group popularly elected and accountable to the national organization. That smaller elected body, in turn, would make decisions on who to hire to take care of day to day operations.

XSK_Diamond · #4 10-07-2008, 05:11 PM

Thanks AOII Angel. Transparency won't be an issue. We'll also have elections when we get enough members. That's probably going to be a while off, but it's always been the plan, anyway. Thanks, again.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AOII Angel

I don't think it per se is unethical, but you would have to be sure to make everything VERY transparent so that members would have no reason to question the boards activities. Also, be prepared to replace these officers as soon as you can find a reasonable replacement.

XSK_Diamond · #5 10-07-2008, 05:22 PM

Thanks, Kevin. Since we're a brand new organization, the initial national board is pretty much made up of ladies I've recruited to be founding members of Chi Sigma Kappa, and asked to serve as an officer. Our Constitution does call for elections at our convention (although for the first couple of years, it'll probably be more like a meeting, LOL). However, we have to first grow big enough to even have the kind of election you're talking about. That's a while off.

However, for when we DO grow large enough, what you suggested is really good and I will definitely keep it in mind. Thanks for your input!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin

It depends on how democratic you are.

Many national organizations choose a national board of directors and President (or some equivalent thereof) at an annual or semiannual convention. There's an element of democracy there, so we can put a little more faith in our national organization.

That elected body, in turn oversees the employment of the folks responsible for the day to day operations of the fraternity (the executive director, CFO, etc.)

My advice would be to set up some sort of democratic process whereby you have a group popularly elected and accountable to the national organization. That smaller elected body, in turn, would make decisions on who to hire to take care of day to day operations.

Kevin · #6 10-07-2008, 05:40 PM

Here's how to get your current membership on-board if you're convinced that nepotism might be an issue -- have a vote.

If they get to vote, even if their choices are limited to approving or not approving your decision, you've let them have a say.

Or you can just rule by edict

XSK_Diamond · #7 10-07-2008, 05:49 PM

LOL @ ruling by edict. Well, pretty much our current membership is made up of my friends and relatives (have to start somewhere), since we're brand spanking new (Sept 24th). As soon as we get the Treasurer position filled, we can start recruiting. Until we start gaining some members, I can't see any new member being leery. Like I said, we had to start somewhere, and use who was available and willing to serve on the board. I can't imagine how anyone would have an issue with that as long as we're not trying to set up a family dynasty. But, that's just me... I have been surprised before, LOL.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin

Here's how to get your current membership on-board if you're convinced that nepotism might be an issue -- have a vote.

If they get to vote, even if their choices are limited to approving or not approving your decision, you've let them have a say.

Or you can just rule by edict

CrackerBarrel · #8 10-07-2008, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XSK_Diamond

LOL @ ruling by edict. Well, pretty much our current membership is made up of my friends and relatives (have to start somewhere), since we're brand spanking new (Sept 24th). As soon as we get the Treasurer position filled, we can start recruiting. Until we start gaining some members, I can't see any new member being leery. Like I said, we had to start somewhere, and use who was available and willing to serve on the board. I can't imagine how anyone would have an issue with that as long as we're not trying to set up a family dynasty. But, that's just me... I have been surprised before, LOL.

I would agree to at least have the members you have now - whether they're just your close friends or what - vote to approve your selection or have a vote and open it up for them to nominate other people if they want (they probably won't and even if they do it will still be someone in your area). Just saying "we're small" isn't a good excuse for not still voting even if it is essentially saying "Yup, that's fine."

XSK_Diamond · #9 10-07-2008, 06:02 PM

Noted. Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrackerBarrel

I would agree to at least have the members you have now - whether they're just your close friends or what - vote to approve your selection or have a vote and open it up for them to nominate other people if they want (they probably won't and even if they do it will still be someone in your area). Just saying "we're small" isn't a good excuse for not still voting even if it is essentially saying "Yup, that's fine."

Kevin · #10 10-07-2008, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrackerBarrel

I would agree to at least have the members you have now - whether they're just your close friends or what - vote to approve your selection or have a vote and open it up for them to nominate other people if they want (they probably won't and even if they do it will still be someone in your area). Just saying "we're small" isn't a good excuse for not still voting even if it is essentially saying "Yup, that's fine."

Yep.

Back in the day when my chapter was a 12-man colony, we still voted and everything. Basically all of the officers were voted in by acclimation, but we still had democratic process. That's a good thing.

@ OP: Also, if you haven't already, pick up a copy of Robert's Rules of Order. Read the book, understand the rules, run your meetings with them. You need structure and process as part of your meetings and you can do a lot worse than Robert's Rules.

XSK_Diamond · #11 10-07-2008, 09:55 PM

I tried to get an inexpensive copy of the latest Robert's Rules of Order off eBay. I lost. Outbid at the last moment. I'm going to keep trying. Full price for the book is pricey, but if I have to buy a brand new copy, I will. I just like saving money where possible, LOL.

I had a conference call with the other two members of the board and we came up with some ideas, etc. So, all is well. Thanks for your advice.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin

Yep.

Back in the day when my chapter was a 12-man colony, we still voted and everything. Basically all of the officers were voted in by acclimation, but we still had democratic process. That's a good thing.

@ OP: Also, if you haven't already, pick up a copy of Robert's Rules of Order. Read the book, understand the rules, run your meetings with them. You need structure and process as part of your meetings and you can do a lot worse than Robert's Rules.