surchinmy
Ultra ALPHA
Sep 23, 2004, 11:01 PM
Post #30 of 39
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Re: [ALL] ... just thoughts ...
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Just some thoughts ...
A basic summary of the points which have been made:
The various postings have made the following points.
(a) That this may not be the appropriate forum (with some suggesting open forums to be dangerous) to discuss the affairs of PAWS. Suggestions have ranged from face-to-face dialogue (formal or over teh tarik) or the convening of an AGM.
(b) That rather than do "battle" with each other (for control or power, or other less altruistic aims) - all combatants to instead devote their effort and concentrate on doing things that benefit abandoned and lost animals. In this regard, mirrors and self-reflection have been proposed.
(A) Is this the appropriate forum?
On the issue of what is the appropriate forum ... Well, this may not be the "best" place to discuss the affairs of a charity, or any other form of association, society or corporation.
Strictly speaking, all such bodies will have their own "internal mechanism" where member dialogue and discussions are "supposed" to take place. And, ideally, all relevant issues & disputes ought properly to be discussed, dealt with & resolved through such "internal mechanism". Thus, guaranteeing a certain amount of privacy.
But when such "internal mechanism" does not work ... whether by design, neglect or just plain procrastination ... then that's when open forums come into play.
But once introduced into an open forum, matters are no longer private, and by virtue of the rules in this forum, we (the members of this forum) are all entitled to participate, discuss & share our views.
Is this good or bad? …
Well, sometimes open forums are abused ... but sometimes, an open forum can also be the last avenue of those who despair ...
That is the beauty & ugly side of an open forum. The participants make the forum and the participants determine its collective morality, integrity ... and usefulness ...
But where "internal mechanisms" do not or have not worked (for whatever reason) – this may be just as good a place as any to air views & thoughts.
(B) Concentrate on only what will benefit furry friends?
As a concept, the idea or appeal that people (who profess to love dogs, cats etc) should concentrate on only doing that which benefits abandoned and lost animals, and not otherwise agrue or fight - is admirable … but unfortunately that may not accurately reflect the “reality” of the situation.
The posts have raise the following main issues:
(i) There has been no AGMs or filing of audited accounts for many years.
(ii) PAWS premises are under imminent (and probable) threat of removal, and thus being rendered non-existent.
(iii) Management and operational concerns have also been raised. Ranging from the incorrect treatment of dogs to the selling or trading of dogs, in a manner inconsistent with its charter. Including delays in approving applicants for membership.
If correct or true, these appear to be major issues that need to be addressed and resolved for one basic reason. If these problems exist and remain unresolved then, the element of accountability in accordance with its charter is put at risk. When accountability is put at risk, the following questions arise:
(a) Why should the public (members & non-members of PAWS) make effort to assist PAWS, if it's officers are not accountable or do not so account?
(b) What assurance does the public have that effort and donations (in cash or kind) are being applied and utilised most beneficially for the abandoned and lost in PAWS, or that PAWS will even continue to exist tomorrow?
(c) Do such irregularities benefit or are detrimental to the animals in PAWS?
QUESTION: Therefore until such issues are resolved in a manner befitting a charity … can the noble aspiration that all effort concentrate solely on doing acts that benefit abandoned and lost animals be achieved?
Whether these issues are raised by existing members of PAWS or by a shadow cabinet in space ... is that relevant?
Or does it only matter whether the issues are correct or incorrect, or whether remedial steps need to be taken?
Now that these issues have been introduced into this open forum ... let views and thoughts be aired & heard ... But perhaps remembering that we should all try to do this with some decorum, fairness & reasonableness (indeed, with some self reflection too), remembering that we determine the usefulness of this discussion.
Cheers all
(This post was edited by surchinmy on Sep 23, 2004, 11:38 PM)
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