It’s So 1950s
Posted on April 20th, 2009 by Cynthia D'Amour
I am sad.
The nominating committee of an association I belong to just requested a vote of approval for an all male slate of future board directors.
- Five men; no women.
- In spite of having over 4,000 members.
- 47% of them women.
What an insult to the women members.
- I don’t care that it’s just one-third of the board.
- Do you think they would have approved an all female slate?
- I certainly don’t.
If I hadn’t paid my dues, I would not renew this year.
- Nominating may have some secret reason for the composition.
- Maybe they tried to recruit some balance?
- Did they just discover they didn’t have any women in the leadership pipeline?
Give me a break.
- And it doesn’t matter.
- Perception is everything.
(Maybe it’s time for a women’s version of this association?)
Makes me think of chapter leaders…what do your actions tell your members?
Filed under: Board challenges, Keeping members
Did a man chair the Nominating Committee?
I worked for an association where a man was the chair. He defended his presentation of an all-male slate of vacancy-fillers by reminding the Board he had been directed to recruit financially-connected people, and those were most likely to be men.
The Board didn’t buy it.
I’m not sure David. Your story makes me cringe though!
It is women in the organization who have to made sure there are young women leaders in the leadership pipeline. I belong to a male-dominated association where less than 20% of the members are women. Yet, we usually have 2 or more women on the board each year.
Do not quit; instead, begin filling the leadership pipeline with women. Just a few ideas… A formal or informal mentoring program should be in place for your women members. Also, at least 1 event should be more female-oriented, like a Luncheon Tea, for female networking. Encourage women to head committees. If you are in a large organization, then suggest having a committee or subcommittee focusing on women issues.
Hi Suzanne!
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your strategies for success. You have some great ideas.
I did not quit and plan to continue volunteering for the association. You are right. If I do nothing, I have nothing to say.
Thanks for the pep talk!
Cynthia