Kappa Beta Serving the transgendered community since 1988

At the end of my current term, I will have been the editor for over 2½ years. I hope the Pink Slip has noticeably improved. Additionally, I will have been the webmistress for 2 years.

I do not intend to run for the Board again. Therefore, it would be awfully good if someone, or ones, would step forward and start learning how to take over these duties.

My topic for this month is stewardship at Kappa Beta. This topic is of great importance for every current member of KB, but also for the new members that will join our group in the next year or two.

My definition of stewardship is human resources contribution. This contribution is different than our contribution of annual dues, or of the monthly meeting fees that help to pay for the hotel room. A human resources contribution is our contribution of our time, our brainpower, and ourselves. It's also the contribution of our problem solving skills, and our logistical and planning skills. In short, it's a bit like the skills needed to run a household, or perhaps even a small company!

One of our members recently wrote, "The vast majority of the members do not really care about such things as Bylaws, ownership of the websites, etc. We just want to come out, enjoy ourselves with our friends and enjoy the support of the group." While such things may not be of concern to the group as a whole, they must be a consideration of the Board.

So what does the Board do (and not do)?

The Board’s jobs are 1) to conduct the business of the group; 2) listen to what the members are saying (or not saying); 3) provide a safe environment to share; and 4) enforce the group’s rules, when necessary.

I’d like to take advantage of my position to make some comments on the recent elections.

With three candidates for two At Large positions, there was a bit of campaigning. Some people seemed to take offense at this.

Whenever there are more candidates than seats, there is what is commonly called "politics." This is a fact of life; it cannot be avoided.

As most of you know, Kappa Beta has elections for the Board of Directors in August. In order to have candidates, nominations must be made in July. All nominations must be seconded. Then the prospective candidate must accept the nomination.

It’s very simple to nominate someone: just post a message on the Member’s Yahoo group. If someone has already been nominated, you may second her.