09/12/2024
ATTENTION ARABIAN AMATEUR OWNERS:
Open Letter from a concerned member. I urge all of our members to voice their opinion respectfully and request a revote. We cannot afford to kick this can down the road. Copy and paste or write your own letter but please let your voice be heard!!!
Dear Board Members and CAC Members,
I am writing on behalf of a group of concerned members regarding the recent decision to mandate participation in each regional in order to compete in a Regional Championship Show. While we understand and appreciate the intent behind the decision, we believe it is crucial to reassess its implications, particularly in terms of economic burden and the lack of member consultation.
One of the most significant concerns with this policy is the economic strain it places on participants. Traveling to multiple regions for championship shows involves considerable expenses, including transportation, lodging, and time away from work and other responsibilities. Making them travel twice is difficult. These costs can quickly become prohibitive, especially in today’s economic climate where many individuals and families are already struggling to make ends meet.
For some members, the financial burden may be manageable, but the others, it could mean the difference between continuing their involvement in our organization and having to step away. This decision, if upheld, risks alienating a substantial portion of our membership, potentially leading to reduced participation overall. Instead of fostering greater engagement, the requirement may inadvertently create barriers to entry, particularly for those who are not financially privileged.
Disallowing “participation only” at Regional as a qualification is disheartening as the lack of stress involved knowing you had fulfilled your obligation by showing turned Region 14 into a fun-filled enjoyable show this year. As our last show of the year with two babies who had never been to a show, it was personally great to know a 6th place was not going to be a deal breaker. It also seems contradictory to disallow Regional participation as a qualification and require qualifying in each region but at the same time allow a “back door” solution of concurrent shows and pre-shows that absolutely contradict the intent of the rule change.
Another significant issue is the lack of input from members before this decision was made. Our organization thrives on the active participation and support of its members, and it is essential that their voices are heard, especially when decisions of this magnitude are being considered.
We have received numerous communications from members expressing their concerns and frustrations about the mandate. They feel that their needs and opinions were not adequately considered. As a member-driven organization, it is our duty to ensure that decisions reflect the collective will of those we serve. By not seeking broader input, we risk eroding trust and diminishing the sense of community that is so vital to our success.
Given the significant economic implications and the lack of member consultation, we respectfully urge the board to reconsider the decision to mandate participation in each regional championship show. Instead, we propose exploring alternative solutions that encourage participation without imposing undue financial hardship or disregarding member input.
We believe that by reversing this decision and engaging in a more collaborative decision-making process, we can better serve our membership and ensure the long-term health and vitality of our organization.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Vicki Humphrey
