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Hey Doug. Here are some comments from a small fry member of SEMPO and my experience with them.

First of all they have done absolutely nothing for me and my fees. Zero. I joined when they were still just a Yahoo group. I offered to represent them here in Western Canada, I offered to help in develop their teaching programs and to brand the classes I teach as �SEMPO Certified�, I offered to create a chapter here. I have been an executive on many non-profit organizations and I am aware that it is a lot of work I was offering them for free. I wrote them emails that were three or four screens long at time in response to issues raised and questions asked of the members. In response I got nada, zip, nothing except notes that basically said, �Get lost, we will call you when we need you to vote for us or something�.  

Barbara Coll keeps an iron grip on ALL communications and she has done so from day one. The only communications you will ever see are carefully selected and vetted by her. As far as I can see this whole operation is to benefit her and a few cronies and offers absolutely nothing to the industry, professional community, or other members at all. It appears all the dues just go to pay their way to conferences where they then proceed to make themselves more famous.

I joined SEMPO when I found nothing really comparable in terms of an organization that offered training and certification and was very keen at the time to chip in and help make it happen. Obviously I was also very na�ve. They won�t be seeing my money again next year but by then Ms. Coll will have achieve her goals and little gnats like me won�t matter any more.

quote:rbateman wrote: As far as I can see this whole operation is to benefit her and a few cronies and offers absolutely nothing to the industry, professional community, or other members at all.  

After years of volunteering in a large professional organisation, I can understand your frustrations. Volunteer organisations often move at a snail\'s pace and unless you\'re privy to board discussions it\'s somewhat difficult to have a good understanding of all the board\'s actions. Lack of feedback, I\'m sure only ads to your frustration.

However, what I cannot understand, is your need to defame others in a public forum. Calling someone a crony or another derogatory name because of a negative experience is wrong, regardless of your beef.

If you have an issue, then please state it in a professional manner that doesn\'t defame others in the process.

quote:Doug wrote: But anyway, maybe give it some time. Time so they can work out any kinks in the armor.

Excellent and sound advice Doug.