Hello again.
Couple of very important things.
First, if you're having trouble figuring out what happened at the last USA Fencing Board Meeting, you're not alone. The relevant materials (there are, literally, hundreds of pages) are buried in not-so-easy-to-identify links on the organization's website. Sure, you can read the "Board Meeting Recap" (super easy to find online), but aren't you a little curious about the actual details? Keep reading . . .
Second, here's a link to the 318-page Meeting Book from the June Board meeting: June Board Meeting Book
On page 81 of the pdf document (also labeled as "page 28" of the organization's "Financial Policies and Procedures" packet), you will see USA Fencing's PERSONAL DATA POLICY.
The policy says that USA Fencing and "any third parties contracted by USA Fencing, may collect, store, process, use and disclose to third parties any personal information including, but not limited to my name, date of birth, contact details and image . . . to the extent that such personal data are necessary or helpful to the management of my affiliation as licensee to USA Fencing. . ."
So, USA Fencing can collect your data (and your kids' data) and "share it with third parties" . . . . who can then "share it with third parties" ? ? ?
This sounds a little like a Lewis Carroll novel to me. But you don't have to take my word for it. Please, read the Data Policy in full yourself.
I understand, the organization needs to take and share photos of some of our fencers and use their name, address, birthdates, etc. to prove that they are who they say they are for international competition. But, do we really need to be collecting en masse - and sharing to the Nth degree - the personal data of Y10, Y12 and Y14 fencers? We have to submit passports, drivers' licenses or birth certificates to prove our age. Who gets the data? Our sponsors? People who contract with our sponsors? People who contract with the contractors who contract with our sponsors? Naked Wine? Come on, folks.
Side Note: You have the option to opt-out of this policy (according to the policy), but *shocker* I can't seem to find a good link for that anywhere. Just submit your objection in writing here, I guess: information@usafencing.org.
Third, now that I've shared the issue that is MOST IMPORTANT TO ME, I would like to encourage you all to take a few minutes and, if you can't read hundreds of pages of Board Meeting materials, just open the pdf at the link above and hold your finger on your cell phone screen to search for the KEY WORDS that matter to YOU. (Or, click "Command + F" on your MAC or "Control + F" on your PC). Once you've found what you're looking for, read a few pages before and afterwards to make sure you have the context.
Fourth, check out the PETITION TO PRESERVE MEMBERSHIP VOICE IN USA FENCING BOARD
This is a new petition related to some important proposed Bylaw changes related to Board governance. I didn't start it, but I did sign it, and I encourage you to sign it as well. (You do not have to donate money to Change.org in order to sign a petition!)
Finally, USA Fencing has specifically asked for feedback about the most recent proposed Bylaw changes. There's an online form where you can do that directly. Here's the link: Leave a Comment About USA Fencing Bylaws
And here is a link to the actual June 7th Board Meeting Minutes, which record the motions and votes of each of the Board Members.
Below are some suggested formats for your feedback:
Dear USA Fencing Leadership,
I disagree with any Bylaw changes that would further reduce or limit my ability to determine who serves on the USA Fencing Board.
I disagree with any Bylaw changes that would further reduce or limit my ability to nominate candidates for Board service by petition or other means.
I disagree with any Bylaw changes that would reduce or limit my ability to participate in or voice my opinion related to the process of selecting and/or removing a Board Chairperson or CEO.
I disagree with any Bylaw changes that would further reduce and/or limit my ability to access quality, organized information related to Board Members' professional contact information, Board meetings, Board decisions, USA Fencing Financial Data and Board Member Votes.
I disagree with any Bylaw changes that would result in the sharing of my and/or my minor child's personal data with any third party without my express consent (which must include identification of the full names of any third parties with whom USA Fencing has or intends to share such data).
Sincerely,
A Concerned Member (or Concerned Parent/Caregiver of a Minor Member)
*******************
If you don't like any of these points, feel free to get creative and write your own.
This is not a one-size-fits all scenario.
The goal here is twofold:
- Know what's happening and
- Make it a little bit easier for us all to participate.
Maybe you don't care about personal data, but rising costs/budget expenditures are your thing. Or, maybe you'd rather the Board take a second look at the new venue rotations or "fencing caps" for certain national events. Or, maybe you want to just write them to say "thank you" for passing a motion that you supported last month or tell them you think they're doing a great job.
Whatever your fancy, just, please: CLICK, READ, RESPOND. The time is NOW.
All my best and see you soon!
Christina
P.S. Please text a link to this update to all of your fencing friends.