“Member apathy” was mentioned in a recent comment by a WSRA trustee. This malaise is not uncommon in organisations such as the WSRA. But maybe the WSRA does little to help engage with the wider membership when it comes to decision making at general meetings.
The WSRA management itself might be seen, perhaps unwittingly, somewhat apathetic towards some of its members who do engage, albeit via the proxy vote system.
A very helpful exchange with the same trustee led to a better understanding of how resolutions are usually determined at WSRA general meetings by a “show of hands”.
Those members unable to attend and who have diligently completed their voting preferences by using the proxy form are often ignored if the proxy votes are unlikely to change the result of the “show of hands”.
So whilst the resolution is passed (or not) by majority vote, the actual voting totals are not recorded or published. This might well lead to a member voting by proxy wondering why bother.
However, if a resolution is determined by a “poll” then all proxy votes are counted, along with the “show of hands”. But few resolutions are determined by a poll.
OK, it seems a poll can be forced on the day, or in advance. Or maybe there’s a better way…
Perhaps all resolutions at WSRA general meetings should be determined by a poll rather than just a “show of hands”. Perhaps the WSRA trustees – if serious about combatting “member apathy” – might consider proposing a change to the articles of association. A poll on such a change at the 2019 general meeting might be a step in the right direction.
It might help reduce “member apathy” if remote members felt their voting preferences were actually counted and published.
EDIT: As the idea has been dropped, this topic is now closed to comments (earlier comments have, for some unknown reason, are now hidden)
WSRA+ 