Tony, I really endorse having a private discussion group for ACU members. I
tired to get some discussion going on this list last year on where the ACU was
going and got my knuckles rapped by one of the ACU executives. This list was for
“business purposes” only. Secondly, in 2002 there was a major dispute around how
one of the Canadian 100 km team members was treated. This spilled over to Dave
Combes’s Ultra-running list. Well, when Joy and I were in Woodstock for the
Vermont 100 miler, Canadian Ultra marathoners were certainly this focus of
discussion. It was not pleasant! A closed list would certainly help people to
express themselves without the Ultra running community laughing at us!

I have heard comments about ACU members being “apathetic”. I really disagree
with this view. Again, communication is the key issue. Most members do not know
what the key issues are confronting ACU, who to contact and most importantly,
how they can help. These people care enough to send in their membership fees.
This is an expression that they care about Ultramarathons in Canada.

I suggest that if the ACU were to contact its’ members on regular basis, get
their input into the ACU vision for the future, you would see a lot more
participation and constructive activity.

If there is anything I can do to help, please feel free to contact me any time.



Byron Chikinda
byronchik@...
Edmonton Alberta
Canada
780-288-2728

----- Original Message -----
From: tony martin <conquerthecanuck@...>
Date: Tuesday, July 12, 2005 7:39 pm
Subject: Re: [acu100k] Keeping Everyone posted

> Byron,
>
> First let me say that its nice to read some of your e-mails on the
> listserve and glad to see that we have a great Canadian spokes
> person for some of the issues that you reply too. You make us
> proud on the American list. Put don't tell Dave Combes that I
> refered to it as an American list, or he will sock me one, hehe.
>
> When it comes to the ACU, I believe that most of us are in the
> same boat, in the fact that we are not always informed of
> anything, and I believe that its simply because we have only had a
> very small committee in the ACU over the years and the interest of
> reaching out to all members has not been a priority, and something
> that I believe we must do, if the ACU is to survive and move
> forward in a positive direction.
>
> I don't know how you feel, but I believe that we need a private
> (closed list) where all members can voice their opinion and idea's
> in a nice way, that will move the Association to greater levels
> and achievements.
>
> To be honest, I feel very uncomfortable about putting these issues
> out to the general public, and believe that members in this
> Association will eventually, put great idea's on the table,
> knowing that members are on the other end, and not the general public.
>
> We are currently in the process of putting a large list of idea's
> together that we hope to e-mail to all members over the next day
> or so.
>
> As Les has mentioned, a great deal of progress has been made over
> the last few years and we need to focus on positive gains that we
> have made. Thanks to Optimist Gord who has done a great job in
> developing the ACU site and his time commitment in maintaining it.
>
> Yes, I am shaking my head in a yes direction, in hopes that we can
> all work together to build a strong ACU and National 100km Team,
> that will make our Country proud at the Worlds, and hopefully
> provide some funding to those athletes who struggle in aquiring
> the funding associated with travel and lost time from their employer.
>
> With the support of Michel, Armand, Ryne, Les, Bill, Gord, Peter,
> Vic, and anyone who can assist, this is what will determine our
> success as an Association.
>
> Our past Priminister once said: I have the plan and I have the people.
>
> In the ACU we have the people, we just need the plan.
>
> All good things will come in time, and chapter one, could be
> titled "Good Communication". And chapter seven might be titled
> "How can I help the ACU".
>
> Kind Regards,
> Tony Martin
> ACU Vice
> 519-742-3513
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Byron Chikinda
> To: acu100k@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Tuesday, July 12, 2005 5:36 PM
> Subject: RE: [acu100k] Keeping Everyone posted
>
>
> I have been an ACU member for years. It seems every couple of
> years a dispute flare up. Poor communication is generally the
> cause.
>
>
>
> I get a ballet in the mail. I go to the ACU website and can not
> find anything about the candidates. I mail it my vote anyway and
> never hear back on the results. Then these email start up and I
> feel like I am reading a book starting at chapter seven.
>
>
>
> Just shake your head!!
>
>
>
> Byron Chikinda
>
> byronchik@... (home)
>
> 780-288-2728 (home)
>
> 780-903-1588 (cell)
>
> Edmonton Alberta Canada
>
>
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