Candidate Profiles for Incoming Board - AGM election of Board
There are four (4) positions for Board of Directors.
Re-standing board members: Kate Shapiro, Robin McPherson
Board members retiring: Mark Rasmussen, Grant Waldram
Retained board members: Kathy Ernst, Coral Larke, Troy Reid
Nominations for 2020 election: Elisa Brock, David Cruise, Susan Helson, Gary Lasky, Robin MacPherson, Kate Sarah Shapiro
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Elisa Brock
It’s been a hard year on all of us, without a ConFest. However, I see a unique opportunity here to turn our attention to DTE’s structures and processes. It’s exciting to see some of this happening already – websites improved, receipts submitted, and policies written.
There’s room for so much more though. Our greatest wealth has never been from ticket sales, but in the hours our members and other ConFesters volunteer. I believe we can harness this energy so much better. It’s vital we protect each other from hostility and ensure everyone’s contributions are honoured. It’s time for a new culture of communication and cooperation.
Since my first ConFest in 1997, volunteering has been a central part of the experience for me. I started in the Hub Kitchen, and have since served on the Finance Committee, Governance and Statutory Compliance Committee, ConFest Committee, Organising Committee, and as Site Operations co-facilitator.
Besides DTE, I’ve served as Secretary of a housing cooperative managing 17 properties. I instituted reforms that revitalised our membership and returned the coop to a firm financial footing.
I hope to bring my experience, passion for ConFest, and knowledge of DTE operations to the role of DTE Board member.
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David Cruise
If I am elected to the Board of DTE I intend to insist that the Board honours the Rules, in particular Section 47 and for them to respect and not impede the work of committees.
The current relationship between the Organising Committee and the Board is toxic.
DTE Rules, Section 47 (14) requires that the Board foster the development of committees and assist and work with them in the performance of their responsibilities.
In particular, Section 47(16)d(i) lays down that the Organising Committee's
function is to
(a) run general meetings of the co-operative, and
(b) be the executive arm of the Co-operative relating to all matters not covered by the other standing Committees of the Board.
DTE was incorporated as a non trading co-operative with shares on 7 July 1977 under the Co- Operatives Act 1981. This Act placed the power of the Co-operative in hands of a board of directors. When the 1996 Co-ops ACT was made law, the concept of primary activity and active membership was introduced.
Many members felt that even the 1996 Act was undemocratic and members should have more direct control. Hence, DTE Rules were created along with the concept of "committees of the board" open to Active members by participation. I was involved with the writing of these more democratic current DTE Rules.
If I am elected again it is my intention to encourage the Board to honor the rules.
Facilitate committees to become working bodies. Not impeding committees in their work, and to have access to all records of the finances. To have control of the money allocated to them by a General Meeting. Committee members can be fully informed.
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Susan Helson
A little bit of background for those whom I have yet to meet. I first attended Confest some 9 years ago, I fell in love with the atmosphere, understanding, friendships and non judgmental attitude of everyone. My husband Mark and I have always enjoyed lending a hand during working bees, setting up, packing down and working on front gate as well as the Hub, (now the Hive). I also volunteer with an awesome team, Fincom, as well as attending Fincom, CC and OC meetings on a regular basis.
ConFest has the amazing ability to unite different generations, all learning from one another’s skills, abilities and experiences. As a mother and grandmother I have experience in listening, caring and communicating.
Prior to retirement I was a Manager which involved team work and strategy development.
What motivated me to stand in this Director’s election was having an opportunity to work alongside a team with the passion to instigate change for fairness and transparency for all members of “OUR” Cooperative. I will listen to our members and ask that you trust me to have the best interests of Confest and DTE at all times.
Love Suzie❤
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Gary Lasky
Having been attending Confest for over 30 years, either as a volunteer at the gate welcoming new arrivals or helping at Fire as crew, or cleaning up before festivals, cooking down at arts, placing signs around the site, fixing/ decorating the front gate, hosing the road to stop the dust or various shifts on comms.
I have always looked forward to both Easter and New Year festivals.
I have been attending Zoom meetings this year to listen to the direction, planning, preparation and harmony I would expect as a member.
As a previous Director of a Corporate entity, also a Director of family businesses and Chairperson for over 10 years of my Body Corporate, I find that the organisation DTE has lost focus and direction.
The focus on Confest seems to have diminished, instead the various emotional and personal issues seem to be a priority for the Board/members and procedures that are designed to make this organisation hospitable are minimal.
As a Director I hope to return to the core values and focus on what this organisation is about. CONFEST.
It means leading and planning for the Future direction and allow the operational side to perform its duties.
That is why organisations have Boards to plan and Executives to deal with the daily operations.
If you permit me to join the Board I will try to ensure the focus and direction of DTE is reinstated and we return to our core values.
Thank You
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Robin MacPherson
I think it's too difficult to say everything about what I stand for in a short paragraph for the nomination sheet. I believe you should know more about me and if elected, what I think a better DTE could look like.
So I have created a website for you - http://abetterdte.com where you can read my thoughts as a current and possible future director of DTE.
Where do these thoughts come from? Well, mainly from members like you, from the majority of members who I believe want less politics and who just want to see a well run co-operative.
Some of my Recent Achievements
● Fincom - Memcom - Bylands Ecology Project - Confest Online - New Down To Earth Website
Plans for Next Term
● Reinvigorate Memcom - Bylands Ecology - Implement a Culture Committee - Implement a Secretariat - Initiate Down To Earth Online - Revenue Diversification
You can read more about the above at http://abetterdte.com
I would focus on the board redefining what it is involved in and what it is not. We should aim to be more enabling of our committees and continue to bring transparency, good behaviour and good governance to DTE.
Let’s continue the work - http://abetterdte.com
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Kate Sarah Shapiro
When deciding whether to run again, I asked myself whether I bring skills, attributes and experience to the board that are 1) valuable to the board and 2) that would be missed. I’ve realised that I do.
The board is a tough environment. It needs people who are emotionally stable, reflective and who work well with other people. I am and I do. I am trustworthy with our significant assets and am incredibly dedicated to the co-operative.
I bring warmth and cohesion with business skills and accountability. I
am a bridge and when I’m missing, there is a difference. When I am on the board, DTE is a kinder place. I am re-standing because I believe I am needed on the board.
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