The Gap Btwn the MAC BOD and Mbrship

[do_re_milla]

Posted: 6/29/05 at 6:25pm

If the MAC BOD gives in to elitism, it will further distance itself fr its mbrshp. Others have pointed out that the MAC BOD was elected, or around 1/2 was. However, as Audrey Lavine (former MAC BOD & BOD Sec.) wisely reminds us, those who voted had no idea of where their elected MAC BOD stood on an issue like revolutionizing the MAC awards &/or how it would be done. Only a small blurb was circulated describing ea. candidate's cabaret background. So how could the approximately 1/2 of the MAC BOD elected last Fall represent the MAC mbrshp? As some mbers have compared the workings of the MAC BOD to government, I’d like to point out that before we vote for our elected officials (be it City Council or all the way up to Pres. of the U.S.) those running for office make sure that their potential constituents know where they stand on issues, what their platform is.

When the last batch of mbrs ran for the MAC BOD, mbrshp didn’t know where they stood on an issue like getting rid of the 1st ballot of the MAC Awards & handpicking the finalists. Something that major would have certainly been a make or break issue for a lot of voters. Obviously, no such plan existed at that time, therefore, the mbrshp should now have been consulted. At this point the MAC BOD is prepared to let a very small percentage of its mbrs hijack the 1st ballot fr the entire mbrshp w/o giving anyone o/s this tiny circle a voice or a vote.

When the next MAC BOD election takes place, I hope ea. candidate will talk about how they stand on issues of democracy w/i MAC in an open mtg that will be reported to the rest of the mbrshp that might not have been able to attend. Those who have a more elitist view – that the MAC BOD should have the right to make enormous decisions w/o the mbrshp’s approval – should also identify themselves.

Since the MAC Advisory Cte. is not voted upon, it might be wise for the mbrshp to request that this body be constituted in the most even-handed & balanced way possible. Some thought should be given to an equal balance of opinion on the Advisory Cte. when it comes to an elitist point of view vs. populist point of view.

Milla
Updated On: 6/29/05 at 06:25 PM

[Caroline-Q-or-TBoo]

Posted: 6/29/05 at 6:33pm

say wha?

[do_re_milla]

Posted: 6/29/05 at 7:08pm

Thanks for asking.

MAC is the trade assoc. that represents the cabaret community. They produce the MAC Awards and the MAC/ASCAP Songwriters' Showcase. There is a dispute because the Board of Directors made a unilateral decision to change the voting process for the MAC Awards w/o having open discussions w/the members to see how the members felt about the proposed changes.

While cabaret needs to improve its image, etc., I don't believe the way the MAC BOD is doing it will help solve the problem.

Milla