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Board members have responsibilities

It is hard to comprehend why people accept a position on a board and then do nothing to assist that society.

Dear Editor:

It is hard to comprehend why people accept a position on a board and then do nothing to assist that society.

In a perfect world it should be mandatory that anyone who chooses to become a board member should be required to take a course in board development. The realities would probably scare many away.

In Summerland, there are many volunteer groups and board members must realize their responsibility; to advance that society.

Instead members and staff are subjected to self-serving groups, rife with bullies, false accusations, disinterest and lack of initiative.

Regarding the article in last week’s Review about the retiring administrator of the Summerland Museum, her retirement was probably a result of too many responsibilities, too little time to accomplish them and minimal assistance from the board.

Until the museum has a board which understands one of their most important roles is to help raise funds to ensure ample hours for a staff so they can accomplish the many responsibilities listed in their job description, nothing is going to change.

The major concern of the museum is the collection; the artefacts, documents and photographs that have been entrusted to it.

Summerland citizens and their ancestors have provided this history; it is the responsibility of the board to take this into account. It is also incumbent on the municipality to make sure the community’s collection is properly managed.

Anyone approached to sit on a board of directors should first find out what their responsibilities are; not only the collection but the humane handling of the staff.

Take the job seriously or please don’t take it at all.

Sherril Foster

Summerland