SSI
13th March 2003, 09:27 PM
Please find the SSI response to the questions raised previously on RWO. This is presented in Q&A format. The questions posed on RWO are listed in bold.
It is intended that some representatives of SSI will attend the Trivia Night next weekend, in a social function. No doubt there will be opportunities for further discussion at this event.
For those who questioned why the anwers could not come immediately, the answer is that SSI is not one person. The group is currently represented by an Interim Committee and it is appropriate that all agree on the responses.
Your website mentions a ?provisional board?. If so, when are the SSI board positions going to be open for election? Will all board positions or only some be open for election? Will Arunas Carl Blandis? position as Chairman be up for election?
The interim committee of SSI will serve until an election is held. ALL interim committee positions including that of interim President will be open for contest by any SSI member in accordance with Part 3-18 of the SSI constitution. Should Arunas Carl Blandis wish to contest the Presidency he is required to observe the same process as any other member of SSI. To answer the specific question, yes, Arunas Carl Blandis? position as President will be open for contest.
The timing of the election is currently planned for 1 May and will be held in accordance with the constitution of SSI.
Why is it your stated aim to get SSI members onto the Swans board, either through election or appointment? Why isn?t it enough to simply get voting rights?
The preferred option is to secure board representation through the election process, this being one of the aims and objectives of SSI. Until this happens the only means of securing board representation is by appointment.
We believe that SSI will become a voice of the members and supporters. We are planning a survey of members and supporters in the near future and will be taking this input to the Club for a response. It is our opinion that a larger group of members is more likely to receive a response and action from the Club than individuals operating alone.
This principle extends to the aim of getting one or more SSI members onto the board. Those members will have access to the views of the SSI membership and be able to state their position. This provides members with an avenue for input to a board member, something which is currently not available.
Does the afore-mentioned stated aim mean that SSI members are expected to vote according to the ?party line??
In the event of the Club opening board positions for election, it is likely that all Swans members will receive a vote. Some Swans members will also be SSI members. SSI will put forward one or more candidates for the board. SSI members are under no compulsion to vote for the SSI candidate(s). It is appropriate to note, however, that SSI would use its membership and mailing list to promote the SSI candidate(s) as this would be in the interests of SSI furthering its objectives.
What actual evidence do you have that you were ?instrumental in getting Paul Roos appointed as coach?? Does this mean that you believe it to be acceptable that fans try to subvert Swans management decisions?
Any club member and supporter has the undeniable right of protest and voicing their displeasure at any decision or handling of an issue, as was the case in the coaching issue. We do not consider this to be an act of subversion.
In the period prior to the appointment of Paul Roos, approximately 1,100 members and supporters chose to voice their protest over the coaching issue by agreeing to petition the club through a coordinated campaign conducted by Arunas Carl Blandis, now of SSI.
We believe that this protest was influential in the appointment of Paul Roos because of comments made to us by both respected press and TV journalists and members of the Swans organisation.
What is SSI policy on voting rights for full Swans members who are under 18 years of age?
The Club has yet to put forward a model for the election of members to its board. However, we would expect that this would allow for voting rights for full Swans members who are 18 years and over at the date of the election. We believe that this is standard practice and would endorse it. If our member survey indicates that the majority of SSI members wish for an alternative approach, then we would take this on board with our communications with the Club.
The SSI website claims that it is a stated aim to assist the Swans in broadening the Club?s membership and support bases. How do you intend to do this?
The opportunity for SSI to increase the Club Membership base by encouraging non-club SSI Members to take up Membership does exist. SSI will support and provide the activities and functions of club related bodies should they be, in its opinion, in the interests of the club, members and supporters.
Already, we have organised a function that resulted in a number of supporters choosing to become members. We are planning further functions and will expand communication through our website and newsletter. We will actively encourage supporters to become members.
?Promote links between Sydney-based and non-Sydney-based supporters of the Sydney Swans? ? what plans are in place for this?
The approach is to ?build bridges? between the diverse membership base of the Club.
Representatives of SSI have met with Melbourne-based supporters of the Swans to understand their issues and concerns with the Club. We have petitioned the Club to provide representation (coaching staff and players) to a Melbourne-based function to celebrate the appointment of Paul Roos. This would have a similar purpose to the cocktail party held in December 2002. Our survey will be soliciting other ways that we can foster links from our members.
We also intend to run functions in Sydney to make interstate visitors to games feel welcome. This initiative has come about through discussions with a number of Melbourne-based members who have indicated interest in SSI.
Apart from voting rights, is SSI planning on encouraging other benefits for members?
SSI will be seeking input from its members as to what issues and benefits we should be discussing with the Club. Depending on the level of agreement with each item raised, we will raise these with the Club.
Our anecdotal feedback is that many members have tried to raise issues with the Club and have been frustrated with the response (or lack thereof). We are attempting to provide some accountability and strength in numbers to progress members? concerns. A good example relates to next week?s Guernsey presentation dinner. Members received an email, offering an ?early bird? price for booking to this function ? however the email arrived after the early bird cut off. We would raise such issues with the Club on our members? behalf.
Given that SSI is committed to (as above) promoting links between the Sydney-siders and interstate members, how will they be involved with the meetings etc. that are held by SSI? Should there be places on the SSI board for interstate representatives?
All members of SSI are eligible to stand for board positions. We have discussed the logistics of an interstate representative and are happy for this to occur.
What specialised expertise can members of the SSI board (in particular Arunas Carl Blandis) bring to the SFC board if they are elected/appointed?
SSI does not have a ?board?. Please refer to the rules of incorporation, available on the website, www.swanssupporters.org. These rules have been lodged with the Department of Fair Trading. Until the AGM, an interim committee has been established.
The interim committee of SSI has representation from the following fields:
- Law
- Public Relations
- Marketing
- Finance
- Administration
- Information Technology
- Management Consulting.
Various of the committee members are currently company directors. Most have tertiary qualifications, both under-graduate and post-graduate. Candidates for the Swans board will publish their specific credentials. Arunas Carl Blandis operates a management accounting practice.
(to be contined)
It is intended that some representatives of SSI will attend the Trivia Night next weekend, in a social function. No doubt there will be opportunities for further discussion at this event.
For those who questioned why the anwers could not come immediately, the answer is that SSI is not one person. The group is currently represented by an Interim Committee and it is appropriate that all agree on the responses.
Your website mentions a ?provisional board?. If so, when are the SSI board positions going to be open for election? Will all board positions or only some be open for election? Will Arunas Carl Blandis? position as Chairman be up for election?
The interim committee of SSI will serve until an election is held. ALL interim committee positions including that of interim President will be open for contest by any SSI member in accordance with Part 3-18 of the SSI constitution. Should Arunas Carl Blandis wish to contest the Presidency he is required to observe the same process as any other member of SSI. To answer the specific question, yes, Arunas Carl Blandis? position as President will be open for contest.
The timing of the election is currently planned for 1 May and will be held in accordance with the constitution of SSI.
Why is it your stated aim to get SSI members onto the Swans board, either through election or appointment? Why isn?t it enough to simply get voting rights?
The preferred option is to secure board representation through the election process, this being one of the aims and objectives of SSI. Until this happens the only means of securing board representation is by appointment.
We believe that SSI will become a voice of the members and supporters. We are planning a survey of members and supporters in the near future and will be taking this input to the Club for a response. It is our opinion that a larger group of members is more likely to receive a response and action from the Club than individuals operating alone.
This principle extends to the aim of getting one or more SSI members onto the board. Those members will have access to the views of the SSI membership and be able to state their position. This provides members with an avenue for input to a board member, something which is currently not available.
Does the afore-mentioned stated aim mean that SSI members are expected to vote according to the ?party line??
In the event of the Club opening board positions for election, it is likely that all Swans members will receive a vote. Some Swans members will also be SSI members. SSI will put forward one or more candidates for the board. SSI members are under no compulsion to vote for the SSI candidate(s). It is appropriate to note, however, that SSI would use its membership and mailing list to promote the SSI candidate(s) as this would be in the interests of SSI furthering its objectives.
What actual evidence do you have that you were ?instrumental in getting Paul Roos appointed as coach?? Does this mean that you believe it to be acceptable that fans try to subvert Swans management decisions?
Any club member and supporter has the undeniable right of protest and voicing their displeasure at any decision or handling of an issue, as was the case in the coaching issue. We do not consider this to be an act of subversion.
In the period prior to the appointment of Paul Roos, approximately 1,100 members and supporters chose to voice their protest over the coaching issue by agreeing to petition the club through a coordinated campaign conducted by Arunas Carl Blandis, now of SSI.
We believe that this protest was influential in the appointment of Paul Roos because of comments made to us by both respected press and TV journalists and members of the Swans organisation.
What is SSI policy on voting rights for full Swans members who are under 18 years of age?
The Club has yet to put forward a model for the election of members to its board. However, we would expect that this would allow for voting rights for full Swans members who are 18 years and over at the date of the election. We believe that this is standard practice and would endorse it. If our member survey indicates that the majority of SSI members wish for an alternative approach, then we would take this on board with our communications with the Club.
The SSI website claims that it is a stated aim to assist the Swans in broadening the Club?s membership and support bases. How do you intend to do this?
The opportunity for SSI to increase the Club Membership base by encouraging non-club SSI Members to take up Membership does exist. SSI will support and provide the activities and functions of club related bodies should they be, in its opinion, in the interests of the club, members and supporters.
Already, we have organised a function that resulted in a number of supporters choosing to become members. We are planning further functions and will expand communication through our website and newsletter. We will actively encourage supporters to become members.
?Promote links between Sydney-based and non-Sydney-based supporters of the Sydney Swans? ? what plans are in place for this?
The approach is to ?build bridges? between the diverse membership base of the Club.
Representatives of SSI have met with Melbourne-based supporters of the Swans to understand their issues and concerns with the Club. We have petitioned the Club to provide representation (coaching staff and players) to a Melbourne-based function to celebrate the appointment of Paul Roos. This would have a similar purpose to the cocktail party held in December 2002. Our survey will be soliciting other ways that we can foster links from our members.
We also intend to run functions in Sydney to make interstate visitors to games feel welcome. This initiative has come about through discussions with a number of Melbourne-based members who have indicated interest in SSI.
Apart from voting rights, is SSI planning on encouraging other benefits for members?
SSI will be seeking input from its members as to what issues and benefits we should be discussing with the Club. Depending on the level of agreement with each item raised, we will raise these with the Club.
Our anecdotal feedback is that many members have tried to raise issues with the Club and have been frustrated with the response (or lack thereof). We are attempting to provide some accountability and strength in numbers to progress members? concerns. A good example relates to next week?s Guernsey presentation dinner. Members received an email, offering an ?early bird? price for booking to this function ? however the email arrived after the early bird cut off. We would raise such issues with the Club on our members? behalf.
Given that SSI is committed to (as above) promoting links between the Sydney-siders and interstate members, how will they be involved with the meetings etc. that are held by SSI? Should there be places on the SSI board for interstate representatives?
All members of SSI are eligible to stand for board positions. We have discussed the logistics of an interstate representative and are happy for this to occur.
What specialised expertise can members of the SSI board (in particular Arunas Carl Blandis) bring to the SFC board if they are elected/appointed?
SSI does not have a ?board?. Please refer to the rules of incorporation, available on the website, www.swanssupporters.org. These rules have been lodged with the Department of Fair Trading. Until the AGM, an interim committee has been established.
The interim committee of SSI has representation from the following fields:
- Law
- Public Relations
- Marketing
- Finance
- Administration
- Information Technology
- Management Consulting.
Various of the committee members are currently company directors. Most have tertiary qualifications, both under-graduate and post-graduate. Candidates for the Swans board will publish their specific credentials. Arunas Carl Blandis operates a management accounting practice.
(to be contined)