In Australia, we laud and support Freedom of Speech. It is the basis of a true democracy.
It is not a crime to speak one's view, provided it is not threatening or abusive to another person.
If you have landed on this page in my Blog, you will know that, after fifteen years as a HOG Member, I was terminated or "EXPELLED" as a member of CHOG, Canberra Harley Owners Group. on Saturday 13 October 2018, by the Dealer Principal. He was acting in that role (Not as the HOG Director, a position he currently has taken in addition), under Clause 16 of the CHOG "Articles of Association". Under that clause, I have no right-of-reply, whereas if the Committee (or the Principal acting in his current role of Director of CHOG) had ejected me, then I would have reasonable capability and process to appeal the action via Mediation with and to Committee Members.
In that letter, there is no reason given, no "cause" if you like.
So, some will ask Why?
Even Committee Members have already asked me that question.
Over the last year or so, many CHOG Members (past and present) have come to me with questions about the operation of CHOG management. The level of un-happiness across more than 30 people who contact me, is palpable and continues. With a past catch-cry of "Ride and Have Fun", fine as it was, Members actually wanted more. They asked to move forward. Collectively they have been crying out for basic respect as members - and building more towards "Community" of common interest and enjoyment. I couldn't agree more.
So my actions, along with five other Members, was to ask for these elements aimed at one goal, to:
Build a more Active Engaged HD Riding Community in Canberra, via increased democratic involvement of all CHOG Members.
To this end we asked, politely, and persistently for the following
1. Ask for, and run some General Meetings, where all members could be involved - ACHIEVED.
2. Fill all Committee positions (including non-executive) so that a full range of views and interests could be heard, including the Safety Officer, Head Road Captain, Editor and others - ACHIEVED.
3. Actively encourage new members to both join and be Welcomed - PARTLY ACHIEVED
4. Devise and publish to all members, a full year's Calendar of Events & rides - PARTLY ACHIEVED.
5. Allow and encourage the General Membership to run general, and annual elections for ALL Committee positions, official and casual. (Note; I recognise completely, that the Dealer Principal has some rights in this regard, via the "articles of association" as HOG is owned by Harley Davidson, but that in most of our 51 HOG AU locations, these rights have been rarely used, and then on a "last resort" basis).
Some comments on these;
First, most Members don't care much for the processes and activities of the Committee - and they should not need to, if all runs smoothly (Despite considerable volunteer work effort!). Members care most of all about the Calendar of Events - what rides and activities are on offer and will be in the future, so that we can all plan to fit a good selection of these amongst our other work and family commitments. And then of course, doing the rides! That sounds fair to me, BUT the current system is to hide many of the rides from Members until the actual quarter that they are in, or make them "Mystery Rides". Moreover, we use TeamApp quite well, but the HOG-AU preference is Monkey Jungle!
Secondly, for our Chapter unlike most others, we have a set of additional rules, created a few years back. In our view these could be cancelled or removed completely without any meaningful disadvantage. In fact they ensconce power in a few individuals - let us leave that thought where it sits for the moment, without further comment. The current "Rules of Association" alone, are appropriate, approved by Harley Davidson, and more than adequate to run the Chapter efficiently and fairly.
Third and most sensitively, key members of our executive committee are NOT actively riding with CHOG. My final removal from CHOG was probably due to me "telling the truth" on this matter!
Without frills, in our Executive Team there are two Members (including the shadow director) who do not ride with the Chapter at all (or recently), two members, (one the HRC) who are on a four month holiday (whichis fine BTW but reduces their communication with members) and one member who is rarely present in Australia due to his work. How can this group actually run CHOG effectively if they are not part of the Community? (But do control 3-of-4 of the official votes on the Committee). In addition, what is the official role and capability from a practical and legal position for the Shadow Director?
Fourth, I was accused of contacting Harley Davidson direct. I did and I do (mostly for things like the ABC's competition.) I was unable to contact Gaz Luxmoore, as I did not have his details, and he was in the USA running a tour. I did also contact the Regional Director, Ken (from 14 Sept 2018). I am still unclear why this is a "crime"? It is the natural escalation point.
These questions were clearly too close to the truth. Until they are resolved openly, CHOG may continue to have major issues of presence and operation, and stagnant membership.
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil, is that good men do nothing." Edmund Burke.
