Caucuses

How it is today

Today we are organized by chapters.

Each chapter is an independent non profit that represents a geographic group. A chapter's by-laws conform to the directives of CAMFT bylaws. In a way we are like a federation of non-profits - but not quite because each chapter is not represented.

In 2013 only 15% of CAMFT members are part of a chapter.

Those chapters don't have representation as a chapter on the board - our board members are what is known as "at large" in that they are elected to represent the interests of all members and not those of the chapter to which they belong.

The Idea

What if we encouraged CAMFT members to group in caucuses based on a point of interest, a cause, an identity - that they are excited about?

What if CAMFT agrees to make online tools available so that people can caucus across chapter lines and come up with proposals for the board?

Unlike a committee proposal which is generally commissioned by the board, a caucus proposal is a spontaneous idea that the board may not have considered.

A caucus has the advantage of seeing micro (ie the specific needs of the folks who make up the caucus) and has the burden of coming up with very specific proposals that they think might make macro sense (ie further the profession as a whole).

They of course need to come to the board with sound arguments to show how their proposal can improve the lives of all members but they also bring a specific voice that might get lost in the more general discussions.

Some caucus ideas that come to mind are:

- Save CAMFT

- Get healthcare for all

- LGBT 

- Medicare for MFT's

- Atheist

- Buddhist

- Christian

- Progressive

- Men

etc

The main thrust of the idea is that we allow members to assemble around ideas THEY are excited about. 

When members run for the board they can also get the support of this or that caucus.

Discussion Ideas

• So....what do you think?
• Would you be willing to join a caucus?
• How much time could you give?
• Are online tools enough or do we need to budget for face to face meetings? How often?
• What are some great caucus ideas?