Will you be a part of the solution?

My Dad had a saying he lived by and drilled into our heads growing up "You have no right to complain unless you are willing to be a part of the solution" and also variations like "you have no right to complain if you don't vote,"or "don't ever go to your employer with a problem unless you also have a solution" can you tell my Dad was the eldest child? So am I!

As we head towards the OKCMAR election luncheon and the special meeting called for amending the bylaws following the luncheon, my Dad's voice echoes in my head. I wonder how many of my REALTORS will vote at either event? It is much easier to just complain about how things are run/done than it is to get involved. Voting is a very easy and simple means to shape your association that requires very minimal time commitment.

This year we will have electronic voting for directors thanks to the people who worked very hard on the bylaws committee last year and got this initiative passed. Watch your eblasts for directions on how to vote online. The online voting period begins next week. HOWEVER, the proposed modification to the bylaws last year allowing members to vote electronically for bylaws amendments failed. This means to vote on the bylaws you must either physically attend or assign your vote to a proxy. There is a proxy form on the home page of the website under featured information or you can access it here.

I think members forget that OKCMAR is your association, led by REALTORS, run by REALTORS, funded by REALTORS. The staff only follows the bylaws and policies of the board of directors. OKCMAR is your association. If you don't like how something is done find out why the board made the decision, policy, rule or bylaw. You may change your mind on the subject. If you are adamant something needs to be changed, sign up for a committee. Committee sign up forms will be available on the board home page tomorrow. ALL Policies start at the committee level.

You have the means to directly impact the association through committee involvement and through your vote.