MNGRR Converting to Membership Organization

[admin]

On March 2, 2010, the Board of the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. and Museum voted to become a membership organization where members elect the Board. It remains a Maine nonprofit corporation and Federal 501(c)(3) tax exempt educational organization.
When originally organized, the structure chosen was to have the Board elect their own replacements, sometimes called a self-perpetuating board. Under this form of organization the members had no voting or other legal status in the organization: as a corporation it was defined as “having no members.” The other method of organizing a non-profit under Maine law is as a membership organization where the members elect the Board and make any bylaw changes by vote.
A member elected board is a common form of organization for a non-profit, and is typical for railroad museums that require tremendous amounts of volunteer effort to maintain and operate their museum and equipment. Giving dues paying members a vote gives them real “ownership.”
This decision was the result of an almost year-long study of the alternatives by a committee of the Board. The pros and cons were carefully examined and the proposed change presented to members and volunteers for comment in January of 2010; this process continued through a meeting of members on February 20th. By the subsequent vote of a majority of the Board we are now a membership organization; changes and new sections in the Bylaws now enshrine the ways this system of governance will work. For a start, there will be an election annually. We are currently working on ways for members, whether they be active volunteers or distant supporters, to experience the benefits of this change. For more detail on the changes, and what it means for members, watch this space – or contact us at the Museum.
This is the start of an exciting new era; it is viewed as positive for the future health of the MNGRR. Supporters say it will improve communication and coordination between the Board, management, volunteers and members. Involving members in electing leadership will better allow for agreement at all levels as to the goals of the organization. Some believe that member-run organizations are not as strong fundraisers. It is up to us to prove the opposite is true.
Call to action:
1. If you are not a member, become one. We need the money and you get a vote! Be a part of the new organization and help us grow from strength to strength – the power is now in your hands to make this happen!
2. If you already are a member (or not!), please consider a gift now or soon, to support our running costs or any of the several important capital projects underway. The restoration of our Bridgton & Saco River locomotive #7 needs barely $15,000 to complete the $56,000 cost. We’re facing major expenses restoring our engine house, devastated by the recent windstorm. We need to upgrade our track for the return of our restored B&SR #7. You can make a difference at so many levels.

[christensenge]

Gentlemen,

It sounds like a serious decision arrived at only after much thought and deliberation. That is exactly what I would expect! I remain a proud member and supporter of Maine Narrow Gauge, perhaps even more so now that I have a member's responsibility for ensuring good governance of the museum.

I hope others feel the same way and will further extend their voluntary, financial, and membership support.


Sincerely,
Glenn Christensen
MNG member