Dear Commander Novoselsky,
One of the key themes that ran throughout our recent JWV Convention was the need to acquire and retain younger members, with emphasis on “retain.” Well, you’ve got me…I’m a life member…and although I was not the youngest member to attend the Convention and am not the youngest member of JWV, I consider myself to be at the upper end of the group of veterans you would like to have join JWV. Because of that, however, let me offer for your consideration a few observations about this group of prospective members.
This group of people that you seek is an intelligent, computer-literate, instant messaging, texting, “face book” and “you tube” group. They are going to want – actually demand – a more direct voice in how this organization is managed and in the direction it is going.
They will not stand for some of the current constitutional rules and by-laws, one example being that only those who attend the National Convention can vote and will, instead, demand their basic right of franchise – whether it is by an internet-based voting mechanism, paper ballots inserted in The Jewish Veteran, or the use of proxy votes. They will want their voices heard on all issues affecting the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America except those that they, the membership of JWV, have delegated to the National Commander or the Executive Committee.
In other words, they are going to demand a more open and transparent organization and will not tolerate the current closed cabal of senior officers and Past National Commanders who play a version of musical chairs each year, simply exchanging positions, but a version in which no chair is removed when the music stops. In fact, they will demand that the only Past National Commander having any say at the executive level should be the immediate Past National Commander.
This nation of ours is currently engaged in an election campaign, the theme of which, held by both contending parties, is “Change.” Thus, if you truly wish to see this younger group of Jewish American veterans come into, and remain in JWV, then you need to lead this organization to instituting real change, not just the appearance of change.
Therefore, I strongly urge you and your new administration to call a Constitutional Convention composed of a geographically representative group of members, EXCLUDING Past National Commanders, to bring the Constitution and By-laws into the 21st century. The goal will be to write a new Constitution and set of By-laws that reflect, both in form and substance, the organization it governs and that will encourage everyone to be true and faithful to both its letter and spirit.
Respectfully submitted,
Sheldon A. Goldberg
Lt. Colonel, USAF (Ret.)
Commander, Lt. Harold E. Greenberg Post 692
Department of Maryland