I had a good glimpse lately of what happens when politicians meddle with what seems to be a health oriented, non government organization’s efforts of establishing itself a local chapter. The very efforts of its pioneering volunteers to constitute an assembly and create its own governing body is in itself laudable, but I was quite disturbed with what I saw during its first assembly.
Traditional politics running the show and obvious politicking horrendously at odds with what appears to be a health related organization’ simple general assembly and election of directors. Obvious flaws were never clearly addressed, like who constitute members and who has voting privileges. While it is clear that the national organization has explicit laws on this, no one ever bothered to answer this membership question. Delegates where just handpicked from all local government units and suddenly they constitute the voting members. No one knew what happened to them after the election.
Then out of nowhere, hordes of politicians suddenly popped up in the nominees for the board of directors. I clearly understood that one criteria says we need leaders from different sectors of societies, but are they members of the national organization in the first place? What do they knew about the tenets of the organization? There was a gossip going around that this was a “prelude” to the upcoming elections, since the handpicked delegates come from all of the municipalities in our areas. Maybe this politicians are testing waters and getting the “feel” of the locals. I talked to some of the politicians studying their intentions and some actually had the gall to declare they can use this organization for their upcoming “election plans”. I feel like vomiting. Lord, sana sila na lang mag ka colon cancer.
I have nothing but pity for the local chapter of this organization, especially for those who worked hard for its creation. I worked with some of the volunteers and I’ve seen them risk their lives and health, spent countless days sacrificing their family and career for what they believe is service to humanity. It is because of them that I was nominated (coerced actually, since I really detest organizational politics) for the board. But when I saw the process, I attempted to withdraw first hand, but it was too late. I said I’ll resign immediately if I win. Thanks God I was spared of the agony. My loss would actually a win for my credibility and principles. I felt like I’ve lost a burden.
I may have underestimated these politicians but well, I’m not interested to see their outcomes anymore. Their previous work speak for themselves. You cannot expect a good deed from a rotten fish, more than expecting you’ll win in a lotto game. Sometimes I agree with what other says about our current crop of leaders-
We deserve all the trapos we get, because we allow them to corrupt our mind, our heart and our very soul
To my friends in the local chapter, you are my friends still and we will remain friends still. You can always ask for my help in the organization, but I’d rather do it as a coequal partner, not as a member.We can still do service to humanity the way our simple lives will afford us to. Good luck guys, and just keep your focus.
