With this in mind, I am most concerned that if we cannot overcome differences we will have much difficulty inspiring new people to join us and continue the voluntary work of serving our people.
If people feel they are being abused, even by a single bad word, then they have the right to defend themselves to keep their reputation. Some adults may wish to go out and fight it out in the African way, but if we want to inspire our young people to learn peaceful democratic problem solving, then should not we adults lead by example ?.
In my view the way forward is not to inflame the problem by bad mouthing the person in public (eg a website), or at meetings, but rather seek to take up the actual issues person to person in the first case. If you speak between the two of you, and keep the matter confidential then it is your business only and you both get to keep your respect for each other. If you choose not to proceed in confidence, then that is your choice, and I as an adult will react in my own way. However, young people cannot be expected to discern the best way if we as adults do not show good examples. If we discuss personalities in the website, then the matters become too personal and insulting, and this is not helpful to cooperative discussion of the issues and ideas. Also, this manner of trading insults, does not create a good environment for us to freely and positively discuss our aims for the KSAA for the future. Anyone reading these comments would be discouraged and unlikely to want to participate for fear of being treated the same way.
In my experience, we need to address personal disagreements, first by identifying the issues bothering us, then by approaching the person or people with whom we have different viewpoints. Then, if we do not succeed at that level, we need to write down the issues dividing us and present them to the KSA administration for further mediation. If this level of discussion does not succeed, then we need to take the matters to the court for a legal ruling.
We know that the KSAA Inc is not a political organization and no one is there to run other people down (like politicians tend to do). KSAA is seeking to represent all people in the community, not particular clans or families. It is not about boasting about our relatives or friends, but rather to be of assistance to all people. We are there to give ourselves in service voluntarily to benefit our members, and those in need. So if your offer of service is not valued or required at a particular time, then it is best to withdraw gracefully, and still keep your membership to support the bigger goals of the KSA Inc.
In my opinion, it is desirable for newly elected leaders to keep themselves apart from old arguments not of their making. It seems that some people having arguments can quote and draw in other people who are not involved into a dispute without their knowledge or permission. Such actions only spread the bitterness and misunderstandings.
Where some financial issues have come up concerning some people, it is very inappropriate for such people to be targeted publicly. Our office should have procedures in place to review all accounts and report on them in public at set times. It is not appropriate to name just one person, when there may be several borrowers from the KSAA. The amounts being borrowed by any given person should be kept confidential to the Treasurer. I wish to put on record that when I share ideas and suggestions on the website, I am not seeking to show off, but rather to promote the best practices that we can aim for in the KSA. The ideas I am putting forward are being offered to other organization websites not just the KSA, because I believe I am drawing on well tried principles which are of benefit for us to build on. As we know time is very important and sharing information via the website can be very productive and time saving.
My own time is very restricted because of personal responsibilities, but I do believe in trying to find the time to share ideas in the hope of generating constructive sharing. If it seems that many people do not like my ideas, then I will not waste my time speaking out. However, if I find as I have over the years, that some young men and women, do respond to my suggestions positively and with interest, then I feel I am not wasting my time. My hope is that people with a positive attitude, whether they be rich or poor, well educated or not, will come forward to register interest in serving the KSAA Inc. and if they do then my hope would be that they consider the goals and the constitution which show the best we are aiming for. If they can care and commit to these goals, then we need them to take part in leadership and help carry the KSAA Inc forward into the future. I wish Peace for us all in 2012.Mayom