My Zoom access malfunctioned. I could not see myself on the screen, though I appeared on the attendance list of participants. Perhaps others could see me. This distracted me somewhat from our Board Meeting's agenda as I did connectivity troubleshooting while other people spoke. For the first time since I joined the Board, I said nothing the entire session. This is a good thing, especially since I had nothing of substance to contribute. Multitasking never turns out well. I did not multitask. I shifted between tasks, listening attentively without concerns of what I ought to say. At my next meeting, I will likely have much to say. The week after, I am featured speaker. Any opportunity to restore Zoom to its full capability cannot be set aside.
So, as more a spectator than participant, what did I hear or sense? Very little served as a forum where issues are raised, discussions ensue, people challenge each other's perspectives, and votes resolve divides. That did not happen. In its place, I heard announcements of what had already been decided. I heard The Clique commenting amongst each other how wonderful they all were. One piece of adverse news, the departure of what had been a lifelong member. Not our fault, unavoidable. Announcement of our Rabbi's proposal to expand connections within our congregation. Where can we take this? There are lots of places to take this. I heard none. We need more members. Why do we need more members? To generated revenue, of course. Never a recognition of how much our newbies add by their efforts once among us. Mostly Hear Ye, Hear Ye. A pro forma evening in the congregational Echo Chamber.
They need to either have the Rabbi stay for the whole thing or plant a mystery shopper who can have coffee with the Rabbi and President. I heard, or at least sensed, what might be. It wasn't.
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