Kyle,
You bring up some very interesting points. There has been some
discussion on and off the list about making INPCRP a more formal
organization, including raising funds and such.
The Regional Coordinators have nothing to do with that. I think there is
some misunderstanding about what I'm looking for from RC's. In an effort
to get more people in various communities involved in cemetery
restoration, and to allow INPCRP members more opportunities to work
together without having to drive hours one way across the state, I want
to schedule 'unofficial official' work days in each region. I am not
asking that RC's prioritize need of every cemetery in their region, I'm
asking that they determine which one's would be best suited for these
workdays and focus the communities attention one Saturday a month on
that cemetery. This in no way means there aren't necessarily cemeteries
in that region that are in more dire need of attention, only that this
person has determined that a particular cemetery is in need of attention
and has the ability to generate some public interest. A very secluded
cemetery might discourage people from participating. The RC should also
work with the County Coordinators to make this determination. I know
there is some opposition to this idea in general, but I feel it is
important to promote the INPCRP to the citizens of Indiana. Even if this
group remains informal, we need to have at least some appearance of
organization because it lends credibility to the cause. As I have said
in another message, if we had county coordinators in all, or even most,
of the 92 counties there wouldn't be much need for the RC's. Likewise,
if we had those CC's promoting more of their efforts to the local media
then again, we would likely not need the RC's. Perhaps we should have a
discussion on the best ways to get coverage in the media.
As for the liability issue, on flyers, etc. we can print a disclaimer
assuming no responsibility and/or we can have all participants sign a
waiver stating that they assume all risks involved and will not hold
INPCRP or any individual responsible.
And again, more formal organization has been discussed. I would like to
see it but there are many hurdles to it, including things that you have
mentioned. Just setting up a non-profit group is a huge undertaking.
None of this could be done overnight.
Brad
KidClerk(a)aol.com wrote:
Sometimes I don't agree with things and sometimes I feel I should
play
devil's advocate to raise some questions. I'm not sure which I am today, but I do
have some points to raise.
It appears to me that this list is leaning more toward an organized structure
for the INPCRP and away from being strictly an e-mail list resource. Up
until now, many members of this list volunteered for several projects, but they
were done under the auspices of other groups (ie restoring a cemetery under a
township's authority or a workshop hosted by Walt or Mark or whomever) But as I
read these last few posts I see where this new position of regional
coordinators will decide what cemeteries need care and which ones will be prioritized.
This appears to be a little more involved than showing up for a work day or
sharing your thoughts on a bulletin board. I'm not saying I'm opposed to any
of this, but I want to caution this group to make sure whatever is done
protects everyone involved. If someone starts acting in an official capacity for
this group, or making any sort of decisions, sponsoring events, etc., I would
suggest that there be some formal organization in place to properly govern the
actions of this group. In addition, the people who are doing this work need to
realize they are exposing themselves to a personal liability issue as the
INPCRP has no general liability insurance to protect them. The minute that name
(INPCRP) goes on a flyer, news release, etc. where it is sponsoring a 'cemetery
restoration day', it becomes liable to an extent for anything that goes wrong
that day, whether it be a bystander that shows up to watch or a volunteer
that shows up to help. And let me assure you that the minute something goes
wrong, everyone will get dragged into the action. The townships and cemetery
associations have insurance for this very reason, which would leave some very
wonderful, well meaning people hung out to dry. I can assure you, the insurance
carrier for the township or cemetery board will not 'graciously' offer to
protect you in a $1,000,000 lawsuit when a 1/2 ton tombstone falls over and crushes
someone at one of these events.
I guess my point is this.... once again this group is at a crossroads, and
it is getting here more and more often these days. A decision needs to be made
whether this group will remain an informal internet resource for many of us
to share ideas, successes, defeats, and some thought provoking comments; or is
it going to take that next step to be an organized, legal entity and try to
conduct it's business as such, collecting dues and donations to help defray its
expenses, electing officers, etc.
I have met some wonderful people on this list over the last several years.
Some I know personally, others I feel I do. I bring these issues up to try and
prevent someone from unknowingly getting themselves into a mess down the
road. Today's legal climate requires one to be extremely careful in this regard.
And contrary to what many on this list think, the people here have done a
wonderful job bringing cemetery preservation to the table. It may not be the #1
topic discussed at the township association meetings, but the fact that it is
discussed at all is due to the perserverance of the people who frequent this
list. The fact that there is a waiting list for cemeteries who have contacted
one of our fine craftsmen (or women) who do this work full time is a testament
to what has been accomplished. Having at least some changes in state law
made is not an easy task, but we have been instrumental there as well. We have
made a difference. No matter where we go from here, that cannot be disputed.
I guess that's the next question though....where do we go from here? Wherever
it is, I just want to make sure it's done thoughtfully and inclusively.
Thanks for your time.
Kyle D. Conrad
Brook, IN
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