Minutes of Asha Seattle meeting on 11/05/07 Venue : Microsoft Bldg 42 Attendees: Ken, Bash,  Binay, Anu, Swati, Jayashree, Vibhavaree, Ravi, Satyajit, Srijan, Puja, Eera, Theresa, Sree Introduction – Presented by Ken § Ken read summary of the context of the meeting and the justification for calling the meeting. Group discussed the content of the summary and disused conflict resolution. Questions were asked regarding the nature of the problems that led to the issues with one of Asha’s volunteers A discussion and formalization of Asha's policy regarding individuals whose membership has been ended. § The Interpersonal Policy was presented. § Discussion regarded formalizing the policy for Asha Seattle, editing of the policy and clarification of wording, as well as the determination that this is, for now, a policy that solely applies to Asha Seattle. § The renamed policy, Policy on Bringing up Personal Issues within Asha Seattle Context, is recommended as a guideline and policy but is not a formal legal document. § Future review might include looking at other organization’s policies in this regard. Vote: On the policy Yes – 13, No – 0, Abstain – 1 A discussion and formalization of the distinction between Asha activities and personal activities as it applies to Asha volunteers.  § Board of Director Ended Membership Policy was presented and discussed. § Wording was edited by the group. § A decision was made to run it past our lawyer for verification of its wording. Vote: On the policy (pending legal review) Yes – 13, No – 0, Abstain – 1 The resolution of issues regarding an individual's membership status. § Summary and discussion of Reasons to end Mithun's membership within Asha Seattle, and formally request the BOD to end Mithun's membership within Asha. § Important reasons contained within the discussion o Mithun's refusals of offers to mediate/resolve his grievances o Mithun's alteration of his grievances and misrepresentation of offers of assistance provided by others o Mithun's difficulty in distinguishing between his personal problems and issues relevant to Asha Seattle o Mithun's attempts to bring personal, private, and damaging information up about others in a public context, and o Mithun's focus on looking for conflict/problems/harm within Asha rather than focusing on Asha's core mission of promoting socioeconomic change in India through education. § Discussion also covered consequences to Asha Seattle if the status quo is tolerated, i.e. no action is taken. However, the consensus was that the problems would likely get worse, rather than go away. § A point was made that this is the first such occurrence in the 14 year history of Asha Seattle. § The minutes of this meeting will be posted as standard operating procedure by Asha Seattle. § Results will be sent to Board of Directors. § Further discussion on what, if anything, as a chapter we can do to help Mithun. § Concluded that the action taken as a result of this meeting would be beneficial to Mithun. § Further discussion on increased awareness of “publicity” regarding this matter and possible impact on Asha Seattle. Vote: To end volunteer status of Mithun Yes – 13, No – 0, Abstain – 0 Update: On 11/12/07, the Asha Board of Directors notified Mithun that his membership within Asha had been formally ended. Policy on Bringing up Personal Issues within the Asha Context This policy specifically addresses bringing up personal issues within Asha context. Asha-Seattle recognizes that volunteers will develop various types of personal relationships with other Asha volunteers, and that one of the benefits of being a volunteer is the introduction to, and association with likeminded people. However, it is also important for Asha volunteers to keep a clear distinction between what is done as an Asha volunteer (i.e. those activities consistent with Asha's mission statement), and all other personal activities, even if they occur at Asha sponsored social events. If you believe that a volunteer is inappropriately attempting to bring up personal issues within an Asha context , please discontinue the conversation, direct the volunteer to speak to a chapter coordinator, and inform the chapter coordinator yourself of the situation. Board of Directors Ended Volunteer Status Policy If an individual's (The "Endee") volunteer status within Asha has been officially ended by the Board of Directors, then the following applies: 1. The Endee is not welcome at and shall not attend Asha events, and/or Asha sponsored events. Nor shall the Endee use or be part of Asha resources including websites and mailing lists. 2. Volunteers should not communicate with the Endee, other than to inform the Endee that any contact with Asha needs to be made in writing through formal channels. Otherwise, any member communicating with the Endee would be doing so in his/her own personal capacity and not as an Asha volunteer. 3. An Endee’s status may be reviewed after a minimum period of 2 years at the Endee's request. NOTE: Exact wording yet to be finalized.

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