The Ethics of it all... there's a new Sheriff in town

It stands to reason that every large organization must have some kind of Ethics Committee... with someone as the District's Chief Disciplinarian. It's not a well publicized committee too... after all, if you are called by said committee, I can imagine that it can be worrisome to said individual wondering why they are being called by the committee head. On the otehr side of the coin you'd want to know that there is a person whom you can talk to should you want to - or need to discuss sensitive matters that may tarnish the image and name of Tostmasters.

P.S. Back in the day, I would hear about some stories - cautionary tales of certain Toastsmasters. I'd chalk it up to for reference, should I meet up with said Toastmaster - knowing who you're talking to. Being warned is forearmed, and all that. Otherwise, I am a relatively private Toastmaster - with little need to know the goings about of others - unless it somehow involves or affects me. Live and let live, and all that. I do have friends, and a lot of acquaintances. The organization has a lot of 'good people', and I'm glad to have met them. The others that carry drama, I keep at arms length. I'm polite, respectful and talk to anyone. But I don't go out of my way to converse with just anyone. I can break the ice, and discuss serious stuff... but leave the trivial and personal items off board. I make it a rule not to gossip. That's me... in a nutshell.

So I was surprised when Incoming District Director Remy called and asekd if I could be her Ethics Committee Chair. My first questions was, of course, "Why me?" She mentioend that I came 'highly'reccomended, the reason being I was level headed. I said, "Huh?", and Remy was candid enough to also admit that my name being brought forth was a surprise to her as well.

Backtracking a bit... apparently, past Committee chairs were usually Past District Directors - aside from having the exprience, and perhaps wisdom inherrited from the time they rose into the differing roles of the District Trio, having served the District for at least three years in that capacity, you'd expect them to have the mindset, and good of the district when discussing matters. At least, that is what I would think. But for some reason Remy was having difficulty finding her Ethics chair. She'd already nearly filled up her Distict Leadership - and most of her Extended Leadership team - only Ethics and a few others were left. She probably had names to consider for the other positions, but not Ethics.

To her, I was usually someone who loved to joke around with two other known members. Serious and level-headed did not come into mind when she thought about me. To be fair, I never did have any 'serious' discussions with her in the past, so I can forgive her impression of me. However, here were Past Division Directors or Governors saying I was as likely a qualified candidate for Ethics as any person. I still do not know who reccomended me... but I may have a few guesses - and even if someone did not volunteer me, others would possibly vouch for me. After all, I have a few friends in the circle of past District leaders... or at least some who can consider me above any issue. Not exactly a saint, but not a scoundrel either. That last one was my own interpretation.

Prior to this conversation, I was winding down my twin responsibilities as Division N Director and the Hall of Learners Advanced Toastmasters President, so I was looking forward to just being a 'plain and simple member'. After all, I did become super active in TM year 2024-2025. Yes, I had some seaparation anxiety... but I had been there in the past - I knew I would survive, and my wife would be happy that I would be less in demand (or so she thinks).

I, of course, accepted the role - but before that I had one more question... "when was the last time the Ethics committee as convened?" Remy answered some time two years back. So I thought that if I'm lucky, my year will just be a breeze in the park with nary a concern. Boy, was I wrong.

Not even inducted into my role, Remy informs me that the Angeles City Toastmasters will be submitting a complaint. I insisted it to be in writing, and no anonymous protection - after all, if they were serious, I would want them to be ready to stand in public, rather than hide in the shadows. Besmirching others' names are serious matters - if needed, a person needs to be able to confront their accusers. But let's step back a bit.

I had to emphasize that the Ethics committee will be more problem solving - see where things can be repaired - I'm no lawyer, so this is not a trial. More a fact-finding effort, see what the problem was, then talk to the supposed person with a problem. If things work out, situations get resolved, repaired, and ideally, reconcilled. Though I would settle for the first two. I also mentiond that should the agrieved party find things unsatisfactory, they can always still go for legal options. No double jeopardy concerns here, since no real legal case was initiated.

I would also look at any problem as being a District, Division Area or Club problem - no personal problems... if it did not happen in the capacity of being with or representing Toastmasters, then I'd mostly be hands-off on their personal problem. But if things do affect the organization's name or image, if there is proof that certain COre Values were breached - then this would be an Ethics Committee concern. You can see that I really thought this through. After all, I don't want to be considered as unfair to any party.

Anyway, my first case - of whoich I shall not disclose too much, had me trying to reach out to the Toastmater who was the subject of a complaint. Possible malversation of funds because the club at on several occations asked for a proper accounting, as was ignored. Luckily, I had an inside track with one Division Director who knew the person, and I asked that my message reach this Toastmaster. I could be reaced by test message. When the Toastmaster messaged me I akse dif i could call - it would be better if we could talk. That way, I could assess things from an additional dimension. Tone, emotion, all these would help me understand and better assess things.

I emailed the complainst leveled at this Toastmaster and asked for a reply - of which I would likewise forward to the complainant, witht he District Trio copied. There were four main points, and all four were addressed in separate emails. Remy commented that the answers were a lot (voluminous and thorough - compete with receipts where needed). I mentioend that I requested such, so the compaint would be properly addressed.

I sent copies to the complainants, and asked their reply. No reply came, and I mentioned that receiving none, I would consider the matter closed - after all, while waiting the Toastmaster who was the center of said complaint could be suffering from gossip spread. A fifth complaint was sent, of which I likewise forwarded to the Toastmaster to answer - this was not refuted, so I said compensation needed to be done. It was agreed that this would happen, and I asked the Divison Director in charge to see that it happens.

Problem addressed. Malversation proven untrue - this was more a case of miscommunication, or a refusal to communicate. I can only speculate what might have happened - so I will not mention anything here.

Funny things... before I went to Pampanga to attend the D75 Turnover and charging / induction of the new laders and extended council, I was in the middle of working things out. My friend (who were alos my roomates) wre surprised that I was indeed working, even before my official charging. Yeah, this year's Ethics Committee was already working, prior to being newly minted.

So when another friend asked me if I needed any prayers, I said I needed prayers for patience and wisdom. I beleive I got them.

Meanwhile, thre's a new sherriff in town... me. At least, for TM year 2025-2026.

Overall, what is the effect of having an Ethics Committee around? It means others can go enjoy Toastmasters activities - but still behave, because they know that otehrs may compalin - that others entring into any deal, specially with money involved, need to make sure their Integrity remains intact - that they Respect the deals made... else the agrieved party may ask assistance form the Ethics Committee... ans in an environemnt where talks happen fast, and Maritesses abound (like any prganization), one's reputation can get a hit., real fast. That is one reason to avoid the Ethic Committee's reach.

Note: As July 1 approaches, and the end of my term as Ethics Chair ends with the current Toastmaster term, I have seen at least two close calls - in fact, I would even say the cost is not clear yet. Hnh... July can't come fast enough it seems.

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