Journal entry by Joanne Negstad — 27 minutes ago
In a previous post I wrote about Joanne's service on governing boards. Augustana College's (now University) Board of Regent's was her first major board. Serving on the Regent's for twelve years was a wonderful education for her on how boards function. These learnings served her well, both when she served on other boards and when she recruited board members for agencies she was leading.
A chance encounter this morning at church gave me a glimpse of how Joanne functioned when she served on boards. D. C., was visiting Grace Lutheran this morning and she had a 'Joanne on a board' story. D. C., was recruited to run for a seat on the Luther Seminary Board, with the understanding that she had little chance of being elected, but the recruiter wanted a woman on the ballot. Much to everyone's surprise D. C. was elected.
Before her first board meeting she carefully read the board materials and did her best to come prepared. Her first encounter with the board didn't go well. Male members, who obviously hadn't read the materials, dominated the floor and she found herself discounted.
At the first break in the meeting Joanne took D. C. and,accompanied by another female board member, they went to the woman's caucus room, also know as the women's restroom. In the privacy of that place Joanne gave D. C. a quick tutorial on board procedure which included these points: don't take anything personally, stand your ground, do not be intimidated. D. C., said "It saved my life." I knew Joanne and D. C. were really bonded but I didn't know how it happened.
Joanne would often talk about board meetings afterward. However, what she talked about was about the issues and the decisions. She said little about the process, the obstacles she had to overcome or any discrimination she faced. D. C. said nothing intimidated Joanne. That's no surprise to me. She also had a gift for making her case directly but without attack.
While I was very grateful for the brief conversation with D. C., and her report of Joanne at work on a board, it left me wishing I knew more about her board experiences. What kind of discrimination did she encounter? There is so much I don't know.
Blessings,
Al
A chance encounter this morning at church gave me a glimpse of how Joanne functioned when she served on boards. D. C., was visiting Grace Lutheran this morning and she had a 'Joanne on a board' story. D. C., was recruited to run for a seat on the Luther Seminary Board, with the understanding that she had little chance of being elected, but the recruiter wanted a woman on the ballot. Much to everyone's surprise D. C. was elected.
Before her first board meeting she carefully read the board materials and did her best to come prepared. Her first encounter with the board didn't go well. Male members, who obviously hadn't read the materials, dominated the floor and she found herself discounted.
At the first break in the meeting Joanne took D. C. and,accompanied by another female board member, they went to the woman's caucus room, also know as the women's restroom. In the privacy of that place Joanne gave D. C. a quick tutorial on board procedure which included these points: don't take anything personally, stand your ground, do not be intimidated. D. C., said "It saved my life." I knew Joanne and D. C. were really bonded but I didn't know how it happened.
Joanne would often talk about board meetings afterward. However, what she talked about was about the issues and the decisions. She said little about the process, the obstacles she had to overcome or any discrimination she faced. D. C. said nothing intimidated Joanne. That's no surprise to me. She also had a gift for making her case directly but without attack.
While I was very grateful for the brief conversation with D. C., and her report of Joanne at work on a board, it left me wishing I knew more about her board experiences. What kind of discrimination did she encounter? There is so much I don't know.
Blessings,
Al
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