How should a voluntary group, limited budget, respond to a 700% weekly increase in expenses by 2 members?

Question

The two members are "leaders" who play a big part in this singing group, and the group could not function as it is without them. The expenses in question are for care costs without which they cannot continue with the group. They have been offered a regular monetary "gift" by the group to help with this, but they are adamant that they are entitled to their expenses. This sets a precedent, and has the potential to be more than the group can afford. Already the others are willing to pay extra subs to meet the "gift" costs. Are they entitled to expenses they are claiming? What would you do?

Answer 1

I think that the key consideration here is reasonableness. it seems to me that such a massive increase in weekly expenses for two individuals in a voluntary group is way beyond reasonable, and that because of their perceived importance the remainder of the group are allowing themselves to be held to ransom. As to whether they have an entitlement depends very much on what the groups declared position is on the claiming of expenses etc. But where do you draw the line? If the other group members jump on the bandwagon the group will soon be bankrupt. It's neither a sustainable or acceptable position.

Answer 2

Corporate waste. I would love to figure out what that means. There are some CEO's that make ridiculous amounts of money and there is no doubt that the mean income of people in the United States is a lower percentage of the GDP than it was sixty years ago, but, how do you define what an acceptable income is? My guess is that you have no idea what the ratio of mean income vs GDP was in 1946 or what it is in 2006, much less how much it has changed. I also doubt that even if you knew what those numbers are that you could define an acceptable income range. I have my opinion on what the income ratio to GDP should be and what kind the income range should be for about 92% of people. Just post what you think the income std dev should be in percentage of GDP and maybe I can give you credit for an educated opinion. Just exactly how do corporations "waste" money? A person is paid. That person spends money on various goods and services. The money spent goes into other people's pockets, then they spend it and the process continues into infinity so even if a company with a government contract paid a CEO an "excessive" amount of money that money would contribute to the GDP and tax base of the nation many, many times not to mention be used for investment. A soldier might be fine buying a two dollar flashlight for his use, but, if it is issued by Uncle Sam he will show what a cheap piece of crap it is to some reporter and then everyone will be angry at the military for buying junk. Can the system become more efficient? Sure, Senators like Levin (D) from Michigan have done a lot to make the government purchasing system more efficient and you can read about what they have done on Levin's Senate website. I would love to take Donald Trummp's salary and use it to double the military pay scale: BUT An E-9 with over 20 years who has a family makes around 70K including BAQ and Separate rats. Not bad for a 40 year old high school grad who joined at 18. I bet you would love the "better on paper" government health care right up until you had family that cannot get good medical care. So Levin, the Democrat on the Armed Services committee along with all the rest of the Democrats in congressional military budget oversight ignore these GOP congress people funneling money out of the budget that you, in your all knowing wisdom know all about. If you really had a clue you could sick Levin's pit bulls on the issue and they would rip it apart, unless you think Democrats are even more corrupt then the GOP. Really lame. Really Really lame. You really have no idea what you are talking about do you.

Answer 3

You need to make a decision on how decisions are made. If you can establish a voting method that accounts for the varied importance of the members and hold to that consistently then OK. You can have serious trouble with voting on money though.

But if you've got members submitting for payment on expenses outside the group and you accept the costs you'll see more and more of that. What you need is a manager because the money will tear the group apart unless you give one person the authority and agree to abide by their decision.

A Business manager who handles the books is the cleanest choice. Unless money isn't important and the journey is worth the cost.

Answer 4

I think the following might be worth a try:

Demonstrating that if they make this a precedent that if one or two more members did the same it would be unsustainable. (have the figures at hand)

Look to share care for the two members, if they know each other then one kid could be dropped off at the others house before hand.

If the costs are for care and the costs have increased so substantially, is it worth seeing if there is a cheaper option

Don't be afraid to guilt them, mention that if the same money was invested in the singing group then you could buy X, Y or Z.

Subtley see if there is anyone else who resents the payments.

Answer 5

They are taking the Michael. Dissolve the group and start a new one without them. There are too many people who destroy hobby and voluntary groups with greed and power trips.

Answer 6

voluntary is voluntary

if these people want expenses for doing voluntary work they should think again.seems like blackmail to me. i hope there are people somewhere who could take their place for you. other wise fold the group and find somewhere else . im sure other groups would be more than happy to have you

Answer 7

Take my chances without them! Primadonnas will only encourage resentment and anger. Plus, do you do it for the love of doing it or by forcing other members of the group to kowtow to you?

Answer 8

Leaders come and leaders go, sounds like it's time for these leaders to go. Step up to the plate. Good luck!

Answer 9

you're a volunteer. If you think the s*it is getting too deep, find another "voluntary group".

Answer 10

If you'll excuse the non-intentional pun, tell them to go and whistle! They can't be THAT voluntary if they demand expenses - that's the whole bloody idea of it ! ! !