Coordinator - Sweet Adelines International

Chapter 1: Team Tools
Regional Management Team Handbook
4/13
c. Provide an opportunity for members to state their own thoughts and to
hear the thoughts of others. No one is allowed to speak for others (“I heard
her say...”).
2. Outcome of visit
a. Develop a plan of action with the chorus members. Before leaving the
meeting, decide on the next step to be taken and how it will be
implemented. (Note: If you feel stressed in the situation, ask for more time
before recommending a plan.)
b. Stimulate open dialog and teach the chorus how to proceed to a healthy
resolution in the future. Don’t expect to “fix” or resolve the conflict in one
meeting.
II. Post visit
1. Follow up with the director and president/team coordinator for feedback on
the visit.
2. Follow up on the implementation of the action plan.
III. Confidentiality
1. Assure all chorus members that their comments are confidential.
2. Do not share details of chorus counseling visits with friends, other regional
or international personnel, etc. The valid line of communication is to other
persons counseling the chorus, team coordinators involved in the situation,
and your designated headquarters contact.
Chorus Splits
Sometimes, regardless of your best efforts, a chorus splits and the members separate
into two choruses. The decision to start a second chorus often devastates many of the
members involved. Hard feelings will abound and a long healing process may follow.
Frequently, it is the members left behind who experience the most difficult adjustment,
watching the members who have left enjoy the challenges and goals of building a new
chorus. Realize that both groups need your support and assistance.
When those leaving a chorus wish to begin a new prospective chorus, the subject of
chorus asset division frequently arises, especially when a significant percent of the total
membership resigns. Though policy states that the original chartered chapter retains the
assets of the chorus, the chorus board of directors/management team may divide the
assets with the departing members following the rules listed below:
• Appropriate laws and tax rules must be followed.
• The group leaving must be at least a Sweet Adelines prospective chapter in order
to receive part of the assets.
When a split occurs, some chorus members may decide to take a different path and
transfer to another established chorus or join Chapter-at-Large (CAL) or Member-at-
Large (MAL). Remind members to transfer their membership before resigning from the
chorus to which they currently belong. Members of the regional team should be ready to
answer questions regarding membership options and transfers.
Team Tools • 1-17