May 11, 2009

Dear ASJA Member,

It is with great regret today that I am announcing my resignation from the Board of Directors of the Alberta Show Jumping Association, (ASJA) effective immediately.  If you look at the ASJA Board of Directors’ page on the website, you will see that several other directors are also resigning. This letter to you covers my reasons only for resignation.  I just feel it is necessary to let you know why I am leaving. 

Over the past ten years or so, I have enjoyed my time on the board of the ASJA, working closely with others who share the enthusiasm that I have for the growth and development of our great sport here in Alberta.  In the past five years, I took on an even larger role in the day to day operations of the organization, again, with my goal being to help develop the sport and be of service to the membership.  

The major reason for my resignation is that some of the board members have accused me, and some other board members, of improper conduct even to the extent of misappropriation of funds.  These are very serious allegations, and none of them have any basis in fact.  I seriously considered a defamation action against the accusers, but instead, I have chosen to let the membership at large be informed that this is one of the reasons for my resignation.  I can put up with a lot of things, but I will not tolerate this type of behavior.  To not answer the allegations means that they could adversely affect my business and the reputations of me, my colleagues, and friends.  It is my understanding that subsequent investigation by the accusers has satisfied them that there was no improper conduct.  I know that some of the members have heard of the accusations, but I’m not sure any of you know about the subsequent clearance, hence another reason for this letter.  There has been a ton of hard work done over the past few years for the association, and the ones being wrongfully accused have done nothing wrong.  All that they did was their best to help with the growth and development of the association in positive ways.   

The ASJA is a volunteer organization and was founded by some great people, and for many years has been directed by great people.  I will acknowledge that all of our meetings, since my involvement began, have not been run according to strict corporate protocol, and that there are probably some minor changes necessary to our by-laws.  There is a movement afoot by some to “corporatize” our procedures, meetings etc. as if we were some major public corporation.  We are not --- We are a not for profit Society with a specific mission in mind with the work done by volunteers.  IN SPITE OF OUR PROTOCAL DEFICIENCIES, WE GOT THE JOB DONE!  I hope that the positions in the association remain volunteer positions, and not paid ones, and that the new team, whatever form it takes, doesn’t spend foolishly the Society funds. 

I will miss the communication that I have had with you, the members.   As you are aware, I have been in charge of the communication to the membership, as well as doing the points for the 3 & 5 Star Series.  It has been a lot of work writing all of the emails, magazine articles, newsletters, not to mention ensuring that the points in all of the divisions in both Series were done in a timely manner as was promised to you few years ago.  I have never minded putting in the effort to tackle the list of projects on a daily basis, as I know it makes all of the members, but especially the youth of our association very pleased! It has also been fun promoting the ASJA by talking to all of you many times through either email, or personally while you were attending all of the tournaments that we host for the ASJA benefit.  Your enthusiasm and support for the association’s growth over the past years has not gone unnoted, and I will miss that.

The remaining board members will have to learn how all of the daily operations have been handled in the past few years.  Memberships, communications, and points are the three main items that have to be done daily, and do require the most time and effort.  The points for the Star Series have not been updated for the past two tournaments, and by all of your recent emails I know you are eager to see where you all stand in the Series.  Be patient, as I am sure they will be prepared shortly.

I will channel my efforts into other things, but be assured, that my love for this sport and its development in positive ways is a passion of mine, and I will be looking for ways to benefit the greatest number of you who share a love for the sport as much as I do.

Once again, it has been great serving you as a director of the ASJA, and I hope you can understand why I made this very difficult decision. 

Yours Truly

John C. Anderson

Rocky Mountain Show Jumping

Ps If you have any questions, feel free to send me an email at john@rmshowjumping.com or call me at (403) 256-8652

Stay on the Rocky Mountain Show Jumping mailing list to receive all kinds of information relating to our upcoming events, and the horse industry in general.

Click on the Update Profile/Email Address link below!