[Psml] Merit Mark Comments

[jeff at usps-atlanta.org]

I've been listening to the various arguments for and against the current
Merit Mark system for several years now.  Some of you know that I've
expressed strong views against the system in the past, but I've been willing
to listen to the pros and cons and modify my opinion if I think a strong
case is made.  At this point, I'd like to offer counterpoints to some of the
arguments and offer a proposal.

1.  "The squadron commanders already have enough to do."  Merit mark
recommendations are sent out over the squadron commander's signature now.
If the squadron has a merit mark chair, hopefully the squadron commanders at
least read the recommendations before they send them on.  In the best case,
the recommendations are a collaborative effort between the chair and the
commander to be sure that the best case is presented and that no one is
missed.  I suspect, in the majority of squadrons, the commander ends up
writing the recommendations because the merit mark chair is one more
thankless position that goes unfilled each year.  Some squadrons and
commanders simply don't bother. Allowing the squadron commander to
recommend/approve who gets a merit mark in his squadron will likely reduce
the commander's workload since he/she will no longer be obligated to a
436-character creative writing exercise for each merit mark he/she wants to
issue.

2. "The value of a merit mark will be reduced."  I laugh each time I read
this one.  Would someone care to explain the ultimate value of a merit mark?
With that and $3 you can get a cup of coffee at the KC governing board.
"But with 25 merit marks you'll be awarded Life Member status." Anyone who
stays active in the organization, contributing to the organization, and
paying dues probably deserves recognition regardless of how many merit marks
have been written for them. Besides who is better at deciding who is
contributing to the organization than the squadron commanders.  

3.  "Reduces the "achievement" or "Thank You"..."  Many members have an
outright disdain for national and our archaic/bureaucratic rules.  In some
circles, receiving a merit mark certificate in the mail simply rubs salt in
this wound rather than being an "achievement" or "Thank you."  On the other
hand, having the squadron commander call you to the front of the room and
having your squadron friends clap means a lot more, warms the hearts those
who are contributing, and encourages those who have more to give.

4.  "The wording on SOME of the submissions is really lame"  [couldn't agree
more, Kristi]  Why is this?  Like Officer Effectiveness Reports (OER) in the
military, merit mark writing is an exercise in creative writing.  "Hosted a
meeting" doesn't qualify.  "Cleaned house for three days to host a meeting"
does qualify.  "Class" doesn't mean "Course."  Is it important to our
organization that someone has to clean for three days before hosting a
meeting.  Again, squadron commanders know what someone contributes (and what
they do not).  

5.  "The Area Monitors add an level of credibility..."  We all know that the
process can be gamed to award a MM to anyone, regardless of their real
contribution.  Getting a merit mark should not be a measure of the
commander's or chair's creative writing ability, or his willingness to take
the time to gather the data and write the submissions.

6.  "The DB2000 system..."  I, too, offer a DB2000 workshop at EVERY
district conference.  Some squadrons participate; some do not.  But at every
on where P/Cs or Merit Mark chairs participate the issue of WHY we have this
convoluted/archaic system of doing merit marks comes up.  Not the DB2000
part--that seems to be universally accepted and liked, and people recognize
the effort that John, Dan, et. al. have put into it.  The argument always
goes back to the write, submit, approve/disapprove, rewrite, resubmit, ...
cycle and why all of it is necessary.

7.  "We need something for P/C/Cs to do..."  In some ways the weakest, but
also the strongest argument.  Our P/C/Cs are a treasured asset, respected
and revered by all who know them.  Having them review merit marks is a
horrendous waste of talent.  We could much better use their talents teaching
leadership to squadron commanders and district officers, reviewing new
courses, lobbying at state and federal levels, and helping implement a
vision of growth going forward.

Finally a proposal:  Let squadron commanders recommend merit marks and let
District Commanders review/approve/disapprove them.  Allow districts to
implement the procedures however they want.  In some squadrons/districts, a
form is distributed each fall.  The member fills in what they have done,
courses/classes taught, meetings hosted, ...  A district may choose to
simply send those paper forms to the D/C.  Others may want to use the
current 436-character system.  Within the district, if a D/C has some
question or doubt about a submission, a simple phone call or e-mail, "Are
you sure?" could suffice.  The D/C then simply submits a list of certificate
numbers and names to national.  Some D/Cs may choose to form a committee to
assist/advise, or they may do it themselves.  Regardless, the D/C has the
ultimate responsibility of ensuring the integrity of the process.  Having
the D/C or his rep stand at an annual squadron Change of Watch, call forward
a squadron's MM recipients, and thank them to a round of applause would mean
a lot more than getting a computer-printed form certificate in the mail.

Only my thoughts.  Thanks for taking time to read and think about them.
Jeff