Dear NAF Coaches,
When the Board of Ethics worked on the Code of Conduct last year, we raised several issues about the charter. We suggested it needed to be updated and addressed the issue of the NAF as a legal entity.
Due to the recent situation it has become obvious that the current state is no longer tolerable and “back to normal” is not an option. Therefore we have offered our help in the process of reworking the charter by laying out a roadmap on how to create a new, updated one.
There is no perfect solution, but we are convinced that our idea is a good compromise and we hope you will agree. Our goal is creating a transparent and inclusive process that is still efficient and will produce results. These are the steps:
- In the next few days, we will reach out to a list of experienced coaches seeking volunteers to take on this immense job. We are trying to keep this “core group” diverse by having as many communities represented as possible.
- These names will be made public once the coaches agree. Ideally, within the next two weeks, we will publish that list of names. These coaches will act as contact people as well as providing input and expertise. If you feel like you can add something very specific to the group, you can submit your application at this point. An e-mail address will be announced.
- Once this group is settled and has established their own procedure and a more defined roadmap, this will be handed to the NAF for approval.
- This “core group” will take questions, requirements and suggestions from their local communities. There will also be multiple check-in points where everyone can provide feedback, discuss publicly or send in suggestions.
- We cannot start from scratch on a public level. This core group will, with the help of experts, create this draft for a new charter as soon as possible.
- This draft will be presented periodically with commentary to explain the process and ask questions when the group needs feedback from the community. This will happen multiple times if needed.
- At the same time, a sub-group will work on a legal framework in which the charter can live. This is absolutely necessary.
- In November, ideally, the document can be translated into multiple languages so that all NAF members can vote on adopting this new, updated charter.
We emphasize that this process will not be dictated by the NAF Committee or the Board of Ethics. It will be its own independent entity.
No matter how we go about this, the process will not be easy. This will be a mountain of work. We are asking you to let the volunteers within these groups do their work in peace. Patience is needed by all parties involved. There will be setbacks and disagreements, but this is the most important task for our organization to not only grow and thrive, but also heal.
We are counting on you!
The NAF Board of Ethics