CFC FIDE Representative election - Feb 2021

[Victor Plotkin]

In my opinion Victor's set of skills includes primarily playing and coaching skills. However I'd doubted his diplomacy talents, perhaps, and in any case to get to the level where Vadim already is will take Victor 2 to 5 years - if he is successful...

However Vadim has everything in one package today, ALREADY! So is CFC better off to have someone who'll hopefully deliver something in the next few years at the best, or somebody who has ALL required connections and experience to do it all not even in the next day or two, but actually TODAY?

I believe, you greatly underestimate me. If I had thought that getting to that level would take 2 to 5 years, I wouldn't have run for this position.

[Mahmud Hassain]

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I just received this email from Michael von Keitz and he requested that I post it on his behalf. He had lost his log in contacts.

START

"I am aware that Hal Bond did not happily resign in the middle of his term, and I have been provided with a private explanation for that decision which leaves me deeply concerned for our Federation. Vlad Drkulec has served our Federation with distinction for many years (only John Prentice has had a longer tenure as President), but I am hopeful a suitable candidate will emerge to continue his legacy at the time of the next AGM.

I support Victor Plotkin's candidacy to serve as our FIDE Representative. As highlighted by Victor Itkin, having two Canadians advocating for our Federation within FIDE is an enviable outcome. I fail to see the added value in having one individual serve in two roles within FIDE, when Vadim Tsypin has already proven himself to be in a role which allows for effective advocacy on behalf of Canadian causes.

I am dissatisfied with what appears to me to be a unilateral decision to propose an eighth executive role within our Federation, ostensibly on the basis of gender equality. Among other concerns, this raises the question of why the Federation would consider taking a binary stance on the question of gender, risking potential alienation of other groups. Operating within our existing model, which itself is perhaps antiquated, I would instead encourage the proposed candidate to run for election as the Women's Coordinator during the Federation's next AGM. There is no urgency to this matter.

As a member of our Federation, I feel the Voting Members will be faced with a series of important decisions over the coming weeks and months. A new course is being charted and I do not envy the decision-makers.

Yours in Chess,

Michael von Keitz"


END

[Sasha Starr]

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I just received this email from Michael von Keitz and he requested that I post it on his behalf. He had lost his log in contacts.

START

"I am aware that Hal Bond did not happily resign in the middle of his term, and I have been provided with a private explanation for that decision which leaves me deeply concerned for our Federation. Vlad Drkulec has served our Federation with distinction for many years (only John Prentice has had a longer tenure as President), but I am hopeful a suitable candidate will emerge to continue his legacy at the time of the next AGM.

I support Victor Plotkin's candidacy to serve as our FIDE Representative. As highlighted by Victor Itkin, having two Canadians advocating for our Federation within FIDE is an enviable outcome. I fail to see the added value in having one individual serve in two roles within FIDE, when Vadim Tsypin has already proven himself to be in a role which allows for effective advocacy on behalf of Canadian causes.

I am dissatisfied with what appears to me to be a unilateral decision to propose an eighth executive role within our Federation, ostensibly on the basis of gender equality. Among other concerns, this raises the question of why the Federation would consider taking a binary stance on the question of gender, risking potential alienation of other groups. Operating within our existing model, which itself is perhaps antiquated, I would instead encourage the proposed candidate to run for election as the Women's Coordinator during the Federation's next AGM. There is no urgency to this matter.

As a member of our Federation, I feel the Voting Members will be faced with a series of important decisions over the coming weeks and months. A new course is being charted and I do not envy the decision-makers.

Yours in Chess,

Michael von Keitz"


END

Michael von Keitz... What a mess! Hal Bond did not happily resign... Could be. Vlad Drkulec has served our Federation with distinction for many years. OK. And one day there will be a suitable candidate - good! And I have no problem with Michael's support for Victor Plotkin.

Now things are getting murky. Two Canadians for the price of one? Enviable outcome? I don't think so. With such a fierce competition for the CFC FIDE Representative position there will be a very little incentive for the loser to cooperate in any way with a winner. And if Vadim wins he needs practically nothing from Victor. However the opposite outcome puts Victor in not very enviable position - unless Vadim will show his largesse and will help... In that scenario Victor would completely dependant on Vadim. Would he be willing to provide Victor with a free training?

Well, Victor himself said that once elected he will heavily rely on Vadim's experience, connections, etc. So it implies that there will be more or less lengthy training period. Assuming that Vadim will provide it... But what if not, as I'm afraid?

In any case - obviously the choice is ours to make!

[Christopher Mallon]

My personal feeling is that we of course shouldn't "relegate" women to the Women's Coordinator position. At the same time, isn't it totally ridiculous to have a man in the women's coordinator position? (Yes, I realize that he is often - maybe always? - the only person running for the position.)

Also doesn't it make more sense for an executive board member to have a purpose or job?


Back on topic, however...

Michael von Keitz... What a mess! Hal Bond did not happily resign... Could be.

Sasha, I am not sure why you feel the need to attack everyone who you disagree with, but I take issue with you referring to Michael Von Keitz as "what a mess" ... he had the unenviable task of being in charge of the CFC at the worst time in our history, as he dealt with the office closing, the tail end of an ED era as well as the beginnings of the NFP changeover. When he stepped down as President after 20 months, he received thanks and positive reviews from many people, including multiple members of the current Exec. Here is a public sampling: http://www.chesscanada.info/forum/sh...48-Resignation

And it "could be" true that Hal did not happily resign? I think it's fairly obvious that he's not happy! You are a VM and so you should have already read his resignation letter. Here it is, in case you missed it: http://www.chesscanada.info/forum/sh...representative

[Lloyd Lombard]

Hi Patricia, I have read all the posts in this forum and don't see your other two posts which I would like to read. Can you please either repost them or point to where they can be found ?

[Patricia Gamliel]

Good morning,

There is another short thread to add me at the executive. I can’t find my first thread where I was presenting myself in an informal fashion (the one that triggered Mr. Plotkin’s reply comparing me to his wife after he read that I have three children - remember that he wants to represent the CFC at FIDE). I can't find it right now. But I am fairly present on internet. As for the 2nd post, here it is:

Quote Originally Posted by Patricia Gamliel:

Good evening,
This is my first post and might not be my last. However, please accept that when I do post it might not be to answer posts of others.*
This being said, I believe that as a non-profit org. the CFC is entitled to take advantage of existing government programs including but not limited to loans partially forgivable, the hiring of youth within Canada Summer Jobs programs paid by the government, etc...
Moreover, CFC's revenues can be increased with various groups membership such as, for example, corporate membership and educational institution membership.*Memberships may also allow for tax-deductible donations to the CFC by making Canadian chess activities eligible for such consideration.
This can be accomplished through various paths along which general outreach initiatives to Canadian and multinational corporations. Sponsoring chess shall become a win-win proposition.*As well, the CFC visibility may be increased through the FIDE Social Commission as Chess is a universal language and a tool to help low-income families, newcomers to Canada, refugees, and prison inmates. Grants from corresponding government departments may be available.
Finally, and some of you may have seen it coming, I will help the CFC to achieve gender equality. I will strongly support Canadian girls and women both in chess competitions and in chess governance.

Thank you for inviting me to apply.

Sincerely,

[Patricia Gamliel]

Mr. Mallone.

On part of your post only:

The goal is not to bring me in the CFC because I am a woman but because of what I can do.
My gender really came into play because some people could not see me beyond my gender and THAT is very sad for an organization such as the CFC and I hope this will change.

[Vadim Tsypin]

Mr. Mallone.

On part of your post only:

The goal is not to bring me in the CFC because I am a woman but because of what I can do.
My gender really came into play because some people could not see me beyond my gender and THAT is very sad for an organization such as the CFC and I hope this will change.

Patricia,

As a ranking member of the FIDE Social Commission (SOC) appointed by the FIDE President in 2018, you are well recognized worldwide for your accomplishments and your capabilities - not for your gender. Please rest assured that the Canadian chess community is open-minded, progressive and dynamic. All of us, including the honourable Voting Members, hold close to our heart the values enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. There is no gender discrimination in the CFC.

As the Secretary of the FIDE Management Board - the body whose mandate includes coordination of activities of Non-Elected Commissions - I am privileged to deal on a regular basis both with SOC Chairman Paris Klerides (Cyprus) and with SOC Secretary Philippe Victor Chatelain (Haiti). In all professional discussions with these gentlemen over the years, none of them ever mentioned to me your gender - only your analytical and problem-solving skills that were crucial to so many FIDE SOC projects, such as the disaster relief in the Caribbean and refugee support in Bangladesh.

The FIDE Social Commission ‘‘SOC’’ is dedicated to using chess as a tool for social development. SOC advocates for the use of chess as a tool for social change through action as:

• An equalizer for gender, social and economic development.
• For life skills, ethics, good character development and empowerment.
• A tool to reach out to children-at-risk including those in impoverished communities, refugee camps and those in prisons.
• To work with organizations that aim to combat problems connected to memory loss and aging.

Additionally, SOC will support programs that have a positive impact on many lives. Using chess as a platform to empower teachers in communities, as well as providing support that will help children to develop life skills and promote positive social development. The key is to prepare programs, training and opportunities that empower the people that are using chess as a tool for social development within their bases, whether they are teachers, instructors, and/or social workers.

Providing access to FIDE seminars is a key component to empowering chess promoters and players so they acquire expertise to build chess in their countries. SOC seeks to strengthen the social fabric of communities for encounter through chess that can strengthen the dialogue between generations.
Chess is an amazing game and tool with the power to transform lives!!!

Our vision: Enabling the less privileged in society to realise their full potential in life.
Our Mission: To inspire and transform lives by empowering others.
Our Values: Compassion, Selfless service, Integrity, Accountability and Equal opportunities for all.

SOC cooperates with FIDE member federations in order to achieve its goals.

https://www.cowlinglegal.com/blog/wo...tricia-gamliel

[Egidijus Zeromskis]

As a ranking member of the FIDE Social Commission (SOC) appointed by the FIDE President in 2018

May I ask: was it by your recommendation? You were the adviser of the FIDE President at that moment, were not you?

I have just started my tenure as a vice-president of the CFC back in 2018, and inquired how persons get on FIDE commissions without passing the national federation as there were other appointments what lifted my eyebrows.

[Pierre Dénommée]

May I ask: was it by your recommendation? You were the adviser of the FIDE President at that moment, were not you?

I have just started my tenure as a vice-president of the CFC back in 2018, and inquired how persons get on FIDE commissions without passing the national federation as there were other appointments what lifted my eyebrows.

You need the CFC permission to occupy an elected position within FIDE. Such permission is not required for Non-Elected Commissions, except for the chairman. Furthermore, ounce named, the CFC does not have the Authority to dismiss a Non-Elected Commission member (see 1.4.7). The normal procedure is the appointment of the Chairmen by the FIDE President followed by the appointment of the members chosen by the Chairmen.

1.4

Membership

The following membership conditions and proceedings shall apply to all Commissions with the exception of the Fair Play Commission and Global Strategy Commission.
1.4.1

Each Commission shall consist of:

A Chairman appointed by the FIDE President
Appointing the Chairman of the commission, the FIDE President takes into account the opinion of the Federation to which the relevant candidate belongs
Council consisting of a Secretary and 3 members appointed by the FIDE President
8 members with consultative status: 4 to be appointed by the FIDE President and 1 each nominated by the Continental Presidents.

1.4.2

The secretary of the commission, members and members with consultative status are appointed by the FIDE President upon the proposal of the Chairman of the commission. This rule does not infringe on the right of each Continental Presidents to nominate one member with consultative status.

1.4.3 Upon a proposal from the Chairman of the Commission, the FIDE President has the right to appoint any numbers of members of the commission and members with consultative status at any time.
1.4.4 Members should be appointed on the basis of experience and expertise in the area of competence of the respective Commissions and Committees. Where possible, all Continents should be represented in Commissions. When approving the composition of the commissions, if possible, there should be at least two women in the final composition of each commission.
1.4.5 The FIDE President has the right to appoint an Honorary Commission Chairman. The Honorary Commission Chairman has consultative status.
1.4.6

The period of appointments shall be 4 years commencing right after the session of the General Assembly (GA) devoted to the election of FIDE Officials.

1.4.7 Upon a proposal from the Chairman of the Commission, the FIDE President has the right to terminate with the motivated decision the authority of any commission member, member with consultative status or secretary at any time, and to appoint a replacement simultaneously, except for those that have been nominated by Continental Presidents. Upon a proposal from the Chairman of the Commission, the Continental President has a right to terminate with the motivated decision the authority of member with consultative status who was nominated by the relevant Continental President and to appoint a replacement simultaneously.