New Blog: ChessUSA.blogspot.com

From ChessUSA.blogspot.com:

Back in 2003 the United States Chess Federation, the organization that is the governing body for chess in America, decided to embark on a new course regarding governance. Before 2003, members of the Executive Board and its predecessor, the Policy Board, had been chosen by the delegates appointed by the 51 or so state chapters. In 2003 the USCF sent out ballots to all adult members to vote for the Executive Board under a new system called "One Man One Vote" or OMOV.

Whether or not OMOV is better than the previous methods of electing governance is debatable. What is not debatable is that the new system has created a substantial need for informing the now enfranchised regular membership of the USCF. Since the implementation of OMOV informing the voting members has been extremely spotty. A great number of members do not even know they are supposed to vote in the biannual and special elections. The USCF has fallen woefully short of creating the necessary means of informing the voting membership.

The USCF Forums is one method of creating an environment of information and interaction between the membership and governance that the USCF has tried. While there has been some success with the Forums, severe problems regarding the politicizing of Forums management and negative interference from governance have hindered a free flow of information between membership, management, and governance.

It is the intent of this blog to try to help bridge the gap that remains in the necessary flow of vital information to the membership and to present information, news, and other items of interest to the American chess public and help support the mission of the USCF.

Below is the USCF's Mission Statement:

USCF is a not-for-profit membership organization devoted to extending the role of chess in American society.

USCF promotes the study and knowledge of the game of chess, for its own sake as an art and enjoyment, but also as a means for the improvement of society. It informs, educates, and fosters the development of players (professional and amateur) and potential players. It encourages the development of a network of institutions devoted to enhancing the growth of chess, from local clubs to state and regional associations, and it promotes chess in American schools.

To these ends, USCF offers a monthly magazine, as well as targeted publications to its members and others. It supervises the organization of the U.S. chess championship, an open tournament every summer, and other national events. It offers a wide range of books and services to its members and others at prices consistent with the benefit of its members.

USCF serves as the governing body for chess in the United States and as a participant in international chess organizations and projects. It is structured to ensure effective democratic procedures in accord with its bylaws and the laws of the state of Illinois.

Discuss it HERE.