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Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

WWYD? Rude behaviour at a committee meeting. I'm not sure how to deal with it.

82 replies

LeanneFromEpsom · 14/02/2024 10:49

Hope this isn't too long. I need to set the context. I also wasn't sure where to post it. I guess it's about relationships of sorts. Definitely not AIBU. Sorry for the length.

I'm on a committee with four other people, two women in their 60s, the chair who is a man in his 60s and then another man my own age, and then me. My role is the comms person, which is the simplest and least involved part which works for me because of other commitments. I don't even do the social media, someone else does that. I send out newsletters quarterly and occasional bulletins. The over 60s don't work, I do and so does the guy my age. I have a very demanding full time role with extra committee work for that (four work related committees) on top of it and I also have another part time work commitment on top of all of that, so this small element of committee work suits me. We have committee meetings every 6 weeks or so and I host them at my place of work (to save the cost of hiring a venue). The three older people are very very involved with this. I am committed to it too but my time investment is less for practical reasons.

I send out a newsletter quarterly, it goes out via email and also to those who request it via snail mail. I produce them from articles submitted, the chairperson gets them printed and delivers them for me to put in envelopes (that I go out and buy, along with stamps) and create mailing labels and then go and find a letterbox to post them in.

The last newsletter went out the day I was due back from holiday. I sent it out using the mailing list (email list) and then realised the next day that I hadn't copied in the committee members, so they got a copy the next day. It's easy just to cc them in for next time, but I blame jet lag.

At the committee meeting yesterday one of the other members turned on me asking why I had done that, nobody knew it had gone out and said "I'm going to be rude here you are not very efficient." I'd just worked a 9 hour day without a break and gone straight to this meeting from 6.30 - 8pm after also getting some very bad news about a family member. The other woman joined in. The men just looked on.

The thing is she is probably right, I didn't do a brilliant job last time. I accept that. But that was not the forum to raise it in front of everyone as a personal attack. I had the wind taken out of me and I didn't even respond, just nodded. She does a great job on the committee herself, but I chose this role because of the time factor. I see this as bullying, and she was right, she was rude.

If I challenge her, either 1-1 or in the group, then I think the other members might gang up on me. I think the chair was remiss in not stepping in. I'm usually very good at standing up for myself but yesterday I was just exhausted. On top of all that, I was using public transport and there was a breakdown there, resulting in me getting home at midnight. That's not her fault but it added to the crapness of the day. If I don't say anything then I'm not setting boundaries.

WWYD?

OP posts:
PermanentTemporary · 14/02/2024 21:09

I can't believe anyone commented on such a complete non-issue.

I would also feel unable to push back in the meeting - to say 'Goodness yes, you are being rude about a tiny administrative bump. Is everything ok at home?' So really, if they are going to treat you like this you have to ask yourself if it's worth the bother.

I need to make myself do some volunteering soon and this sort of nonsense is what puts me off. If I have to deal with this crap I'll get paid for it.

Irridescantshimmmer · 14/02/2024 21:34

Give them notice and quit.

Don't blame yourself for it, let them find out the hard way whats involved and make life easier for you.

badhappenings · 14/02/2024 22:01

I would leave her to it and let her sort it out.

Life's too short to be in the presence of rude people like that, so why put yourself through it.

UngratefulOldCabbage · 15/02/2024 07:21

I've been on voluntary committees - if someone was rude to me like this and others joined in, especially over something so small, I'd be taking my time and effort elsewhere. I suggest you do the same....and take the venue they use for free with you as well.

endofthelinefinally · 15/02/2024 07:30

I have done a lot of volunteering all my life. I am sorry to say, some of the worst behaviour I have witnessed was from a fairly well known charity. I think that there is a certain type of person who gets carried away with a small amount of power and status. They forget that they are not the boss/employer and that the other volunteers are giving their time and skills free.
As you are not an employee, it is perfectly fine to go and offer your time elsewhere.

Roussette · 15/02/2024 07:35

I so agree with the fact that some people turn into wannabe chief executives or MDs. They never really made it in real life and wield the power in a pathetic way in a voluntary role

CoraPirbright · 15/02/2024 14:07

Good grief! A really minor oversight that had zero repercussions! And they speak to you like this?!!

Glad you have emailed the Chair. Life’s too short for this shit. They can find another venue for their bloody meetings!!

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