Intern Avis For NUFOC - 1978 no 11

Magazine Overview

This document is the "INTERN avis for NUFOC" (Internal Newsletter for NUFOC), issue number 11, dated December 31, 1978. It serves as an internal communication organ for the Norsk UFO Center (NUFOC), a Norwegian UFO organization.

Organizational Changes and New Publications

The newsletter announces significant changes for 1979. The "Intern Avis" and "UFO-Forum" will be discontinued and replaced by a new publication called "Internt UFO Forum." This new internal forum will focus on organizational matters, reports, and material for specifically interested members, distinct from the main UFO magazine.

A major development is the planned collaboration with SEMIC Norge A/S. This partnership aims to launch a professional, high-quality Norwegian UFO magazine. The magazine, to be marketed by SEIIC, will be published bimonthly, with an initial print run of 15,000 copies, and will feature approximately 35-40 pages, partly in color. NUFOC will supply content for this magazine, which is intended to be serious and target the 25-30 age group. SEMIC will handle professional production and marketing, while NUFOC will act as the content provider. NUFOC may also seek financial support from SEMIC for special investigations. The "Internt UFO Forum" will complement the SEMIC magazine by covering internal organizational news and topics not suitable for the broader publication.

Regional and Sectional Updates

The newsletter details several organizational updates regarding regional leadership. A new department leader for Nord-Norge has been appointed: Engineer Knut Rønning, based in Bodø. The Møre og Romsdal section has been officially established, led by Per A. Hatlen (administrative) and Vilhelm Børs-Lind (technical/operational). This section has received positive attention in local media. The leadership for the Øst section is changing, with Odd Gunnar Røed from Tønsberg taking over from Fru Elbjørg Fjeldberg. Røed is noted for his success in building the Østlandets section and organizing the Nordic Meeting in '78.

New county leader positions are being established for 1979 in Østfold, Vestfold, and Buskerud, with Arne Smevik, Odd Gunnar Røed, and Tom R. Lemb expected to fill these roles, respectively. The need for new section leaders in Hedmark, Oppland, and Akershus is also mentioned, along with a question about a leader for Oslo. For the VEST region, Møre og Romsdal will be under its purview, with Per A. Hatlen being a likely candidate. Hans Aars is recommended as a county leader for Aust-Agder.

The Midt-Norge region, encompassing the two Trøndelag counties and potentially Møre og Romsdal, is also being reorganized. The aim is to create a more unified national organizational structure. Anton Lidstrøm is expected to lead Nord-Trøndelag, and efforts are underway to find a leader for Sør-Trøndelag.

Governance and Structure Proposals

A significant portion of the newsletter discusses proposals for NUFOC's top-level governance. The current structure, established in 1976 with a national board (Landsstyre) composed of the central administration (SA) and regional leaders, is being re-evaluated. A proposal, primarily from Arne Smevik, suggests a revised structure:

1. Congress (Kongressen): The highest legislative body, consisting of all leaders, meeting once every four years to decide on laws and regulations.
2. Committee (Komiteen): A group of 4-5 individuals elected by the Congress. Their tasks include ensuring Congress decisions are followed and relieving the SA of some of its workload.
3. National Board (Landsstyret): Composed of leaders, meeting annually for planning, discussion, and deciding on specific issues. The proposal emphasizes the need for broader participation and shared responsibility within the organization.

The SA believes this structure will meet the demands for effectiveness and efficiency, and suggests the Congress could convene early in the new year.

Freelance Collaborators and Internal Issues

The newsletter also addresses the role of freelance collaborators. With the new SEMIC collaboration, NUFOC plans to expand its offerings to interested individuals, allowing them to register as freelance collaborators without extensive commitment. This system aims to simplify the process for those who wish to contribute without becoming full members.

A more somber note is struck regarding internal issues. The newsletter mentions that several individuals from the Lillestrøm area have resigned from NUFOC, effective January 1, 1979. The reasons cited include disagreements at the national meeting, internal conflicts, and dissatisfaction with the SEMIC collaboration being pushed through by organizational leaders. The newsletter suggests that some individuals may be pursuing personal financial gain, and that there are forces within NUFOC seeking a split. The editor states this is not a criticism but a warning to NUFOC about potential future challenges.

Resignation of Elbjørg Fjeldberg

The newsletter includes a formal statement from Elbjørg Fjeldberg explaining her resignation from the Øst section leadership, effective January 1, 1979. She cites "strong internal conflicts within NUFOC in 1978" as the reason for her departure, expressing regret but deeming it necessary. The newsletter acknowledges her significant contributions, including securing the NUFOC's cooperation agreement with the Defense Command and informal agreements with laboratories for soil sample analysis. Her efforts in organizing events, exhibitions, and national meetings are also highlighted. Her past experience with the "Giganten Fritidsklubb" is also mentioned positively. The central administration expresses regret at losing such a capable and well-liked colleague.

Financial Report

The issue includes the annual financial report for 1978 for the Hovedkassen (Main Cashier). The balance sheet as of December 31, 1978, shows total assets and liabilities of 19,256.21. The profit and loss account for the same period indicates expenses of 7,375.56 and income of 24,450.00, resulting in a net deficit of 3,366.22 for the year. The report details various accounts, including Kassakonto (Cash Account), Postgirokonto (Postal Giro Account), and regional NUFOC accounts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The dominant themes in this issue are organizational development, strategic partnerships, and internal governance. The newsletter reflects a proactive approach to managing NUFOC's growth and structure, aiming for greater professionalism and efficiency. The editorial stance appears to be one of transparency regarding internal challenges and a commitment to navigating them through proposed structural reforms and collaborations. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of internal communication and member engagement, as evidenced by the introduction of "Internt UFO Forum" and the discussion on broadening leadership participation. The resignation of a key figure and the mention of internal strife highlight the challenges faced by the organization in maintaining unity and focus.