Hi Paul,
Would it not be the case that once the Management Committee has been elected then they have a mandate to take quite a lot of decisions without having to consult the membership. I know that I would be quite happy for them to take decisions on most things without direct consultation. It's only on the bigger issues that a vote would be needed. So for instance the decision to protest before a certain game could be taken by the committee, but a decision to change the Unions position on the owners would need to go to the membership.
I doubt anyone believes every decision needs to be voted on by the members. It's not feasable. Something like a press release does not need membership voting.
However, there are issues with which the membership should be involved. SOS has short and long term goals. This is where members input should be used. Not necessarily a vote for every one of them but at least some input for fresh ideas. Or even stale ones.
But one of the issues with which supporters always argue about is the Loyalty program for ticketing. Whether it is the new "Belong" scheme or past versions.
Rather than SOS just complain to the club about it, SOS should draft up options for the club to look at. And this is where the members should be allowed to vote for their preference.
That would be an excellent target for SOS to choose. No doubt there will be many grumblings. Because any time something is changed, you will get that. But if SOS can demonstrate that a majority of their members agree, then there's a reason for the club to respond.
I also think that SOS should take a vote on the type of protest to have. Some want demonstrations inside Anfield. Others just outside by the Directors box. Some want protest marches. Some want half time protests. I think SOS should find out what the members want. And of course explain to the members, first, what is allowed legally along with what that entails. You just don't do one without a lot of planning, something some members do not factor into the equation.
Maybe even allow the members to pick a match to have a protest. It doesn't have to be when G&H are there. They'll get the message anyway.
Those are the type of things that members should be voting on. Imho.