Leadership, followership, what do we want, what do we need?
This week, we solicit comments on what should we expect from a 501(c)(3) that COULD NOT EXIST without its volunteers. You can have a nice Mission Statement (ours is lovely! - see it at the SBWCN web site) but what does that mean in practice?
"Ours"? - what is the structure of the SBWCN, who makes the decisions? It's the Board of Directors but who chooses them. What are the qualifications? How long do they stay? What do they do besides that all-important raise money? Why not be a membership organization, as are so many others?
What’s right, what needs improvement, how did the SBWCN use to be?, how is it now? what do you like? what do you not like? and anything else you want to say. From a mostly all volunteer organization of a year or so ago, the WCN has two full time staff people, out during this quiet time at the Center rounding up new volunteers, we assume - any suggestions for new volunteers?
...But, hey, this is not a questionnaire - these are but thought-provokers, do with them as you will. First, read SBeak’s thoughtful observations on leadership in non-profits. Scroll down the POND, POND, POND comment section to near the end.
To see what people are saying, click on COMMENTS and scroll to the bottom to see the most recent posts.
Messages from: gulled in SB, Sharon, a city bird watcher, Gabriele Drozdowski, E. Mtn Drive Charis, with the usual mischief of anonymice
posted by citizenRB @ 1/27/2006 10:06:00 AM
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12 Comments:
Interesting "thought-provokers." Too many to deal with in one post - they should be spread out.
I like the idea of a membership organization. It gives much more the sense of belonging. Volunteering is really about the people. I am there to help the cause, but I stay because of the people, the other volunteers.
"Management" should be invisible — it sticks in my craw when I see a paid staffer doing the care work, for instance, while I am relegated to sweeping the floor. I can sweep any number of floors (including my own ;) ) but that's not why I volunteer at the WCN or at a couple of other non-profits. (Actually, at those, it is the staff that sweeps and cleans while we volunteers do the caring. Cleanliness is ALWAYS important in care facilities, human - where I spend time - and wildlife.)
Allt hose other questions, the board (I don't know anything - might be fun to be on the board, though), the past (I don't know - onlyt here for 3-4 years - I hope someo fthe longtimers will write), but membership? yes, let's have it be a membership with meetings and committees and having something to say in policies. We could have virtual meetings, since most of us have e-mail, with e-mailed minutes.
I look forward to what others will say.
The Board of Directors sets the policies; the staff implements; the volunteers do the actual care.
Unlike other nonprofit Boards, usually 3 years, this Board has no set term of service. They leave when they want to leave - and there seems, from the changes on the letterhead - the printing bill must be high! - to have been a turnover in the last several years. Others have been there from the beginning.
Such longevity is good for continuity but it is bad, too - these longtermers can begin to think it is their Board, their Network. Adult Ed of City College gives a course in boards of non-profits and how they should be.
And the volunteers (of course, board members are also volunteers), we're the foot soldiers, not consulted on policy and, fair to say, many of us not interested except for our particular species of interest.
This hierarchy with no formal communication channels with the volunteers, no regular newsletter, no e-letters, can lead to top heavy self-importance at the expense of the Mission, an "us" and "them" situation. "Can lead" - does it? I fear it does.
On Membership…I am a “member” of AAA, and for that I get assistance when I lock myself out of my own car. I am a “member” of the ACLU, and for that I kid myself in believing I am in some small way protecting my own and others civil liberties. I am a “member” of National Audubon Society, and for that I get great monthly tips and guided bird walks. ETC. All of these “memberships” cost me $money$. Is this what WCN means by “membership?
I volunteer for WCN because of the FEELINGS I have when I hold a sick Pelican and whisper words of reassurance as medicine is being administered. I volunteer because of the gratification that comes from giving time and energy for reasons OTHER than money. I would not become a “member” of WCN, and pay financial dues to then be allowed to then give my time. I view the time I give as a volunteer as my dues. I can only speak for myself when saying that writing a check for $35 to become a “member” is a hollow event, giving me little to no genuine satisfaction. Furthermore, including only those who have the funds to become a “member” excludes those who only have time to give, and not the money. “Membership” sounds like another paper generating, money inspired, wasteful event.
On Leadership…I am not familiar with “The Board” but cannot help but wonder…how did the “Board” members become the leaders? Are they X volunteers? Had they logged endless hours in the field before escalating to the top of the food chain? Or are they, like so many other leaders, totally and wholly unfamiliar with the actual act of volunteering – a.k.a giving for no other reason than to give. Do they hold some special internal empathy for wildlife, or are they just good at generating revenue? In my humble opinion, people who are motivated by money cannot properly lead people motivated by the heart. They are separate universes. And I will not follow any leader whose motivations are guided solely by financial principals.
I don't think the WCN is thinking about membership - in fact, someone said that Joanne St. John said flatly at the summer meeting at the Center that membership is not being considered.
I think it would be a good idea for those who want to be a member. I, too, belong to AAA and Audubon, etc. But I also am a member of the local group, Citizens Planning Association - and my membership gets me nothing but a vote on committees making policy ---- and that's what I want, a voice. (Non members also can participate on those committees and activities, only difference being in voting.)
(moving this timely post from Sharon from POND, POND, POND where it might be lost - note: she has two earlier posts there about the rehab. conf. and oppossums.)
Sharon said...
My goodness, this blog is quite!! Cindy Grossman got a job...the bad news is that it's in Montana! If any of you would like to go to a farwell party for her, let me know. It wil be on Wed the 8th 6:00 at Pepe's in Goleta.
contact me at critters93111@aol.com
1/30/2006 1:12 PM
Sharon said, My goodness, this blog is quiet! ---
Indeed, and that says to me that everything is good or no one gives a proverbial hoot, that people are apathetic. I tend towards the latter.
"As applied to the mind, apathy is a calmness, indolence, or state of indifference, incapable of being ruffled or roused to active interest or exertion by pleasure, pain, or passion.
Synonyms: Insensibility; unfeelingness; indifference; unconcern; stoicism; supineness; sluggishness.
(Webster's definitions)
If you're happy with the state of things, that's cool! If you're not and are silent, you get what you ask for, what you deserve.... At least that's how I see things.
People talking without speaking,
People hearing without listening,
People writing songs that voices never share,
and no one dare disturb the Sound of Silence.
Simon & Garfunkel, Sounds of Silence
I am an "old timer"and here are my thoughts, for what they are worth. Membership organizations have different specs in the non-profit world. Basically memberships are to generate money and anyone can become a member by paying their dues. Many members then support the organization with only their flat $25(or whatever the fee is to join)and do not want to be an active part of the organization. It is not a solution to getting people involved hands and hearts on!!I, myself,think it is wrong to ask people that are doing the actual care to pay a fee to be a member.I actually think I remember we were once member oriented...I am on a number of boards and on some advisory councils.Some boards are working boards and some are not. All advisory councils are made up of hands on individuals. Maybe this is the direction we should take. I think our board members all have an interest in wildlife or they would not give so much of their time to SBWCN! But something needs to change! I have felt that we, the hands on care givers, have to beg for moral and financial support when we are the ones that make the organization what it is by devoting our precious time and pouring our hearts out to these critters so that SBWCN lives it's mission statement. When volunteers do not feel appreciated and do not feel they have a say...something is dramatically wrong!! This is not a work place where everyone is replacable! We are special folks and when the good ones give up who will train the new ones and what will happen to all the poor critters that so desparately need our help! Please..do not give up! Let's keep working towards a solution that will work. As for the comment about the volunteer sweeping the floor...The paid staff should be training and deligating hands on care. Unfortunately they are new also and are learning themselves!I am rarely at the center, but they need guidence..suggest that you be taught or be allowed to observe treatment so that next time you can do treatment and they can sweep! All of us must be willing to make suggestions so that situations can improve. Then again, all of us should be willing to sweep floors and rinse out poopy bedding! All aspects of animal care are important from the messy, smelly things to the more fullfilling chores.I would expect that even a business oriented board member be willing to sweep and clean cages if that was what was needed. No one can be above these things when it comes to doing what we do!! I work with a lot of volunteers and I understand they are there to have critter contact. I try to give them that but also need help with the dirty work too. Let's train our supervisors as they try to train themselves and us! We must all dialog and work to making SBWCN better!! We dreamed of a center since day one and now we are slowly getting there. We are experiencing growing pains and for every mistake made I hope many more valuable lessons will be learned!
Cindy Grossman's party is not at Pepe's. It is Fri the 4th at 6:00 at Nancy Callahan's ranch. email her for directions and gate combos!! callahan-n@sa.ucsb.edu
Hello SBWCN volunteers,
I’m a former SBWCN volunteer who was directed to this blog by another SBWCN volunteer, and I must say my heart is heavy after reading everything.
My husband and I designed and built the original seabird pond, which initially upgraded seabird care from bathtubs and cardboard boxes to an open air pond setting. During our volunteer time we cared for approx. 1300 seabirds over seven years. In addition to rehabbing 7 days a week, I’ve trained over 100 volunteers and served on the board. Both my husband and I have gone out on thousands of rescues, did phone duty for several years, designed the first SBWCN website (portions of which are still up, Bert the Raven, Great Egret Story), and presented educational programs for SBWCN.
Eventually I became fatigued and made the heartbreaking decision to resign. I will spare you the details (still too painful), but the issues closely reflect those expressed here.
I am posting my original letter of resignation below, not to ask for sympathy, but to show that the same issues are still preventing the network from truly becoming successful. IT COULD HAVE BEEN WRITTEN TODAY, 8 years later. I also have no intentions to re-join SBWCN, as I work full-time on my raptor education program Eyes In The Sky.
Since I resigned from SBWCN, I have continued to rehabilitate, taking in 90% of all injured raptors for SBWCN, but no longer work under their permit. Although SBWCN often advertises raptors in its literature and articles, no credit is ever given to the Ojai Raptor Center or me, and I do not receive any compensation for food, housing, or medicine.
Nevertheless it has truly been my hope that things had improved. The grants from Wendy McCaw and Santa Barbara Foundation seemed to finally have given SBWCN some breathing room to address some of the core management issues that have hindered the organization's progress over the years.
I believe that the structural problems were initially caused by high stress levels due to too few rehabbers, too many birds, and everyone having to wear too many hats.
I've watched from a distance with high hopes, as more management-type people joined the board, and the funding improved. SBWCN’s cause is such a noble one, and any person that heals or helps a wild one is likely to get spiritually uplifted by participating. The job is a hard one, and emotionally challenging at the least. It is therefore equally important to nurture volunteers, at least through respect and trust. Our wildlife deserves the best, if not more.
There's never been a shortage of competent, caring, willing volunteers for this cause, but I've seen many of the best and brightest people leave, discouraged or worn-out.
I want to applaud who set up this blog. Respectful discussion/dialogue are the cornerstones of every effective non-profit organization, and perhaps through such efforts on your part, these faults can finally be corrected so that the network can at last function at good health and vigor.
Best wishes to all of you,
Gabriele Drozdowski
P.S. This post is likely to ruffle some old feathers....and may lead to a Dick Cheney-like response :)
"Dear Board Members,
As of March 18, 1998, I am resigning from the SBWCN Board of Directors, as well as from all volunteer activities for an indefinite duration. I have come to the difficult conclusion that continuing my association with the Network would damage my spiritual and emotional well-being.
I thank the SBWCN for providing me the opportunity to apply my heart and soul toward such a worthy cause. I also thank SBWCN for sponsoring my training so that I could do the best possible job for the animals entrusted into my care. I hope that my seven years of service have been worth the investment.
As you know, I have made the SBWCN the full-time priority in my life, many times choosing to place SBWCN business ahead of my work and family. Among the things I enjoyed contributing to the group, I am pleased to have helped bring the OWCN project this far along.
During this time, Jim and I cared for over 1300 seabirds, designed, constructed and maintained the pond and its filtration system, and took on other projects ranging from oil spill response to phone duty, volunteer training and community outreach. In return, our lives were enriched with much learning and countless profound experiences, along with frustration and often fatigue. I know you are all more than familiar with the challenges of this work and with the stamina it demands.
I have come to a point of exhaustion. However, as difficult as this work can be, it is only the organizational structure and interpersonal dynamics of the group that has brought me to this hard decision.
In practice, both the Network’s procedures and the responsibilities of its officers and committees are ambiguous and continually changing. Long-range planning and day-to-day operations are managed haphazardly by a shifting patchwork of assumption, individual interpretation and uneven access to information. Since people cannot be sure of how any decision will be made, nor of the scope of anyone’s authority in any given circumstance, much is lost to inefficiency, confusion, and discouragement.
In my experience, there is a persistent negative undercurrent in the group’s interactions. Respect and appreciation are too often in short supply. Gossip, personal attacks, and private alliances are the norm. These destructive activities are common even in committee and board meetings. Volunteers that leave are labeled weak or unworthy and their efforts are quickly dismissed by many who remain.
In this atmosphere, the Network’s already slim resources are over-burdened. Insofar as creativity is discouraged, ability and enthusiasm are suspected, and volunteers are taken for granted and intimidated, the group continually loses people, ideas, and opportunities. This dedicated group of caregivers has returned many animals to the wild over the years. Now, however, as the scope of the Network’s responsibility and its presence in the community has suddenly increased tenfold, where will sufficient resources be found to meet these new demands?
Although these negative behaviors and ineffective organizational structures are noticed and commented upon, there are no guidelines in place to correct them, and so they flare up at the next crisis - and the next…. No one is held accountable for inappropriate behavior or conduct. Instead, the one line I wrote into the mission statement that addressed the issue of constructive teamwork was removed. To me the process is at least as important as the end result, in part because achieving our goals is dependent on the effectiveness of our means.
I’m now completing loose ends on those projects that I’ve been handling for the group, and transferring them to others. If anyone needs further information or advice, I will be available by phone through the end of March. Please arrange to remove all SBWCN equipment and supplies during that time, by appointment. After April 1st, I will not be available to work on Network business.
I wish all of you well, and I wish the Network every success in the future.
Sincerely,
GD"
Thank you, Ms Drozdowski, for your kind words about this blog and, especially, for your thoughtful reflections about caring for wildlife.
It does sound la plus ca change, la plus c'est la meme chose — although there do not seem to be the gossip and petty alliances that you referred to. Instead, the impressions that waft are illusions/delusions of power, weak personal relationship skills and the usual in animal care, of too little knowledge being a dangerous thing.
My timing with the SBWCN dates after yours - I have not had the pleasure of meeting you. However, I have heard, of course, of the good work that you have been doing with raptors.
I was very pleased to read in the SB N-P on 1/25 that you will be partnering with the Museum of Natural History, with grants from them and the S. B. Foundation. Well done and CONGRATULATIONS!
Again, thank you for your observations. It is the strong hope here that we can effect some changes in approach that will result in improved care of wildlife (and the nurturing of volunteers) — and (dreamers though we may be) that we all can work together for the common good, the care of wildlife.
Have any of you stopped by the center to pick up the M O U they talk about? Anyone going to the meeting on the 8th??
No, I don't get into Santa Barbara except on weekends. What meeting on the 8th?
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