What happened at OCA recently transpired a coup that had been planned for at least a year. I knew that it was coming; but I kept on despite the fact that I have expressed interest in resigning from volunteer post nine months ago due to the lack of support and irreconciliable differences in terms of vision.
I was frustrated over a non-realistic vision of building expansion and capital campaign to pay off the loan. In the midst of economic down turn and state budget cuts; many influential boards voted to go ahead with capital campaign. I chose not to fight and went with the plan. A capital campaign to raise $2.6 mil to pay off the building in the midst of budget reduction for services and programs....It was unrealistic. The boards were charged with the tasks making business and government contacts and I was charged to follow up with funding proposals and the rest. Three months into the process; one board came to me with one business contact. How in the world is one going to raise $2.6 mil after the economic crisis. Not impossible, but collective works must be mobilized.
Political meeting was another major clash. When I took office, I amended some policies regarding political meetings to be held at OCA. We are a non-profit and non-political entity. Thus, I did what I considered sensible by enforcing the rule that political meetings are allowed only with the condition that they get prior approval and applicants must put down a $100 deposit for property damage (refundable) and $20 for space rental. It was only fair because we need a custodian to be around and clean after the meeting. Some influential members of the community and boards found my ideas to be irrational and took them as personal attack. It was quite a feud and took long time to heal....
OCA's chairs stolen by an influential figure's daughter and a self-proclaimed founder of OCA in a broad day light got quite a heat from me. Another upseting episode for the family...After all, it was run like a family affair, I am just a new kid on the block.
That particular incidence sparked an interest for the family to challenge me by way of becoming a board. With much controversy, the boards, loss by one vote decided to not allow this individual to become board....another fuel tossed into the fire...
A loyal and trusted individual and an insider who was the hope of the family for eventual victory was charged with sexual harrasement by a client he served. The complaint was raised by County for OCA to take immediate action. I did what was right to get OCA out of lawsuit. The person was terminated with proper legal consultation. It was the biggest embarrassment because the individual was a pioneer and has served OCA for than 20 years. He was the candidate that the family had favored for the executive director's position over me during the selection process. I was rediculed for siding with women. It was the straw that broke the camel's back.
As you can see....there were many strange and odd things that happened. I was not able to do enough in terms of getting people on my side because I refused to do what was considered wrong. I challenged the terms and limitations of board membership and only to be met with retaliation and vegeance.
Well, enough said....I look forward to live in peace. For once in two years, I have fell so much weigh lifted off my shoulders.
Thank you for listening.
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