The most wonderful things can come out of bad things!
Even after our very strained, widely debated Special Meeting!
Introductory Comments
When the kind of interactions that took place at our last meeting occur, it becomes very awkward for all of us. We would prefer not to deal with it, not to confront anyone. Many of us prefer to avoid conflict, because it is unpleasant. Since last year April, the Executive have tried to contain conflict by answering letters from Paul Hooper by dealing with the facts only and not responding to the implied insults, even when provoked. We have put Paul's requested items on the Agenda for discussions; repeated agenda items when he was not present for discussion on those items; various members have met with him; had discussions with him; had special board meetings about the negative behaviour. There was a serious discussion about summarising the last minutes in order to avoid further unpleasantness - until legal advice contradicted this. The events of the last meeting made it impossible for us not to deal with matters in a more definite way. A number of members have approached me to discuss what happened - each with their own perceptions and opinions on what the Executive should do. Feedback has been delayed due to the postponement of the March meeting, so this is a quick Pre-Easter Break reportback because of the long time delay between the Special Meeting and our next one. I believe the keeping of secrets can only further endanger the good work of the Forum, giving rise to rumours.
In order to be transparent, it is unavoidable to say some things in a straightforward way. I know this is not easy for everyone. Unfortunately, Paul has publicly attacked both Janice and the Executive on several occasions, which puts the discussion in the public forum. Therefore the following letter is unavoidably frank.
1) Report back on Actions taken by the Exec
since the Special Meeting
2) Debate on whether the Executive have taken strong enough action
3) Just how we are flying and preparing to fly higher
1. Actions taken:
The Exec followed the Directive given by the Special Meeting
:
We wrote (twice because we received no answer to the first letter) to Paul, in his personal capacity and not as Homestead, stating that the meeting found his behaviour unacceptable, asked him to resolve his relationship with the Forum before attending another meeting, offered to meet with him and a facilitator
to resolve issues. Most importantly, we asked him to send a Homestead representative to the meetings while the matter is being resolved. The Forum values the participation of the Homestead, values Paul's ideas, but not his behaviour over the last year. Unfortunately, Paul's reply is that he regards his suspension as a suspension of Homestead as a whole.
Janice
has since
tried to set up an appointment to see Paul (twice because she received no answer to the first message left). His response was that meeting at her level was not required, but at Executive Level, where he wanted answers to his questions.
The Executive feels that this has been done in fullness and with much patience.
2.
Debate on whether the Executive have taken strong enough actionA
number of role players and advisors
have been consulted
, and have approached the Forum
.
Two
strong attitudes
- The Executive has not acted strongly enoug
h. ie. The Homestead's Board must be informed of his behaviour.
No more action needs to be taken.
The Executive considered stronger action and have a plan which for now is on hold until further and final debate is held soon.
It has been a busy month filled with Really Crucial Work.
As regards stronger action
,
the questions must be asked
:
- What will the consequences of stronger action be
?
- Will
s
tronger action
serve our core business? - Will anything change or will the resulting acrimony consume our further attention and take us away from our work?
In every discussion,
the conclusion is that both viewpoints are fairly evenly weighted.
My own feelings have vacillated from side to side but for now I am convinced we must focus on our calling and build the Forum to do more and stronger work.
Stronger action can be actioned at any time. This also remains a debate for those NPO’s who
have experienced similar difficulties with the same roleplayer.
3.
Just how we are flying and preparing to fly higher.
These are the wonderful bits!
We are building a Solid Framework for Future Years
At my first AGM as Chair I noticed some weaknesses in the Constitut
ion:
the CCID's executive membership contradicted the Constitution
the stated aim of being a 'province-wide' forum was contradicted by the Constitution which made it very difficult for long distance members who could not travel to meetings.
My small hope to have some changes has resulted in bigger and better changes thanks to the wisdom of all at that Special Meeting.
As a result of the Special Meeting Nic
k from TEAHMO has now consulted NPO-specialist lawyers (for free) who found the whole Constitution needs to be reborn!!!! This will enable fuller participation of ALL members from far and near.
Also Stacey and Janice are working on finding a legally acceptable method of all members participating which is accessible and affordable
.
A C
ode of Conduct has been born - thank you for your comments!
Further good news!
· Janice has had rave reviews from the spate of good workshops held recently
.
· The Hardened Street Kids group has made enormous strides with Janice supporting Pat and Headman in some innovative moves they have made.
· The executive will appoint a new staff member this week
.
· We have a new
forum in the Northern Suburbs.
I thank the Executive for all the time spent on this over the last weeks and weeks to come!
Thanks everyone else for their support, wise words and actions.
So far we do not have
a
first prize solution to our difficulties
,
but we have every indication of further growth coming out of it.
A good Easter to all!
Pam Jackson
Director
Ons Plek Projects for Female Street Children
Phone:+27 021 465 4829
E-mail: ons...@new.co.za
Website: www.onsplek.org.za
