As stated earlier, I work with a nonprofit group that was started with a bake sale and the enthusiasm of our church youth group. That was in 1999, and the nonprofit has grown to be an amazing 501c3 that serves the least of our brothers and sisters in a very poor 3rd world country. I currently serve as the president of the Board of Directors. The end of my 2 year term is imminent.
As a teacher, I have felt less than qualified to lead a board of business people to provide oversight for this wonderful organization. However, I have been a volunteer from almost the beginning, have traveled to where we serve almost 30 times in the last 13 years, and know the organization better than most. While I am not a business person, I am passionate about what we do, and want it to be done well in order to preserve the integrity of the organization. I think that I have done a good job, and have been told by many that I have been the "best President" ever. I doubt that, but I had no indication that I would not be returning to that position for the next 2 years.
Unfortunately, my level of commitment does not appear to be that of everyone on the Board. Meetings have been difficult to schedule and often have poor attendance. I continue on, regardless, and try to provide enough dates, times, and advance notice to make it work for everyone.
Elections were to be held last month, but the person in charge of nominations was out of town. I had asked him to please send what we needed to proceed, but he did not, stating that we would have a conversation about it at a later date. When I pushed for nominations last week, I discovered through email that the director wanted me to step down at the end of my term (a.k.a. now). I was shocked, hurt, and just plain confused. What the heck?
Regardless, I have come to terms with stepping down from the position of President after the current elections are completed (albeit a month late). However, I did not feel as if the nominations were being handled in the best way to provide current Board members the opportunity to step up if they are interested. The push back from the VP (he's in charge of nominations) has been patronizing and just plain infuriating. He states that he did not seek the presidency, but will step up if it's best for the organization. Okay, that's good. But why is he insisting on having a relative newbie serve as his VP? Too much of the same personality is not a good thing on a Board. Oh, yeah, it makes communication easier, but it's not necessarily better overall.
What I don't understand is why this gentleman who I respect tremendously is pushing so hard to have his way when he 1) didn't seek the position, and 2) wants to do what's best for the organization. He does not appear to be listening to my concerns, just pushing for what he WANTS. Does he think because I'm a divorcee that I am just going to roll over and do what he wants? Does he really lack respect for me? Maybe so. That would explain why he has been less than engaged, does not attend meetings, and often ignores my emails or phone calls.
I just wrote him an email outlining how I would like these elections to go. It is my last act as the sitting President. I want a process that is transparent and respectful of everyone on the Board. I hope that I was respectful but assertive in my tone, and he will do as I ask. But I am always going to wonder if that fact that I am a divorce (single woman) has made me less commanding or less worthy of respect in my position as President.
However, I am going to leave the position proud of what I have accomplished in spite everything. I am woman, hear me roar! LOL
I pray:
Lord, please watch over this amazing nonprofit organization with which I have had the privilege of sharing my time, treasure, and talents. Please allow those of us who serve on the Board to truly do YOUR will, to listen to your guidance, and to remember why we chose to serve in the first place. Thank you for the opportunity to serve as President, and to help the least of our brothers and sisters. Please allow us to continue along the same path to help even more people. Thank you, Lord. I love you.
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