I recently felt the need to withdraw from both the Board and membership of a small cherished organization. I struggled with alternatives to withdrawal but found there were few that were doable.
Being introspective, I wondered what the challenge really was about. I liked the people basically, the purpose of the organization was basically good so what was the straw that broke my camel's back?
The activities of the organization included community donations to other organizations of time and money.
It came down to values once again.
At the end of my reflection, I realized that I value transparency. I mentioned at different times the importance of the organization being transparent and being seen to be transparent as well as our efforts on its behalf.
Over the past three years, some of the members would undertake activities that would reflect on the organization that the rest of the Board knew nothing about. Some activities even left the Board members vulnerable to dealing with possible legal issues. I raised this concern several times. These were not evil people but their skill set lacked a sense of public accountability.
Sometimes expensive contractor services for the building maintenance were solicited without all the Board being consulted regarding the need or options. These all got dealt with as they arose.
The 'straw' - some of the group continued to hold public meetings when all meetings were halted by a government mandate during lockdown due to Covid 19. I initially was not aware of these meetings and yet I as a Board member would be held accountable as would the organization itself.
So while I always had considered kindness and empathy as very important values, I now know that I value transparency more.
What quality do you value most?