A Bear Clan Board Cornered

I was interested in reading the Board of the Bear Clan's very long statement posted in response to some interviews of their former ED James Favel. 

He clearly has hit a nerve in his interviews.  The Board seems to be going out of their way to state their case.  It makes me wonder if they actually see the irony in the situation.  The Bear Clan was formed to help the neighbourhoods that the city had turned their back on and to help the marginalized that society had turned their back on.  It was supposed to help people who were left on their to regain their power.  It was to serve as a model that one person can make a difference in making their corner of the world better. 

And now, things are going back full circle.  One guy, James Favel, with only one tool, his voice, up against a Board of Directors with a great deal of resources. 

I was on a Board of Directors once that fired an Executive Director.  Board members were immediately told not to comment on any aspect of the case, publicly or privately.  We were told those comments were actionable.  The ED did the same thing James Favel is doing.  He went to the media and told his side of the story.  It seemed compelling to those who didn't know anything about the situation, and our response was always, "we can't comment on personnel matters".It was horrid reading lies about myself and my fellow board members.  But, because we didn't respond, the story died quickly. It was over very soon.  This Board is taking on things that they should not.  I am not a lawyer but I think some of their statements are Actionable. 

Regardless, it is really weird that so much "himan resource management" has been in the media so much in 2020.  I am sure the general malaise and fear that Covid19 is causing is just making our society angrier and more judgemental. 

The really sad part is that it is distracting people from the ideals and the good work of the Bear Clan.  Just a few months ago, the now deposed ED had been invited to speak to a panel of the United Nations.  We were all celebrating the good work of the Clan and taking pride in it. 

And, now, this. There is no way this will not affect the whole organization and their ability to recruit volunteers.  In the Board response, all I read is evidence of a troubled organization and I don't think one person's removal will fix. 

I have seen it in the media and I have just read on their facebook page that they have made a big deal about Favel not walking on patrol for a year and Board members walking patrol.  I don't think that is the big deal that they think it is.  I would expect new Board members walk the patrol as part of their organization.  Also, it makes me think the Board is making this point because they are jealous of Favel's personal national and international recognition. 

Again, I know nothing, but it seems that this Board will need some help in coming up with a 5 year strategic plan to go forward.  Regardless, of who is right and who is wrong, the brand has been damaged.  I would be happy to help. 

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