August 13, 2024
Statement on Recent Executive Board Resignations
On behalf of the West Side Community Organization (WSCO) and the WSCO Board of Directors, we want to take a moment to address the recent developments within WSCO and to acknowledge the concerns raised by our community. Members of the WSCO executive committee undertook an interpretation of the bylaws that interfered with the day-to-day operations of the organization and excluded the Executive Director. Other board members sought an explanation, including calling an emergency meeting. The situation was not resolved. At the July board meeting, numerous community members were in attendance, resulting in a tumultuous conversation. We acknowledge this meeting got out-of-hand and that a facilitator would have added structure in addressing this difficult conversation.
After continued requests for clarity were not answered, we asked our executive team to voluntarily step down from their executive positions. This decision was not made lightly and was driven by an urgent need to address internal dysfunction and the continued lack of due process. This prompted those executive team members to resign from the board.
The resignation letter submitted by one of the departing executive members alleged issues of racism within WSCO. We take these claims seriously and are committed to examining them thoroughly. However, we want to clarify that our decision to request these members step down from their executive positions was solely based on their mismanagement, failure of leadership, and breach of duty of care.
We understand that our work includes disrupting the ways white supremacy has shaped funding and policies, often dividing movements and stripping communities of their rightful resources and agency. We recognize the need to address and repair past harm and account for community trauma, holding ourselves accountable for any ongoing impacts.
We are committed to investigating the racial claims made regarding our community and organization. As WSCO board and staff, we have been left fractured. Our first step will be to conduct an internal mediation facilitated by a restorative practitioner to reflect, open up dialogue, and gain clarity. Our second step is to involve the community in facilitated conversation. A community divided cannot stand.
We invite open dialogue and welcome feedback from all stakeholders to guide our efforts and ensure we are living up to our values and to mend what has been broken. We appreciate your understanding and support as we navigate this challenging situation. Our goal is to reflect and heal from this experience and strengthen our commitment to inclusivity, justice, and restoration.
Sincerely,
West Side Community Organization Board of Directors
Monica Bravo, Executive Director, [email protected], and Amanda Otis, Board President [email protected]
