The work done by the not-for-profit sector, both by paid employees and by volunteers, is an essential part of the economy and Canadian society. Earlier this year, as part of the city's centennial and in recognition of Prince George's unofficial status as the volunteer capital of Canada, Mayor Lyn Hall unveiled a new logo for the City of Prince George that identifies P.G. as "the volunteer city - it's in our nature."
When everyone believes in the cause and is working together to benefit the community, all is wonderful.
Until it's not.
Sadly, there have been numerous local examples during the last couple of years of once like-minded individuals who worked closely together in the not-for-profit sector for years and then turned on one another, first in a battle of wills and then in a broader public battle that involved investigations, lawyers and politicians.
Some of the local branches of well-known non-profits spending time in the media spotlight more on account of their internal and external battles than their wonderful community work include Habitat for Humanity, the B.C. SPCA, the Prince George Symphony, the two local farmers markets and Theatre North West.
Although the specifics may differ in each case, the roots of the problems are identical and they serve as a warning for other non-profit organizations on the pitfalls and liabilities of noble community service.
Money is, as always, the prime suspect. How, when and how much of it is spent, who decides, the protocols and safeguards around spending and the application of those protocols and safeguards is fertile ground for a fight. One person's great idea that only needs dollars to make it happen is another person's waste of money.
Cue the conflict.
Power is another problem, as in who controls the money. There can be serious disagreements between local caretakers and the provincial or national head office, as in the squabble between Habitat for Humanity and its former Prince George branch, now known as the Hearts and Hands for Homes Society, currently before the courts. Major issues between paid staff and volunteers can tear a group apart, as recently seen with the local SPCA. Factions can fight for control of the governing board, as seen with the legal case involving Theatre North West.
Differing visions on the group's mission, values and future can quickly divide individuals, as seems to be the case at the moment with the PGSO and the rough parting of ways between the orchestra's board and its conductor, Kevin Zakresky. The majority of the board prefers the cheaper and more financially prudent model of a conductor living and working in Prince George, while others, including Zakresky, are fine with a fly-in conductor and the extra costs and less community connection that comes with that course.
Competition and personalities can also play a huge role. Both are clearly in play in the current kerfuffle between the Wilson Square Community Market and the Prince George Farmers' Market.
It is difficult to prevent internal problems at not-for-profits from evolving into crises. Some problems may slowly evolve (gradual decline in members, funding, government support, for example), sneaking up on the group. Some problems arrive so quickly that the group can be caught off guard and the lack of precedent or experience can threaten the organization's very survival.
There are simple methods that can prevent problems from occurring and can provide quick and efficient means to deal with the problems that do arise. Communication, ample opportunity for dissenting voices to speak, transparency around money, power and the rules, a clear conflict resolution mechanism and a path forward past the conflict are essential.
Sadly, sometimes that's not enough. Not all internal disputes at non-profit agencies can be gracefully mended to everyone's satisfaction. Sometimes, a stand must be taken and the best way to root out the problem is to root out the toxic individuals causing the problems. These decisions are never easy, particularly for volunteers who feel they signed up to help, not to choose sides and fight for what's right.
In the final analysis, the health of the organization and the fulfillment of the group's mandate to help the community in some small way should overshadow the individual personalities. Too bad that's much easier said than done.
