Pride volunteers request meeting with the Board of Directors, Board declines
Esther Rubio-Sheffrey | Thu, 01/21/2010 - 12:30pm | Login to bookmark or comment
Pride's attorneys have instructed the Board not to reply to inquires regarding recent events.
On Tuesday January 12, a group of Pride volunteers sent an email to Pride Board Chair Philip Princetta requesting a meeting.
“In light of recent actions taken by the Board of Directors, a number of volunteers and Ambassadors have made it clear to us that they will boycott San Diego Pride until a change in leadership occurs, and I believe you have received a petition that was put forward by this coalition,” stated the email.
“We want to hear what your plans for the future of Pride are; we want to know how we can continue some of the programs of Pride that were being overseen by terminated staff members; and we want to hear from the current staff. As the workforce of your organization, we feel that we are owed a public explanation from the Board.”
Their email was not responded to.
On January 20, eight days later, a second request was sent.
“We simply want answers,” they wrote. “We want to hear from you and your fellow Board members and staff. You have heard our frustrations - they have been vented and relayed to you in many forms. Do you care about your volunteer force? If you do, you will personally respond to this e-mail and also agree to meet with us - you owe this to the people who make the organization what it is.”
Board Chair Philip Princetta responded later that afternoon. Although he thanked them for their concerns, he denied the request.
“I sincerely would like for you to know that my not responding to your 1st e-mail was not a personal affront to you nor your team,” wrote Princetta. “Our attorney's have instructed us not respond to inquiries, meeting requests and e-mails such as yours at this time.”
Comments
Response to Sister Ellen
Dear Sister Ellen,
I would like to thank you for voicing your perspective on this issue. I believe now is the time for all of us to stand up and voice our opinions and ultimately come together and build on the common interest of San Diego Pride.
I would like to make a few points public about the letters to Dr. Princetta and the goals of the volunteers who have banned together as our contribution to rebuilding our treasured organization.
You are correct that the actual letters were sent through Ben Cartwright. However, let me reassure you and everyone else that he did not send them on his own devices. Those letters were a collaborative effort from a coalition of concerned citizens for San Diego Pride. We funnel the communications through one person instead of drowning Dr. Princetta with hundreds of letters/emails.
We have not ever, and will not ever presume to represent the entire San Diego LGBT community. We represent ourselves and anyone who stands with us. We are a group of volunteers, Ambassadors of Pride, Business Owners, Community Members, financial contributors to SD Pride, and any one else who believes in our goals.
If you have any further concerns, please feel free to contact me personally. Or you can view our coalition members and our mission on our Facebook page at: http://www.urlzen.com/1abq
Thank you and I hope you have a great day, despite the weather!
Brian L Lyons
E: brilyons@yahoo.com
FB: facebook.com/theatreboy1979
Facts need to be brought forward......
It's my understanding that both emails were not from a group of volunteers, but from one individual, Benny Cartwright, "speaking" on behalf of a group. Mr. Cartwright seems to have taken on the role of speaking and representing the entire gay community in San Diego County. There are many, many volunteers who still support the organization and it's overall mission. Enough already!!! It is apparent now that the issues are being handled by legal representatives, so let the attorney's handle them and stop causing drama.
Ridiculous!!!
Though the recent letters by the SD Pride board continue to display their arrogance, in each letter they state they want to move forward. Well the volunteers are the ones who help to make Pride a success each year. And now you are turning them away? This again shows that the 3 board members do not have the best intentions for Pride, and are only concerned about themselves.
I'm so over Pride, will never attend again!
Lawyers?
Let me guess who is paying for those lawyer...oh yeah, San Diego Pride! I wonder if they have a line item in their budget for legal fees to defend board members who violate the by-laws. This is scandulous!