My Response To The Ann Arbor Chronicle Article
Posted by Devon Akmon | Filed under Community Involvement
I’m a big fan of the Ann Arbor Chronicle. Having worked a short stint as a photojournalist at some of Michigan’s biggest papers, I have a high respect for both journalism and citizen journalism. The Ann Arbor Chronilce is a great local resource.
An article was posted earlier today on Project Grow’s annual meeting, which took place last Thursday. Up until that point I had served on the board for the past two years (the last year as Board Chair). Due to various reasons, I withdrew my name at the annual meeting from being re-elected to another two year appointment. This article does a good job of summarizing why I chose to depart the organization. Also, you can read my response to the article here, or here:
Thanks, Dave, for this excellent summary of the night’s events. Sadly, I have learned that two additional board members have resigned, largely due to what is felt as mistreatment of staff and divisiveness amongst the board. This is sad, given that all individuals involved truly want the best for the organization. Further, Melissa’s leadership and presence as Executive Director will be missed.
I trust the board will work to advance Project Grow in a positive direction. As a community-based organization, I hope they will provide a big tent for all to get involved (this includes partnerships with other area organizations; something Melissa did an excellent job of expanding). Right now organic gardening and local food issues are among the many popular civic topics working in favor of Project Grow. There are many wonderful people with past affiliations to Project Grow who are doing great things in the community (e.g. Jeff McCabe at FM@SELMA and Amanda Edmonds at Growing Hope). I hope an open hand will be extended to them as well. By working together the community will only become more connected and vibrant.
Lastly, I hope the current board listens to the suggestions of the community leaders who provided advice to Project Grow. They have great experience and important recommendations that should be explored. For one, I truly hope the bylaws are reviewed and updated. Currently, any person can show up and simply pay $10 to have a say in how the organization operates. While I am a strong supporter of community-based organizations – I work for a very large and effective one in Dearborn – I am troubled by this flaw in the bylaws (and, I feel this is only one of many). At the annual meeting, there were two people who made donations that very day and had a voice in determining the night’s vote and future direction of the organization. These individuals were not gardeners and have little knowledge of the board’s recent activities. It’s sad to think that people with limited knowledge of Project Grow’s governance and day-to-day operations can have such a major impact on the organization. It would be very easy for a malicious group of outsiders to have a major impact on the future of the organization (yes, a worse case scenario, yet a possibility given the current structure of the bylaws).
I have too many thoughts to discuss in this limited space, but I do wish the best for Project Grow, and I hope it will continue to have a positive impact on the community.
I hold no hard feelings and do like many of the current board members. In fact, I wish the organization well and I will continue to be a supporter in the future.
- Devon Akmon
Tags: Community Involvement
