[Fg-general] re:warehouse changes

[Dina Davidson]

All,

I have replied privately to Richard, but I want to say on-list that I
am really sorry to see *any* volunteer walk away from Free Geek with a
bad taste in his or her mouth.

Volunteers: please know that your efforts to contribute to our
community and environment are greatly valued.

d.
--
Dina Davidson
http://www.birthingway.ca



2009/4/17 Richard Jang <rwjang at telus.net>:
> Hi All,
>
> Having had some discussion with a Director and finding no action or
> satisfaction on how Adam's removal was dealt with, i find it hard in good
> consious to continue to volunteer at FreeGeek, given the treatment of such a
> long time dedicated staff member and people in general.
>
> Pasted are my communications i sent to him of my observations during my
> volunteer time with FreeGeek.
>
> To Director,
>
> I went to a Monthly meeting and and was told my topic was a dead issue and i
> could look into the archives for the past discussions.
> I read the posts, went on line, posted my ideas and multiple reasons for
> reuse of music and educational CDs and was instantaneously flamed.
> I worked out some good discussions with those who didn't understand the
> perspective of dealing with and lost value to FreeGeek by merely rendering
> the CDs.
> Said my piece and let it go.
>
> I contemplated submitting my resume when i was between jobs and had three
> options, but recognised there were persons and philosophies at FreeGeek that
> I would be in conflict with.
>
> I currently work Monday to Thursday 2pm to midnight, so all meetings and
> volunteer times have been curbed.
>
> I appreciate your candidacy and dilemma  when responding to the Warehouse
> issue.
> My take is that FreeGeek is in the position it is in, without staff because
> certain individuals in FreeGeek are driving  good people away.
> And most likely turn any new optimistic new employee out the door when they
> get a taste of how badly they can be taken for granted.
>
> In my opinion, people needs to work on their issues/conduct before FreeGeek
> implodes.
> and not buy into their insecurities/phobias.
>
> I have been a Health and Safety officer and could shut down FreeGeek if i
> was to write down all the infractions, but safety should a genuine concern
> for and education of people and not a grinding of the rules into their
> being. The way some people talk at the members.
>
> I would think, reorging a warehouse is a good opportunity for a new person
> to demonstrate their abilities and familiarity with the product.
> And the Bicycle people side only became available for the past few weeks.
> It was amazing Adam and his support could function in the limited space
> availble.
>
> thanks for your time.
>
> Rick
>
>
>> <>Greetings,
>>
>> almost done...
>>
>> Any experience comes as a mixed bag.
>>
>> We try to be positive but there are days when people's nerves are frayed
>> and
>> tempers rise, especially when the demands of the job impinge upon us.
>>
>> I try to take it in stride when someones communication is blunt or feels
>> demeaning.
>>
>> When I observed a grown man emotionally distraught as he left the premises
>> of FreeGeek and heard how he was treated, i suspect there is lots of room
>> for much better conduct by people/staff.
>> I am fully aware of and observed those who use insinuations, inconsiderate
>> expectations, bullying, and controlling tactics.
>>
>> We are volunteers but are still human and need not be taken for granted.
>>
>> Yes, as volunteers we talk amongst ourselves.
>> When a theme of poor treatment is echoed, then how long will it go on for
>> and how pervasive is it?
>>
>>
>> Either some of the Directors are oblivious or compliant with the
>> maltreatment of Volunteers and staff.
>> In a regular work place, this borders on creating a hostile environment.
>> When decent people leave, then maybe the organization is not as healthy as
>> it would tell itself. And creating liablility issues/risks.
>>
>> In all the time i've spent there, i don't know who the Directors are.
>> I 've met a few committed people like Sean and Ryan in past, but for all
>> intents we are strangers.
>>
>> I have gladly donated my time and have already received full value for my
>> time with FreeGeek.
>>
>> Over the past ten months, in trying to bring ideas/solutions to stations i
>> have filled, i have had mixed responses to my suggestions.
>> Some people value my observations and support their implementations or
>> trial.
>> Other people reject my suggestions outright and quote policies or excuses
>> without really giving potential solutions any real thought.
>>
>> I have brought in donated hardware in efforts to create a better final
>> product but was was told to remove the offending object.
>> I am exposed to good used shelving and racking material but no longer need
>> the extra grief.
>>
>> I feel have been dismissed so many times a that i hesitate to say anything
>> anymore.
>>
>> I see that Volunteers are asked to shoulder higher and more
>> responsiblilties
>> with very little input but to carry out the mandate/agenda.
>>
>> As for the conflict of interest, Is FreeGeek really Non-profit if specific
>> individuals are profiting from the proceeds of FreeGeek?
>> A large percentage of higher end donations seem to migrate from FreeGeek
>> warehouse and
>> are sold off elsewhere.
>
>> <>I observe the good but i also see the areas that apppear to be in need
>> of attention.
>>
>> regards,
>>
>> Rick jang
>>
>> I send this to you in private and ponder it's value on the general list.
>>
>>
>>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
> No virus found in this incoming message.
>
>
> My friend said, "Go to where you are welcomed, not where you are tolerated"
>
> Not an easy decision as i really enjoy most of my time at FreeGeek, but it
> has soured,
> so I am taking a leave as the place doesn't feel right to me with Adam gone.
>
> I go to Volunteer with something less tangible, like Stream restoration and
> protection.
>
> I wish everyone well and hope things work out for all involved.
>
> Thank-you to All for all that I have received from this experience.
>
> Regards,
>
> Rick Jang
>
>
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