So, now what?

[RonSuchanek]

So where does this leave us? From SaveACA, I heard some reasonable points about the organization’s history, a strong emotional appeal, and substantial criticism of staff and board members—but no concrete plan and no credible alternative for the organization’s long-term viability. SaveACA and others have claimed that the board and leadership offered no plan, but that is simply not accurate. The plans have been publicly posted on the ACA website. Disagreeing with a plan does not mean one does not exist.

Renting out unused space has been suggested, yet reports indicate the building requires roughly $150,000 in repairs and is 75% vacant. Turning ACA into a landlord, while diverting focus from its mission, is a terrible idea.

Many members withdrew legacy gifts in response to the proposed building sale, pledging to reinstate them if the building were retained. Will those commitments actually be honored?

There is also the question of whether the most vocal opponents of the sale—some of whom have challenged ACA’s diversity initiatives—would seek to reverse those efforts and narrow the organization’s focus to an aging, homogeneous constituency centered on pavement routes. That approach feels like a fast track to irrelevance.

I also question how many board members and staff would choose to remain after being vilified by a small but loud group of online critics and threatened with frivolous lawsuits. Realistically, who would volunteer to serve on this board under those conditions?

Based on Flavia Chen’s recent email, I am satisfied that the board has acknowledged its missteps and is willing to work toward reconciliation. I would welcome a statement from the SaveACA group encouraging those who have attacked staff and board members, spread misinformation, or threatened legal action to dial back that unproductive rhetoric. Stirring emotion and anger may help win a campaign, but it will not be sufficient to address the serious challenges facing ACA. To date, I have seen little in the way of constructive, actionable alternatives from those opposing the sale.

I am a life member and voted in favor of selling the building. I respect the will of the membership and remain committed to supporting ACA’s mission to advance bicycle travel. I hope those who successfully campaigned against the sale will work as diligently to save the organization, and not just the building. The staff and board offered a plan. It was rejected. So what's the plan?

[mbike]

You raise good questions @ronsuchanek.

I'm one of the apparently vast numbers of people who switched our votes from in favor of selling to being opposed to the sale. I attended the Zoom and read the various emails sent out. Overall, I found the SaveACA case compelling. Part of it was because it is personally relatable, I'm the co-founder of a nonprofit organization that became a shell of what it once was thanks to decisions by subsequent leadership. I understand the desire to do everything one can to try to get the organization back on track and preempt a bad strategic move.

But the ball is in SaveACA's court now, and I'm reminded of Oscar Wilde's quote: "There are only two tragedies in life: one is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it." It's still a hard road ahead, and I hope many of your good points above are taken to heart, Ron, like the ones about legacy gifts and reconciliation.

ACA is a great organization and I hope it's able to chart a successful path forward. Thanks to all those who work so hard to make its work possible, on both a volunteer and paid basis. May this be the beginning of a positive and productive path onward into a bright future!

[DW]

With the guidance of a professional mediator - and ACA member - the Save ACA Committee and the BOD are now engaged in negotiations with each other.  If you care to keep abreast of developments, ask to be put on its mailing list, which now comprises 1,528 people.  The email is: info@saveacahq.org.

[SteveD]

Yes, indeed. "So, now what?" The executive director just resigned and the board is now working on an interim leadership plan.

I'm also a life member who voted to sell the building because I see more ways that the building works counter to the organization's mission than for it. It has now been shown, however, that I am in the minority and I am gravely worried that the SaveACA group has won the battle but will lose the war. Like many members, I love this organization and I support it financially every year with donations. I'm saddened by so much of what I read in this forum and I truly hope that Adventure Cycling Association can emerge from this current state of turmoil. I don't believe that blocking the sale of the building has been helpful in that process, but honestly only time will tell. I won't be alive to see if they survive another 50 years, but I do hope that I go before they do. Wishing the best for the entire staff, board, and members. May better roads and trails lie ahead...

[rafisher14]

Yes, indeed. "So, now what?" The executive director just resigned and the board is now working on an interim leadership plan.

I'm also a life member who voted to sell the building because I see more ways that the building works counter to the organization's mission than for it. It has now been shown, however, that I am in the minority and I am gravely worried that the SaveACA group has won the battle but will lose the war. Like many members, I love this organization and I support it financially every year with donations. I'm saddened by so much of what I read in this forum and I truly hope that Adventure Cycling Association can emerge from this current state of turmoil. I don't believe that blocking the sale of the building has been helpful in that process, but honestly only time will tell. I won't be alive to see if they survive another 50 years, but I do hope that I go before they do. Wishing the best for the entire staff, board, and members. May better roads and trails lie ahead...

For many of us, the issue was really not the sale of the building: it was a lack of trust and confidence in the leadership to manage or take ACA in the direction it needed to go to survive with the funds from the sale. The past 5 years has seen a lot of turmoil at ACA and many long-time members lost confidence in the management of the organization.

The tone of the Boards chair (Chen) with the vote results was good and hopefully indicates a much-needed reset in how ACA proceeds with its mission going forward.

[ray b]

Sorry to see another exec director bail - guess our membership-based nonprofit was sold to him as something other than what it was. Finding the right executive director is a high priority. They need to be willing to wade into the community and effectively communicate how every member and corporate sponsor contributes to the mission (and then bring home the money). This requires charisma, humility and dedication. Might need to be someone from within the organization. "Advertising" should include solicitation for nominations from ACA membership.

Have to say - moving an organization of members with diverse backgrounds forward (or any direction) is a little like herding cats. That said, even cats move together if they see a common goal (like food or catnip).
In the case of our organization, we need to stay focused on provision of resources to keep us adventurous and cycling.

Resources should include:

• Access to volunteers. (E.g., Anonymous Book/App, which lists fellow members willing to do everything from meet for coffee to opening their homes and backyards and workshops to emergency pickup.) (See BMW MOA website for details.) 
• Accessible, organized and supported rides for beginners/at risk community members including an emphasis on subsidized, under-30 rides for recent graduates and those between jobs.
• Organized and more advanved trips for those who need the challenge.
• Inro to self-supported racing? (Adventure racing?)
• Training seminars for those who want ride solo or with smaller groups
• Training trips and seminars for volunteer leaders, i.e., training for the trainers (I understand these were discontinued.)
• Access to equipment (Cyclosource or potential major sponsors such as REI?)
• Yearly national reunion/rally/trade show (with opportunity for corporate sponsorships). (Think of Benton County Fairgrounds in Arkansas or more rural venues with adequate camping/motels, mixed riding opportunities, and resources for - eventually - thousands of participants.)
• Foundation to support scholarships for training and rides funded by member donations/raffles and grants.
• Local educational outreach (trained volunteers?) if not financial resources for school groups, Scouts, local clubs, summer camps, etc.

If nothing else, the recent efforts of the Bikecentennial founders and former ACA execs of the SavetheACAHQ committee re-invigorated the base of the membership with a reminder of the potential of the organization. We need to encourage the board to put it into high gear for the 50th anniversary, use the expertise of engaged member/volunteers (including the apparently still pertinent leadership of former executive directors) to get the basics of a plan focussed on re-building the resources and services of the organization, find the new exec (perhaps from within the membership at less than S&P 500 CEO pay), and get the (focussed) fund-raisinng up and running. (How about raffle tickets for a bike(s) donated by Surly and/or Salsa, to start. And, still waiting for opportunity to buy 50th anniversary Bikecentennial t-shirts, jerseys, hoodies, water bottles, etc. Who's in charge of this now that Cyclosource was eliminated?)

(Strikes me that Jim Sayre might be a great personality to help smooth communication, generate new relationships, and guide the transition process to a new executive director.)

Eventually, we should consider - like most other member-based non-profits to which I belong - election of board members on a rotating basis. This assures 1) board members who can effectively communicate with membership, 2) a board that generally reflects the major goals of the membership, 3) a feeling of engagement among members.

Maybe an appeal for ideas from membership would be worth the reading. (Surveys have recently been too directed with limited opportunity for creativity.)

'nuf said. ride on.