[Dialogue] Board Decisions Affecting the Future of ICA/EI

[Janice Ulangca]

Thank you, Judy, for this honest report.  Painful though the changes may be, building on the real situation is always the way to the future. Sometimes I think it is generally true, that those most in need either won't or can't appropriately pay for what is most on the edge - most needed.  (Sometimes those most in need are among the wealthy, but don't know what they need.)  With all its flaws, the classic order self-support model allowed incredible edge work to go on.  I much appreciate the care for ICA/EI and for the world that the board exhibited - and especially for what you bring.  I'm getting ready to leave for 2 weeks, including my 50th college reunion in Iowa.  I'm waiting for a check to clear - will be sending my contribution right after I return Oct. 24.

Best to you and Norm,
Janice
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Norm and Judy Lindblad 
  To: Colleague Dialogue 
  Sent: Monday, October 09, 2006 9:58 PM
  Subject: [Dialogue] Board Decisions Affecting the Future of ICA/EI


  Dear ICA/EI Friends and Stakeholders,

  Because of the journey many of us have shared over the years we are
  writing to apraise
  you of some recent developments.  The Board of Director's meeting in
  Minneapolis
  this past weekend was tough.  All Board members were fully engaged in
  their care for ICA/EI and our collective future.  In reviewing the
  recent organizational assessment
  and the stark financial reality we face, it has become clear that
  ICA/EI cannot continue in its current configuration or with its
  current proliferation of program activities.  Our cash flow does not
  sustain day-to-day operations.


  Confronted with these facts, the Board has decided to recast, refocus,
  and simplify our approach to making the gifts of ICA/EI available to
  the world.  Our decisions were unanimous and include both layoffs and
  a new business model. The ICA/EI that will emerge will look very
  different and have far fewer staff than today.

  Details of these decisions will be announced to staff in Chicago,
  Denver, and Phoenix next Monday, October 16.  While layoffs are
  inevitable, as we have been saying since the beginning of the
  assessment process, the Board has taken steps to provide as much
  transition support as we can within the financial constraints we are
  facing.

  By endorsing a new business model that relies on a much smaller core
  staff to implement, we believe we will be putting ICA on a course that
  has much promise.  There are, of course, no guarantees. You will also
  hear about this emerging business model next week.

  In all of its decisions, the Board is responding to a legal mandate it
  cannot duck—to provide fiduciary oversight of the finances, mission
  and programming of ICA/EI.

  We are under no illusion as to the magnitude of the decisions we made
  this weekend. All our actions were informed by our heads, our hearts
  and our love for ICA/EI.  Though the assessment and the financial
  reality paints a difficult picture, the Board is well aware that the
  staff of ICA/EI has been stalwart in continuing its work in bettering
  the lives of others.

  We will keep you abreast of developments as we move into the future.
  Thank you for your support.

  On behalf of the Board,

  Richard Wilkinson
  ICA/EI Board President

  Members of the Board:
  Suganya Sockalingam     Lela Jahn     Rachael Swanson     Don Elliott
  Carolyn Antenen     Kathleen Joyce    Jay Kurtzman    Judy Lindblad
  Tim Lush

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