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The dispute, simmering since last summer’s Pride 2000, finally might be over
A
letter from the Oregon Depart
ment of Justice recently sent to
Pride Northwest might he the
final chapter in a months-long
dispute between the nonprofit
and two former board members. The state
agency conducted an inquiry into the organiza
tion after receiving a detailed complaint. Ironi
cally, the letter from Assistant Attorney Gener
al Judith Woodruff has pleased both Pride
Northwest and the complainants.
The dispute began last summer when Tama
ra Swan and Janna MacAuslan, longtime par
ticipants in the organization that produces Port
land’s annual summer pride event, found them
selves off the hoard of directors. The women
claimed they were removed illegally because of
petty personality conflicts; Pride Northwest
maintained they both failed to receive the need
ed votes.
MacAuslan and Swan also were outspoken
about a litany of organizational issues. They
claimed that the board did not follow its own
insufficient bylaws and that the organization
was leaving itself open to embezzlement because
of sloppy handling of finances.
In the weeks that followed Pride 2000, tem
pers flared and communication between the two
parties slowed as both sides polarized. Each had
significant community support.
To some, it looked like a never-ending chess
game. Others compared the dispute to a junior
high student council.
Some called it normal— something most
growing nonprofit organizations experience.
When the Department of Justice was called in
to intervene, both sides awaited vindication.
MacAuslan said the agency’s conclusions
basically reflected what she and Swan were say
ing all along. She said the report pointed out
what needed to he changed and cleaned up
within the organization.
The attorney general’s office is responsible
for the supervision of charitable organizations
holding assets in the state. It is authorized to
investigate whether the purposes of the charita
ble corporation are being advanced and whether
any person has violated a fiduciary duty arising
under common law. The suggestions made in
the report are not legally binding.
Pride hoard chair Carmella Ettinger also was
pleased with the letter. She was encouraged that an
unbiased party looked into the situation and con
cluded that the volunteers were doing good work
and doing what is supposed to he done. “I was real
ly happy,” Ettinger said after reading the letter.
The inquiry did not find any wrongdoing.
Although an official audit was not conducted,
Pride Northwest s finances were reviewed.
No indication of embezzlement or misappro
priation of organization assets was found.
Woodruff strongly suggested, however, that the
group do a financial audit on a regular basis.
The assistant attorney general reviewed a
multitude of the organizations documents and
conducted interviews with the complainants
and hoard members. “All appeared to be sin
cerely interested in the mission of Pride North
west,” according to the report.
But the letter said the inquiry did uncover
some indication that improvement in certain
areas would make the organization’s internal
controls more effective. The investigator found
a lack of proper minutes, inadequate minute
records and inadequate budget reports.
The organization s bylaws also could use some
work, the report said. New policies and practices
are needed, particularly around elections.
Ettinger said most of the problems have been
on Pride Northwest s radar and are being worked
on. She said that the suggestions are all good
and that the hoard will be moving forward with
implementing the changes.
MacAuslan said she still would like to work
with Pride Northwest in the future hut will
move on for now. “We’ve done all we can do,"
she said.
MacAuslan said she hopes the states recom
mendations will he implemented. "I think if
would be for the betterment of Pride that they
make some of the changes.”
But what pleased MacAuslan most about the
report was that it emphasized the community.
“The board members are the custodians not
only of the organizations assets but also for the
accumulated efforts of those who preceded them
in founding and expanding the organization
they now serve,” the report said.
Ettinger said the report should bring resolu
tion to the issue— one that has tormented both
sides for months. “1 really hope it does,” she said.
P
ride Northwest recently selected “Bridgesof
Pride" as the theme for Pride 2001.
A special contest was held encouraging sug
gestions. The winner was Wanen Becker.
The event will he June 16 and 17. The
keynote speakers and the parades grand marshal
will he announced this month.
The board of directors is accepting nomina
tions for the Spirit of Pride Award. Nominations
will he accepted through Feb. 14-
The public is welcome to address the hoard
on the second Wednesday of each month. The
next meeting will start 6:30 p.m. Dec. 13 on
the third floor of Portland State University’s
Smith Center.
in
J onathan K ipp is a Just Out staff reporter
who can be reached at jkipp@teleport.c(tm.