You may not know me personally, but I am a volunteer at TCAN. My husband and I are members and supporters. I am a good listener, and part of a larger, quiet majority. We have supported TCAN through bumpy times. Financial support is perhaps more visible, but as a concerned member and part of the community I felt you should hear my concerns and comments with a letter. I can no longer be silent.

Whether or not Michael Moran is reinstated, as a Board, you have a responsibility to the community and to the membership of TCAN. That responsibility is to conduct yourselves in a respectful manner, always “above reproach” and follow a business model. If a position becomes open or a position is created, the business model is to post the position in-house, quite possibly post the position within the membership, and then definitely - publish the position in the newspaper. Apparently, the position of Fund Raiser/Development was not published in a formal manner. Companies who hire from within follow these simple steps.

A business model should have By-Laws (and written plans, etc.) and an infrastructure that is embedded in the organization and adhered to. That protocol is there to provide an outline for all in the organization – board of directors, paid employees, members, volunteers, presenters, artists and musicians. You are community leaders, this is not new to you.

No one would argue this fact: TCAN is a wonderful place. It has nurtured the shy volunteer; given a reason for the retiree to help, to feel vital and to be recognized as making a contribution. Acceptance was a key reason we volunteered. We were not judged, we were appreciated and a crucial part to “running” the Center.

It is understood that TCAN is growing/has grown and that guiding TCAN into the next phase will be difficult, tenuous and require much energy. It is also understood that a focus and goals can only be met through teamwork. TCAN is in need of strong leadership, yes – but a TEAM and not an individual; an organized NETWORK, and not a personal fiefdom.

A non-profit organization is none-the-less a business. One might argue, it is held to a higher level of standards and scrutiny than a business because what you put in is what you get out of it, and it is more public than a privately held company. Non-profits answer to more stringent rules. You cannot hide behind someone else’s coat tails.

A definition of the word MEDIATION implies wanting a resolution, achieving a balance – a result; Mediation: “…an attempt to bring about a peaceful settlement or compromise between disputants through the objective intervention of a neutral party.” It is certainly acknowledged that there are two sides (maybe more) to every issue. Mediation requires listening and honesty. TCAN is a community. TCAN is larger than the Board, larger than Michael Moran. Maybe one result of mediation will be a different structure for communication and respect. Perhaps power is tested in more ways than financial, longevity of term or even length of experience. We can all try to respect one another’s viewpoint and listen. Fundamentally, I believe that the Board and Michael Moran, and supporters of TCAN (including membership and volunteers) all want TCAN to prosper, grow and we all are proud of what it is, where it’s going (and where it came from) and what the future holds. None of us want to see the structure deteriorate nor the events (or staff) flounder.

I would think that TCAN is also “embedded” in not only Natick, but many of the surrounding communities. It serves a purpose and the purpose becomes strengthened with each new member, with each performance and event, and with each volunteer or telephone call (or email), or sale, or exhibition.

I have a heavy heart to think that your (now quite publicly known) differences can so easily destroy or hinder such a wonderful program, and so quickly. TCAN is more than a concept. It is a reality, people make it work, and people have shown they WANT to work at it. Please do not walk away or disregard the strength from within yourselves.

Of course, we will all learn from this event, but it could be more positive than negative if egos are put aside and team and communication are to become the key players.

From my hearfelt sincerity, I ask that you listen, mediate and consult. Use an outside source, a sounding board (no pun intended). Impartiality will not hurt so emotionally charged a situation.

Thank you.

Respectfully Submitted,

Lisa S. Shapiro