False assumptions in piece on ethics

I read Bob Gorman's piece on ethics (March 7) as a cautionary tale for those who might be interested in serving on a nonprofit board. In fact, the expression "no good deed goes unpunished" comes to mind.

He put together a mixed bag of issues, suggesting they had a common denominator. I would argue that political representatives are elected and their behavior governed by statute. School superintendents are employees of the district they lead, subject to contracts and the direction of their respective school boards. Members of the board of directors of a not-for-profit organization, in contrast, are neither elected nor paid.

As Mr. Gorman surely knows from his own experience on local boards, there are no perks, no glory. Community-minded individuals agree to contribute time, energy and money (often in significant quantities) in support of causes they believe are important to the welfare of the community. They aren't required to have an MBA or a degree in human resources. Small agencies can't afford a public relations director, and don't generally have an attorney on retainer advising them on what they can discuss publicly. But board members do bring personal and/or work experience to the table to support the mission of the organization, and do their best.

In the case of Family Counseling Service, it is an insult to the other 12 board members to suggest that they allowed one individual to orchestrate a change in leadership based on personal connections. In my experience, boards operate with a committee structure rather than functioning as a committee of the whole, and the committees report back to the full board for a vote. A lack of grace in the process does not prove any sinister intent, yet in this situation all sorts of innuendo was applied — with what goal? I hope board members will continue to put their energies toward supporting the organization in spite of those who go looking for malfeasance.

Beth A. Linderman

Watertown