Problems Problems Problems

Problems come in all shapes and sizes but mine is truly unique: Managing a bastion of the typical American community in the face of public denigration. What am I talking about? A local youth athletic organization. Recently, local media, law enforcement and disgruntled ex-members have descended upon the organization like sharks on an injured sea lion. They have bombarded my organization due to an association we had with an alleged ponzi schemer. Unfortunately we were never given an opportunity to clear our name as facts were twisted and marred by sensational stories. Law enforcement agencies have conducted a thorough but public investigation of our involvement. Unfortunately, both entities neglect the damage they cause to our reputation; this affects us greatly, given that as youth organization our reputation and volunteers are our most valuable asset. Naturally, in the face of media accusations, our volunteers have "ran to the hills" hoping to distance themselves. The few remaining volunteers suffer emotional stress at their places of business, homes, and in their daily lives from wrongful implication. As one describes, "we've been left in the trenches taking grenades for someone else's war". To exacerbate the situation, factions of banned ex-members have embraced this mess as an opportunity to spread propaganda throughout the community to denigrate the leagues' position. But yet, even in our worst hours people count on us to go about our normal business. In fact, we have been called upon to salvage the debacle that is this sordid character's private travel-baseball league and to organize the chaotic state in which it was left. Given that I am a dedicated, but partially-paid administrator for the league, I have enjoyed the protective shield of ignorance that is assumed with my position. However, truth be told, I am intimately involved in most of the league's daily operations.

At this moment I am in the unique position of having the following responsibilities:
1.Organize the volunteers in a sensitive, but productive manner.
2.Comply with law enforcement agencies to expedite the investigation's end.
3.Ensure all LSW communication is concerted and limited according to the advice of lawyers.
4.Communicate to the public that as an organization we are appalled at the actions of the accused, and remain both innocent and trustworthy. This must be accomplished without appearing overzealous to avoid doubt or suspicion.
5.Distance my organization from the accused, while we integrate his private baseball league into our non-profit organization to ensure its perpetuity and reliability for the players.
6.Combat the propaganda, efforts and intentions of the factions at work who seek to do harm to my organization.
7.Gather evidence of the different factions' activities in an effort to legally seek reprimands and restraining orders in a court of law.
8.Ensure this situation never occurs again by instituting safeguards.
9.Continue our daily operations.
10.I must accomplish this while balancing another job, relationships and a full-load at school.
Emphasis on the Excruciatingly Obvious
1.Both law enforcement and journalists seem more interested in "the big bad youth athletic league" than the drug dealers down the street. Wouldn't the community be better served shifting focus?
2.The practice of lawyers charging retainer fees of over $1000 is counterintuitive considering services have not been rendered yet, and frankly borderline extortion.
3.A power struggle over youth baseball seems extremely trivial and childish.
4.If money had been laundered through our non-profit organization, wouldn't it be obvious on our financial statements?
5.Do none of the investigators realize that they are defaming a youth organization that has served thousands of kids and that the matter needs "kid gloves"?
6.Sensationalist journalism is very harmful to the innocent, and should be better regulated. Verifiable facts are one thing, half-truths and lies are another.