DownGradingVeloCityCoop2010

Introduction/Definition/etc

Warning to those that consider this Non Profit,

or proported to be 501c3 as a social services

agency, in it's treatment of individuals of the

disability community, and likely minority communities.

Body

Unfortunately after six months or more of volunteering with VeloCityCoop

originally described online here VeloCityBikeCoop

I need to downgrade my recommendation of Consumers/

Survivors/ ExPatients and the general public, as many

as 300 people I've talked to and recommended they

utilize and support the Coop, based on recent events,

from the 24 Hour Extravaganza, general business meetings,

bike advocacy and community destroying (yes, the opposite

of building).   While there are some good people there,

the organization, it's General Manager, and lack of

policy and procedures to be truly inclusive of

disabled and minority opinions and persons,

including recent censorship of it's so called

"members", while claiming 501c3 status,

selling bikes to children, and other unfair

business practices (read verbal and emotional abuse),

represent something akin to a private boys club.

The organization does not seem to include

the minorities it seems to proport to serve,

African American teens and children, in it's

leadership, board, or volunteers.   While outreach

has been made in the Latino community, by

flyers translated, farmers market appearances,

and other activities, a large part of the Alexandria

underserved population has little to no representation,

nor say in the organization, AFAICT.

If this were a MH organization, I would be checking it's

credentials and licensing, but since it's a Non Profit,

or proports to be, I'd suggest IRS 990, conflict of interest,

and other legal measures to ensure the safety of it's

disabled volunteers, minority citizens, and full community

purpose.

You might think this is "sour grapes", and that disagreements

over drinking at the site, during meetings, at events, and

general cavalier attitude of paid staff would be the impetus,

but clearly, in my experience, it falls on a few individuals

misusing the organization for their personal gain,

not as a full Coop, but as their whipping post

upon at least one individual, witnessed and

experienced personally.

Conclusion

Summary of experience or similar

Discussion

A place for feedback on the page presented

Page History

20101223 Jerry

• Jerry created this page to ...

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