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From OFSVolunteers

Olympia Film Society Volunteer Walkout

The OFS Board of Directors fired Operations Manager Jeffrey Bartone on August 21st, 2007 after 21 years of service to the organization. His termination was based on complaints of "rude, abrasive, and uncooperative behavior".

It is our opinion that the recent decision was not a true representation of the OFS community's wishes, due to an inadequate number of participating board members. We feel that Jeffrey's termination was the result of the personal agendas of a few board and staff members through a calculated and opportunistic effort to change the direction of OFS.

OFS’s policy should not be defined by a few people’s personal agendas.

OFS’s bylaws state that the board must include a minimum of eight members. Though violation of this bylaw carries no explicit repercussions, we believe its intent was clearly ignored when the board voted on Jeffrey's dismissal with only five members taking part. Present at the vote were three prospective members poised to become voting parties. Their confirmation to the board was made conditional, requiring them to stand aside on this issue. In a consensus system, any individual member can block a vote from being approved. We can only assume that the reason for this unethical action was based on fears that one or more of the new members may have blocked the vote.

1 We call for a re-vote on Jeffrey Bartone’s termination with at least the minimum number of required board members defined by the OFS bylaws.

2 We demand that all board members are allowed to vote free of any conditions to their participation.

OFS’s future may be at stake. Members of the present board envision a new business model for OFS. This latest disreputable action is in addition to new restrictions on volunteers' activities and discouragement of public participation in film selection. It was designed to remove a passionately active person whose interest was keeping the society true to its roots. A strike at the very soul of the organization, this will undoubtedly change the way volunteering is structured here. We don’t do it simply for the free movies. This is our organization and the Capitol Theater should be open to anyone who wishes to apply his or her energy in any way. As trust in volunteers dwindles and intent on profitability increases, volunteering at the Society becomes more like a daily grind. We view this latest incident as an exceptionally hostile undertaking made in the interest of recreating OFS. If we don’t act now, the community may lose the society to those who would rather see it more profitable than enjoyable.

Make your opinion known. This singular and extraordinary social organization has been an invaluable contribution to the Olympia community. Please contact the board and let them know that you value OFS and won’t let them abuse their positions.

OFS office phone: 754-6670 OFS email: capitoltheater@yahoo.com

For more info on the walkout, check out www.ofsvolunteers.com