Hey All
Here is my statement of apology which I sent to my fellow board members Dec 19, 2015 and which has been commented on by a number of them on this list:
To my fellow board members,
After our conversation today it dawned upon me that I have not communicated well just how much I have learned from this difficult process. Over the last month I have put a great deal of thought into what has brought us to where we are today.
First off, I acknowledge a large degree of responsibility for it. My actions showed inexperience. What I did was out of process. I did not communicate sufficiently. I ignored some of the advice that I received.
Still, it seems I have not apologized in a meaningful way I want to say clearly that I am sorry for my arrogant start as a board member, and for the disruption it caused.
I need to mention how much I appreciate all the extra effort from other board members to constructively address the issues we have been facing. I especially note Guy and Jimmy's efforts with respect to putting in place extra measures so that the staff can be heard.
While we have disagreed, I have committed to and have supported our final decision. I have followed the agreed process since our deliberations. I believe I have constructively contributed to the fact that the WMF staff has taken the Board’s decision with a measured degree of acceptance. I have been working hard on getting WMF staff, as well as other stakeholders on board.
I have seriously considered stepping down; however, I am not one to give up easily. I do learn from my mistakes. I know that I have great deal to offer the board and feel a deep sense of responsibility to the community that elected me.
You do need a Board member you can trust. I would like to ask you to give me the second chance to prove that I deserve your trust--I intend to work hard to earn it. Our board made the decision to give Lila a second chance in the face of staff mistrust. In the long road ahead to improve our movement, I would like to have the same opportunity to continue working together with you as well.
Sincerely,
James Heilman