Being excluded to the point of stupidity

[IllinoisTVFan]

I have to share this because it's infuriating but funny too. A few years ago I started volunteering at the local vets organization. Veterans are important to me because my family are all vets (plus if I wasn't discharged for medical I would be one too). Everything was going good (or so I thought). People seemed to get along etc. There were lots of events. I did more than my fair share and I'm only bringing this up for a reason. So new people starting coming in and instead of everyone working together some of them starting taking over. Okay, it was fine to have more people but those in charge starting putting people who came in after.

That's not my issue. What is my issue is I am a marketing person. I told them for free (pro bono)I would put together a marketing plan and do things like produce commercials and fundraisers. I have experience and my portfolio shows this. This is my life. Anyway they turned me down, saying they had no use for someone like me. The irony? I found out they created a marketing/fundraiser board and NONE of the people have any experience in it or even a degree in anything! I had heard rumors for a few years about this secret board and confronted someone and they denied it. However around this time I started getting nasty email messages telling me I'm not included in certain events and a few times I showed up to help and they told me I wasn't needed. Okay I get it, you don't want me. Then don't send email messages saying you can't raise money and get no media experience. I could have done that but I wasn't worthy so it's your fault.

I'm not even mad it just makes me laugh that people are so stupid.

[Janice]

I'd be mad if I was you. That's a very stupid and short-sighted decision on their part. With your education and experience, you would certainly make a valuable contribution to their marketing and fundraising efforts.

Can you go over their heads and contact the organization's HR department? I know it's not something you want to do, but they're making stupid decisions that affect not only them but others in the organization.

This might fall under the blessing in disguise category. These people must be awful to with/for. Good luck.

[OH Nuts!]

IMO they sound batsh*t crazy. Their "grand vision" must be self-destruction. If it's possible (but psychologically worth it?)to go over their heads, that is an alternative.

Me? I guess how I'd react is to h*ll with them. Not only are you compassionate, but you have solid business skills to make invaluable contributions.. This organization can't be the only show in town. There are plenty of organizations out there helping vets and I BET they'd be grateful to have someone like you. Here's a quick thought off the top of my head: is there a veteran's hospital within driving distance? Bet they'd be tickled pink to have a volunteer like you. And if you have experience fund-raising maybe they might be willing to teach you grant writing. It might be worth it to them. But no matter what, you have ALOT to give, and if an organization is so myopic and anal retentive it can't see that, TAKE your gifts SOMEPLACE they'll be appreciated and make a difference.

Another thought: Check out the Gary Sinise Foundation.

Good luck. Keep us posted.

[IllinoisTVFan]

Originally Posted by Janice

I'd be mad if I was you. That's a very stupid and short-sighted decision on their part. With your education and experience, you would certainly make a valuable contribution to their marketing and fundraising efforts.

Can you go over their heads and contact the organization's HR department? I know it's not something you want to do, but they're making stupid decisions that affect not only them but others in the organization.

This might fall under the blessing in disguise category. These people must be awful to with/for. Good luck.

Originally Posted by OH Nuts!

IMO they sound batsh*t crazy. Their "grand vision" must be self-destruction. If it's possible (but psychologically worth it?)to go over their heads, that is an alternative.

Me? I guess how I'd react is to h*ll with them. Not only are you compassionate, but you have solid business skills to make invaluable contributions.. This organization can't be the only show in town. There are plenty of organizations out there helping vets and I BET they'd be grateful to have someone like you. Here's a quick thought off the top of my head: is there a veteran's hospital within driving distance? Bet they'd be tickled pink to have a volunteer like you. And if you have experience fund-raising maybe they might be willing to teach you grant writing. It might be worth it to them. But no matter what, you have ALOT to give, and if an organization is so myopic and anal retentive it can't see that, TAKE your gifts SOMEPLACE they'll be appreciated and make a difference.

Another thought: Check out the Gary Sinise Foundation.

Good luck. Keep us posted.

Thanks both of you. Yeah I thought of going over their head but instead just kind of backed out of volunteering for most of the event. I do volunteer for one event but none of these people are involved at all. My mom told me I was making a big deal about it but what got me was that I had the actual skill and they wanted someone with no experience at all. Ironically I just got certificates in grant writing and fundraising which would help them even more but they don't care.

I didn't post the main reason why some dislike me. I have this friend who it appears to many as a boyfriend. He's the closest thing to a boyfriend but for now we both have too many issues to be more. Anyway, he got kicked out of the organization basically for a variety of reasons (most made up) and they are mad at him. They wanted me to hate him too but I told them I won't side against him.