Alumni Petition

Not sure what's going on but I would hate to see Pathways Training dissolve.

I have a huge heart for the Pathways organization, as anyone who knows me is already aware. I can not in good conscience sign this petition. My personal belief and by the very definition of a petition would insinuate that by signing this petition I stand behind everything it requests and I don't. There's just too much going on in this document. Had a petition gone out requesting a meeting and included a list of issues to be discussed I would gladly sign, because that doesn't mean I agree or disagree with each issue, it would mean I support the need for communication between those who support the organization and those with a fiduciary obligation to manage and direct the operations of the organization. There will always be a better way to run an organization as there is always room for improvement. None of us fully live our contract but day in and day out we strive to come close to the ideals that it represents. So too, an organization continually tries to improve its effectiveness and efficiencies by continually looking at its processes, policies and procedures. With that comes change; some changes become home runs, and some changes get intercepted and run back for a pick six (I apologize for mixing of two sports in a single metaphorical example) Many of you who've signed this petition and already commented here have served this organization in the past as Board members, Facilitators, TA's, staff and volunteers in varying capacities. If you consider yourself "legacy alumni", you had your turn at the wheel of the ship and were charged with leaving the organization in the same, if not better condition than when you came aboard. Our hearts for the organization are all aligned in that desire, I'm most certain. You really no longer have the right to suggest how the organization is to be run, unless asked. The current members of the Board, and the people put in place to run Pathways are quite capable and always open to feedback, but not to be told

I am a brave, worthy, loved by God, truly happy , whimsical woman who is whole, surrendered, and basking in the warmth of God's sunshine.... and and engaged interesting mama with the heart of a child. I pray for the wholeness, healing, and authenticity this organization needs. I love Pathways, it changed my heart for a lifetime in the most beautiful ways. I love serving as a TA., what a privilege. This last two years, there have been decisions made that have affected me and my family personally as a result of some of the changes made. People who have served with their whole hearts are tossed out like the garbage they fought so hard not to be when they entered the program. There was no accountability on the part of Pathways everything done was a exact opposite of the tools we learn in training. I don't think this with Pathways, the organization, I think it was a few people you didn't communicate or made poor choices...negatively impacting more people then they may have realized.

I'm am a lovable, free, clean woman who trusts in God with every little bit and dances in His light.

I believe you are the one sitting in judgement of the people on the petition. Many of the people have not been involved BECAUSE of the issues discussed in this petition. None of this is new Paul and you of all people know that. The years away from the training doesn't diminish our voice. It doesn't mean that we don't get to speak out. We love the training just as much as you do which is why any of us would take the time and energy to care at all. There is no time to be patient. 35 in a January weekend is alarming. Some are saying it was becasue of black ice? We didn't have an ice day in January. It was cold but we were never shut down for ice. Blackballing absolutely still happens. Why do you think people are nervous to sign this or feel the need to write anonymous comments? Why haven't most of the people who were blackballed in the past been asked to come back? Take a good look at the list. I know you know most of not all of the people. Would you really catorgize us a band wagoners? We are just jumping aboard for what? To make waves? I signed because I do know that parties involved and have for 14 years. I trust them 100%. Every single item in this petition is concerning and has been for years. This is not a personal attack on any one person. It is is pulling the emergency alarm that it's time to make changes. The healthiest this organization has been? I 100% disagree with that statement. You are facilitating. You are "allowed" to serve. Of course you are going to say that. Think about the graveyard of talented, experienced, powerful, wonderful, amazing TA's that are no longer there , that my friend is not healthy.

I am strong, loving and loved, a woman cherished by God and carried in the palm of His hand. Class 284 I love Pathways. It changed my life. That is why I have recommended it to so many people. However I have become increasingly concerned about what is happening at a Pathways. I thought it was only me and so have said nothing, only listened, watched and wondered. As a super sponsor of 17 participants I have watched the changes from my own training to as recent as a sponsoree in the training right now. And I have been unhappy with a lot of what I've seen, most of which is enumerated in this petition. I have begun to wonder if I want to sponsor any more people, but have not yet made a decision. I am in a position of watchful waiting. I also experienced a violation of the sanctity of the room, and it distressed me more than anything else, and have been informed of another in my sponsorees class. It is my hope that these concerns are listened to and valued, and recommendations are respected and implemented.

I am a real & confident man who is a forgiving and forgiven dad. Though I don't agree with everything that is written, I agree that there needs to be transparency, accountability, and structure beyond what is in place. I was reminded of "perception", when questioning some of the topics. I believe at the least, this needs to be weighed carefully and responded to as soon as possible so no more division is created. I have been afraid to sign this due to the possible ramifications, but, not signing keeps me from being real. This program saved my life. I would hope that those responsible for responding will see it as the same and note that the signatures here are out of heart felt concern.

Accountability can sometimes be hard, and feedback can sometimes be hard, but we were trained to know that both are so good for us. I don't know what inspired this petition but I do believe in accountability, feedback, and I DO definitely believe in this training! Praying that resolution happens, tools are used, and that God continues to heal hearts and empower people through pathways.

This petition was sent to me on Friday. I have been reading the comments over the course of the weekend and reflecting on the information within it. I have not been active in the organization for the past 4 years but feel that, without this training, I would not be the wife, mother, friend, or business woman I am today. I recached out to Mark Walker, Chairman of the Board, after reading this petition. I will not be signing it. I do agree with some of the suggestions but, after discussion with Mark, feel that those I agree with are in progress. A few things I would like to highlight are listed below. 1. God is always in the room. We, as humans, don't direct Him. He is present in our lives in spite of us on many occasions. 2. Transitions are always difficult for everyone involved. In a marriage, business, or organization it is difficult to understand the full picture of someone's experience. 3. Mark shared with me that he has utilized a consultant to advise on strategic development of a diverse board. I believe him and believe that this cannot happen overnight. 4. Movement of Martin and Laurie off of the Board ensures an ideal reporting structure within the organization for effective management (ie, staff reports to ED, ED reports to Board, Board is responsive to the community). 5. Staff have been hurt. I believe these hurts are legitimate. I love many of those who have been hurt. In no way am I trying to minimize those who were employed and left the staff. I do know that the lack of leadership (no ED in place) would make it very difficult for all involved. 6. I firmly believe that the ideal situation is to have 2 teams of facilitators for every training that facilitate on a rotating schedule. This would ensure that those leading the training have an opportunity to live the training. I believe the leadership acknowledges and would like to see this happen; building bench strength has been a challenge for many years and being part of

I hope the writers of this petition made efforts to go directly to the board before making a public petition. I'd also like to know who the writers/contributors are for full transparency. I personally take issue with the tone of some of the petition, but I hear the desire for bettering our beloved Pathways rather than diminishing it. Overall, I'd like to see a few meetings scheduled to allow for dialogue between staff and community. PW is nothing without its volunteers, so it is in their best interest to embrace this opportunity to clarify their position and decisions, listen to heartfelt concerns from alumni, and collaborate with their passionate community. Megan Schell I am a care free woman living in the wide open space of peace, found, rescued, loved, and important, held in the arms of Christ forever and ever, and I am becoming a safe, peaceful, confident, and present mom!

As a “current” but recently resigned Pathways staff member (in good standing) I sign this petition with deep sorrow for the state of our organization. There are some very personal mentions in this petition in which I don’t know the facts of, but I respect this approach of support and it’s intent as I have experienced nothing but integrity and respect from the parties involved in circling this petition to seasoned Alumni. Given my intimate experience in the organization, I also understand it is plausible that the leadership could receive this petition as a personal attack to individuals instead of hearing it for what it truly is, a mission supporting source of feedback. I was a contributor & volunteer to Pathways before I attended my training 6 years ago. I have loved and been passionate about the mission as I experienced it’s life changing power. I have also been on staff with the organization for the last 2.5 years. My recent resignation came after months and months of weighing, praying, seeking, and challenging myself and our leadership and finally find in complete peace that it was my time to depart. In my time with Pathways I have consistently approached our leadership with integrity and through the front door. I have also asked for a round table with the whole 2016 Board and ED to discuss the state of the organization and get answers and reconciliation on things that occurred in the last 9-12 months. I have been denied that. I have instead been approached “individually”, which has breed triangular conversations and provided distorted “facts” that do not allow for the whole truth to be known. “Anonymous TA”: We have, in fact, had a 100% complete administrative staff turnover in one year. We lost Jill in January 2016, Brian in late February 2016, Craig in March 2016 leaving Terry and myself as the ONLY 2 full time staff members. Hanging on by a thread, our prayers, hope for better, and our love for the mission the 2 of us made it until Mid May which i

I think the thing that hurts me the most is that many of these comments are from people that have not been involved in or around the training in years, yet they can sit in judgment based on a petition created by a friend. And while some of this petition reflects things that need to be discussed and looked at, I find some of it misleading and impatient. I give up so much of my free time for this organization between trainings because I believe in it. Also, I have been around for 25 years and this is the healthiest I have ever seen it. There were days when a whole team almost walked out because of the way we were treated. I remember people truly being blackballed from being a TA. My heart goes out to those who created the petition. Do not think that because of my position around it means that I do not love and care about you. I just wished that it would not have gone down like this and I pray that we can get this all resolved. I also encourage those that were so quick to judge to possibly come and see for yourself before jumping on a bandwagon.

for the complete lack of integrity, i made a decision long ago to no longer be involved with Pathways. Pathways uses people to train and treats them poorly with zero accountability.

This makes me sad. Pathways was such a huge part in helping me find myself again and to think that it could not be the same or more for someone else is tragic.

I have my own concerns about Posting on Facebook as myself, with no mention of Pathways, and being shut down by a Facilitator with a god complex against my chosen political standing. I didn't appreciate it, and I reported it, only to have the ED just brush it under the carpet. I felt that my concerns were not heard, and that my value as an alumni, a former intern, and current TA was not met. Something MUST be changed to get me back in the room as a leader. The Pathways of current, is NOT the Pathways I was proud to serve in.

I have struggled with whether to sign or not because in reality I do not necessarily have first hand knowledge of some of the concerns that are listed here. My personal experience has not been such as is described. However as I read the solutions, they appear to all make sense and I believe with my whole heart that implementing the solutions creates an accountability and transparency that I do feel at some level has been lacking. I believe that the leadership has at the minimum to receive feedback as the training teaches us too with an open heart and a willingness to at least examine it for value. Signing this does not in any way effect my desire to continue to volunteer or invest in the Pathways community and training, but as a way of requesting that we all do our best to grow and live in the training it has provided. Praying for open hearts and ears all the way around so that we can hear each other and recognize the passion for this organization and the desire for it to continue to change lives. Robyn Havener - I am an adventurous, calm, loving woman who is a strong, confident, loving mom, and an open, beautiful, loved woman of God.

I believe God reigns with sovereignty over the healing that takes place in the hearts and minds of those who choose it, regardless of the leadership He’s established or removed for the season we are in. May the name of God be praised forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him. He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals the deep and hidden things; He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him. Daniel 2:20-22 My opinion… God is on His throne and since my graduation last year I pushed family and loved ones into the training toward Him, as well as a dear friend who’s currently my sponsee the room. I wouldn’t have gone through teen camp last year or kept pushing people into the room, despite the questions I had, if I didn’t believe God still reigned over all of it. I can’t validate all the concerns in the petition because I don’t know the place where some of them came from, but I can agree with several of the concerns that were raised. I love the leaders who were in my training on a heart level and the gifts God has given them. They pushed me and I believe they did it from a place of love. I do not believe anyone is perfect or exempt from failure, especially our leaders. They are human beings like I am and make mistakes like I do. Hear my heart on this… I have grace for everyone in that room, top to bottom, even those who have deeply wounded people I love and care about. I have learned that grace still wins even if someone hurts you and never acknowledges that they did so. Their acknowledgement (or lack therof) is ultimately their choice in the matter to heal themselves. I would say the same rule is a mirror to those in the conversation choosing to be anonymous, lacking courage to acknowledge their voice and hide behind the mask of anonymity. The way I see this petition… 80 people at the time o

Deeply concerned!

I support this organization and open dialogue. I’ve served in multiple roles in the room for a while now. I do not support this method of attacking an organization we all love. Can this (and any) organization improve? Of course. This petition, though, is demonstrably veering into sensationalism in an attempt to add credibility on several points – but that actually detracts from the effort for any positive change. This document is using hyperbole to cast a purposefully sinister shroud of suspicion. It’s taking direct, personal shots at individuals. For example: - Violation of the sanctity of the room - “what is said in the room, stays in the room” – is true when talking about personal content disclosed by someone in confidence. Follow-up coaching / mentoring / corrections by Team Captains, leadership, etc. to individuals about what worked/wasn’t working about their performance, or issues that happened in the room, has ALWAYS been a part of the process. For example, Team Captain feedback to individual TA’s. If this mechanism didn’t exist, people could literally do or say anything they wanted in to room with no possibility to have anything corrected afterwards. - Reference to “God is no longer in the room” – this is blatant hyperbole. I’ve not seen this in the slightest, and in fact my own spirituality has been strengthened by the continued presence of this element. What I have seen, though, is a sensitivity in the room to not trying to push God/Spirituality as the main answer to most questions for everyone, but letting trainees go there when that’s where THEY want to go…which is one of the core tenets of the training. This is the training EVOLVING, in the same way that it has successfully moved away from homophobia and misogyny (which I’ve seen direct examples of in the past). - Asserting that financials are “being kept secret” - If anyone wants financial information about the organization, the legal requirement for all 401© organizations is to p

After reading the petition, I can see good points being made and thoughtful solutions. I think this document could serve as a healthy way of addressing concerns and also a way to start a dialogue around those concerns. Being a former staff member, I can think of points in time when some of the issues listed were commonplace, i.e. the posting of Board minutes and public financial information being easily found on the website. So, I don't think anything listed is wrong or outside of the scope of normal practices as it pertains to non-profits. But I'm signing it because I believe in the freedom to express. I believe what we teach in the training room about feedback. If you come from a place of love and you see something standing in the way of someone you care about getting what they want, it's never wrong to hold up a mirror. Nobody in this organization is above getting feedback. I also believe that if there is division in the community, issues need to be addressed in order to bring unity and understanding or unity and change. Whichever of those two paths are the more appropriate, the constant is unity. I want to make sure that every person in our community is treated with the dignity and respect that he/she deserves. Additionally, I want to make sure that anyone, regardless of viewpoint on certain issues, is treated in a manner consistent with the Pathways Core Values and Code of Ethics. For instance, one post here on the comments thread talked about parts of the petition sounding "petty." I think we need to be very careful making judgements without knowing all of the facts (even if you think you know them). Lives could be severely affected and it's not right to minimize that with judgments. Right now I just pray that everyone involved now and in the future is heard, loved, feels energized and passionate for what we, collectively, hold dear. I pray for another 30 years of changed lives.