The Shadow
Dear Editor,
We have been following the story of difficulties with the Clifton Forge Armory’s financial records and reporting, and we hope these serious issues can be resolved so the armory’s valuable contribution to the health, fun and welfare of our community will be preserved.
Too often, record keeping and documentation are not the strong suit of dedicated, hard working people who step up to help provide needed services.
Nor do these good folk always know exactly what kinds of records and reporting are required, why they’re so important, and what kinds of serious problems can occur when record keeping takes a back seat to keeping programs up and running.
This problem can be solved with good will, agreement on what’s needed in the future to get it right and follow-up supervision and assistance as needed.
Volunteer record keeping and accounting problems are so universal that a number of national foundations have developed “how to” resources and training for volunteer organizations (for example, www.centerfornonprofitexcellence.org).
The armory is such a jewel for our community, we don’t want it to get buried in this dust-up. Let’s agree on how things need to happen from now on, and then let’s get ‘er done!
Sincerely,
Steve and Karen Swoope
Olive Street, Clifton Forge
