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Journalism has long wrestled with the adage, “if it bleeds, it leads,” shorthand for how conflict and tragedy naturally command attention. Stories marked by allegations, resignations and loss rise quickly because they strike at emotion and accountability. Quieter stories – like nonprofit leaders burning out under relentless pressure – often reveal deeper truths about how community institutions function day to day. Both deserve scrutiny, though one naturally attracts more readers.
That tension has been on display since the publication of “Women’s Resource Center staff, volunteers quit alleging ethical concerns with board” (Herald, Dec. 29), a story quickly amplified across regional radio and picked up by Colorado Public Radio. The subject matter is emotional, complex and deeply personal, encompassing allegations of financial mismanagement, workplace conflict, a termination and, most painfully, the loss of a valued community member, Tammy Tyner.
The public may never know every detail of what transpired inside the Women’s Resource Center, and that is appropriate. Personnel matters – particularly terminations – are confidential by law and practice, in nonprofits and for-profits alike. Organizations are imperfect because they are made up of people. People, as we all know, are complicated.
Former staff members and volunteers have alleged unethical financial practices, bullying and payroll problems. It is easy to level accusations at a governing board that, by law, is constrained in how fully it can respond. Even so, the WRC board has denied wrongdoing, characterized the claims as misunderstandings, outlined its financial and oversight practices, and committed to independent financial and governance reviews (see wrcdurango.org/whatshappening).
Those claims and counterclaims matter, but they are ultimately for the board to substantiate and resolve. The responsibility for the health, integrity and future of the Women’s Resource Center rests squarely with its board of directors. That is the role of governance: stewardship, transparency and accountability, especially in times of crisis.
What is not in dispute is this: The community lost a respected community member to a tragic suicide, and the organization she oversaw remains essential. According to its website, for 38 years, the Women’s Resource Center has served roughly 1,400 women and families annually, “supporting personal empowerment and economic self-sufficiency through education, job skills, emergency assistance, grants and scholarships.”
Even now, with reduced hours, women are still walking through WRC’s doors seeking help.
That reality matters – especially as federal cuts to SNAP, Medicaid and other health and social services threaten to push more women and families into crisis. When safety nets fray, local nonprofits absorb the strain. The work becomes harder, not easier.
We have seen this pressure elsewhere. This week, news coverage highlighted the leadership transition at the La Plata County Humane Society in the article, “Feeling burnout, La Plata County Humane Society director takes her leave” (Herald, Dec. 31). Nonprofit work can be relentless, emotionally demanding and increasingly underresourced. Leadership changes and internal strain are often symptoms of a system stretched thin.
The same is true at the Women’s Resource Center. Its mission must go on – and it can, not through outrage, but with the community’s help.
Public scrutiny is appropriate. Compassion is essential. But keyboard warfare does nothing to serve the women and families who rely on WRC today. If the community wants transparency, stability and healing, there are constructive ways to help: donate, volunteer, show up and ask questions – something the board encourages. Support those working to rebuild.
The board now bears the obligation to restore trust, demonstrate sound governance and ensure the organization emerges stronger. The community’s role is to ensure the mission does not become collateral damage amid the controversy.
In times of conflict, it is easy to dwell on what is broken. It is far harder – and far more vital – to protect what truly matters. Former board members, staff, volunteers, members, donors, clients and above all, Tammy Tyner, would want nothing less.
