How far does someone have to push before you walk away?

I am sorry for your loss. Obviously this was a difficult and painful decision for you.
It is sad that politics and self-interest ruined what appears to be a worthy cause.

You are a volunteer. If you are not enjoying what you are doing, stop. There are plenty of other groups who need your skills.

In my work life I have changed projects because the leader wasn’t someone I respected.

What @LuckyGuy said, absolutely. If this group no longer ascribes to the ideals that inspired you to join, move on without guilt. Easier said than done, I know, but there is a good chance that there are other groups that espouse those positive ideals. If you are still in touch with some others who have left, can you find another group to work with?

I have had this happen, and stayed waaaay longer than I should have. It is a painful thing, I wish for you to find a match that suits you and your ideals.

I would have to push back and at least let the PTB know my feelings. If you feel like it has to be anonymous, then so be it. Or ban with a group of the old-timers. Is the Older Leader totally out of the picture? You’re volunteers, it not like they can bar you.

Is it possible you could ‘go rogue’ and use your knowledge to help kids on an individual basis?

Barring that, don’t give up volunteering or the kids. Have you considered CASA?

I’ve seen this happen many times, and I know how frustrating it can be.

@msh – I have no reason to disbelieve what you wrote.

However, I’d make the point that NOTHING is static. Everything changes. The organization would have changed even if the original leader had remained. If something remains static, eventually it atrophies and dies.

You didn’t say WHY the original leader left – is it possible he had a strong vision in a different direction but lacked the energy to see it through? It is possible that his board of trustees was pushing him in a direction that he was uncomfortable with?

As a non-profit, presumably there is a board of directors or a board of governors who hired/engaged the current leader. What role did they have in the selection of the new person? And, is the new person perhaps doing what the Board is telling him to do?

Bottom line, the world changes. But I think that there is much more to this story than you are telling; organizations and their missions change. That is the way of the world.

If you’re not comfortable with the changes, fine, walk away. But bear in mind that the world is going to continue to change.

Things change and best to just accept that and move on to another new venture. Much better than staying in a situation that has outlived its shelf life and is causing you stress.
I have left volunteer groups before, staying anywhere from 2 to 5 years, and it is usually a long time in coming and a relief when it is over. I am sure you can apply your talents in a new realm and rekindle your enthusiasm for helping.

A long time ago I could get pushed beyond my limits and still stay on. Now, as I get older and see things differently, one little push in the wrong direction and I run not walk away.

elbanditoroso~
I left some information in a grey area. My apologies.
The old guard leadership was exhausted and wished to spend more retirement time with family. Some of the long timers were those who were of the board. Working in the trenches to aid via a more hands-on approach, so to speak. Many left when the organization changed hands. Others departed with the shifting away from the original goals to aid all, and moved towards a more political and big business influence and interests via a new board of guidance. It was as if job-placement was successfull enough- not making higher educational choices an viable option for the future.
Most of us have left, including a gentleman who had advised to lay low and keep going.
The world does indeed change, unfortunately, not always for the best.

@msh I know how you feel. I just told my best friend of 27 years off. Now I am not one that gets angry fast. But as you said you got pushed to your limit. I did also. I do not regret it because this has been coming to an end. And it happened on my birthday. Actually it probably was the best birthday gift I could get. I do not miss her calling and arguing with me over something stupid. She chose which direction she wanted to go. I am fine with it. I have new friends who remind me live is better without the ones that bring you down.

These people are positive and outgoing. Where she is a “Debbie downer.” I hope someday she will see I was trying to help her. Best of luck to you . Hope everything works out for you in the long run. Keep your head up.

crazyandbeautiful – Thank you Sweetie. I needed that! Sooo Happy Birthday…. kinda late! It sounds like you are off to a lot of new and fun things. It is oh-so-difficult to make a big decision such as yours. I hope it all works out. You may hear from a changed friend in a few years. I hope so. ;)