The SA remains one of the most respected organizations in the world. Those of us who wear a SA uniform hear daily from the general public, other NGOs, faith based groups and government agencies of the high esteem in which we are held. However, due to poor oversight in the provision social services or in not demonstrating greater care in utilizing SA resources in certain SA locations we have come under scrutiny causing unnecessary embarrassment and costly disruption to the ongoing world-wide services we provide.
The below details the ongoing disruption to the SA's work at its Stockholm, Sweden, Headquarters. The article is translated from the original by this blog's Administrator and will be shared in 4 parts. Comments and articles relative to the integrity of TSA's mission are welcome.
Sven Ljungholm
SA Soldier, Govan Citadel Corps
Scotland
The below details the ongoing disruption to the SA's work at its Stockholm, Sweden, Headquarters. The article is translated from the original by this blog's Administrator and will be shared in 4 parts. Comments and articles relative to the integrity of TSA's mission are welcome.
Sven Ljungholm
SA Soldier, Govan Citadel Corps
Scotland
‘Cold Facts’, a Swedish TV investigative documentary program examines the Salvation Army - Version 5
In March, Cold Facts continued its review of the Salvation Army. In addition to email exchanges with the Salvation Army Headquarters, they have also contacted the Ministry of Social Affairs and the State authority SST administering government funds to religious communities in Sweden.
They have also contacted IHQ in London and tried to get an interview with General Shaw Clifton and the incoming General Linda Bond.
At noon on 30 March I was surprised here at the Salvation Army headquarters (Sweden) when they wanted to meet someone in a senior position. However, there was no one in top management available at that moment. The TV Team had already begun to film and interview the receptionist. Moreover, they also filmed and interviewed a person who had just departed from a SA meeting.
All questions submitted (up to that date) to the Salvation Army leadership in Sweden had been answered, albeit maybe not always at the level of detail that Hard Facts demanded. It is was a conscious choice that we made.
Investigative Journalism
An example of the level of detail Cold Facts required us to answer was for us to decipher the preliminary income figures for 2010, divided into the following sources:
gifts - collections - wills
sale of collected goods
grants from government agencies and other organizations
Other allocations
Member contributions
Provision of care and training, as well as rental income
We therefore decided to present the figures that are available in, and presented in a similar form as found in our current Annual Report.
The item, 'grants from government agencies and other organizations' in 2009, was 124 million SEK (Swedish Kronor). The grand total that Cold Facts sought were expected to be presented in the following order:
How much of the sum came from the public sector, governmental, municipal grants?
What kind of contribution is this?
The exact sum from the authorities, grants?
How large are the contributions from each donor?
(we were then asked)
‘Once we have chosen to respond briefly, include the following:
A list of names of the authorities who made contributions?
A list of names of the municipalities that made contributions?
Clearly, even when we provide the requested details they demand ever more information seemingly never to be satisfied.
Accessibility and Transparency
Cold Facts say they have tried me by telephone on several occasions, however, I have seen any numbers which can be traced to Cold Facts and Swedish TV4 (on my caller ID). Of course, I answer the phone when I have the opportunity and return calls to the caller when asked to do so. In addition, we have always asked Cold Facts to forward their questions to me via e-mail. The reason for this is simply because we have other tasks and for this reason is better for us to answer all questions by e-mail.
The Salvation Army
Sweden
The Salvation Army
Sweden
Bert Åberg
4 comments:
We walk into Elida Road Hardware. An old fashioned hardware store. No automatic door, not a
computer in the building. Nothing unusual about the day, or the fact that we go to that store. It is one that I go to fairly often. As we enter the door, two sounds greet us. The
sleigh bells of yesteryear. The other sound is the electronic beeper that alerts Andy of our presence.
Andy Bianco is a very friendly sort of proprietor and is around 50, and the smile on his face welcomes us. We walk across the old wood floor -- destitute of stain or varnish, and worn smooth -- with its squeaky spots, and uneven joints. Andy asks us what he can help us with. I tell him we are looking for a spring. He very patiently replies; "I carry lots of springs, you're going to need to be more specific."
"Beats me what they're called; just a spring for an old-fashioned screen door." "That's it. A screen door spring. Right down there." We turn to where he is pointing, and sure
enough, there they are. Andy knows his store, and his products. That's why I come here instead of those massive places. The service can't be beat. The price, Yes. But service and satisfaction; No.
I pick up one and follow him to the counter. A keg of peanuts sits beside the counter, and beside it, another for the hulls. Let me know when Lowes does that. Covering the counter is a piece of Plexiglas, and under it, all manner of business cards.
"Hey got a card? Put one under here. Free advertising space."
"Thanks Andy, but I already have one. See, over here."
"Well, I'll be; you do."
He figures up the price, doing the math in his head. "$1.88, with Uncle Sam's share comes to $1.99"
"Put it on Pop's account." He nods and smiles, remembering that this is the third item this week that received that verdict. "Good ole' Pop's account." He chuckles. "I don't know what you boys would do without Pop's account!"
He hands me the ticket and as I sign it I ask rhetorically, "You really trust my signature?"
His reply startles, yet gladdens me. "When I can't trust Jerry Hoover's boys; I can't trust nobody!"
What Andy Bianco said that day, rang in my ears. And it rings in my ears today. That's a tall order to live up to. It's a high standard of integrity. My father made a reputation for that name, and I get to enjoy the benefits thereof. But by the same token, I must maintain that reputation. And that's serious business.
TAKE HEED SA OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES AND ALL...
Reputation is what people think you are. Character is who you really are. Take care of your character and your reputation will take care of itself.
USA East
Former
We recently had our divisional inspection with visitors from THQ. We’d been cleaning up for about a month and I'll bet all the home decorator shops in town will report banner years! I’m really and truly disgusted at the waste of money. There are decorative plates and plastic flowers on every conceivable ledge or table-top. If people knew what was happening to the money they donate, donations would drop immensely.
I don’t remember the army being like this a few years back, and certainly not when my parents were on DHQ.
Angry and deeply saddened by what's going on.
Doing the most good yes, but for whom?
USA WT
(edited in part by the administrator)
Sven,
Thank you for this posting. It reminds us all that we need to be good stewards and we need accountability. Sometimes news agencies are looking for anything to stir up controversy. I recall years ago that my picture was plastered
all over the newspaper for all the good things that the Corps was doing in the community. The following week the same reporter wrote a story about how one of our clients received very little assistance and felt cheated. We really did nothing wrong but the bad publicity that we received hurt some. Most people saw it as a news story to sell newspapers.
I would like to state that operations in the USA need to be guarded and under good practice and stewardship. During this time when unemployment is high and donors are being picky with their contributions , The Salvation Army USA needs to have sound financial decisions and the best of reporting how funds are used. Donors give to The Salvation Army because of trust and how the funds are used. Donors do not want to see waste and purchase of items that are not necessary or too expensive. I think that covers areas of major purchases like vehicles, property and buildings.Most people believe in the mission of The Salvation Army and that trust needs to be guarded.Good stewarship is rewarded in many ways and it pleases the Lord and it is required !
USA East , former
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