Active 20-30 responds: ’We stand firmly with the victims’
We thank you for publishing the opinion letter regarding Dominic Foppoli and Active 20-30. The opinion letter has helped our organization with the ongoing independent investigation into these horrific allegations against Mr. Foppoli. Further, we want you to know that on April 8th, we began expulsion procedures to remove Mr. Foppoli from the entirety of the Active 20-30 U.S. & Canada organization. He was already expelled from his former local Club, Santa Rosa #50.
The Active 20-30 U.S. & Canada Board of Directors, myself included, were horrified when we became aware of the allegations of serious sexual misconduct by a Active 20-30 member, when the SF Chronicle article was released last week. In the wake of these allegations, the Board is both outraged and saddened. We stand firmly with the victims.
Our top priority is the safety of our members. As the new stewards of this organization, we are committed to providing leadership and direction to prevent abuse from ever happening again. The behavior described is unacceptable and sickening. We are determined to prevent abuses in the future. Any type or manner of abusive conduct is not tolerated in Active 20-30 and if made aware of any abusive or harassing situation we will act swiftly to address it.
We want you to know we took immediate steps when informed of the allegations against Mr. Foppoli. On April 8, 2021 the National Board initiated expulsion procedures to remove Mr. Foppoli from the Active 20-30 U.S. & Canada organization. We immediately began conducting an independent investigation and now are in the process of adopting new policies and procedures, reporting processes, and leadership training to ensure that the safety of our members is our top priority. In addition to the general harassment policy the Board of Directors plans to adopt an added and even more robust sexual harassment policy at our upcoming board meeting next week.
Active 20-30 is a national service organization, made up of men and women in their 20's and 30's who have a passion for improving the lives of children in their communities. These emerging leaders serve local kids through hard work and fundraising. Active 20-30 has a rich history of serving and developing leaders in our local communities. In Sonoma County we have six Active 20-30 Clubs: this includes men’s clubs, women’s clubs, and co-ed clubs all of which help raise much needed funds for local children’s nonprofits and take hundreds of children in Sonoma County back–to-school shopping every year.
Out of these horrible allegations, we are working to make our organization stronger, safer and a more supportive community.
The Board of Directors of Active 20-30 encourages any Club member who wishes to reach out to the Board for resources and support to do so. We will be there for you. We stand by our members and anyone else who has been harmed. I am inspired by the courage of the victims who are speaking out at this time.
Questions regarding this matter should be addressed to the National Active 20-30 U.S. & Canada president, Tiffani Montgomery, at tiffanitmontgomery@gmail.com.
Contact
Tiffani Montgomery
National President
Active 20-30 U.S. & Canada
