F. Scott Fitzgerald said it best: “America is all about second acts.” We will hope that CAI and its directors have indeed learned from their mistakes and will continue with what is a most worthwhile mission.
Wow! So not only do you not fire him, you don’t even accept that his actions were worthy of dismissal. To give you a reference point, both AED and IRD were accused of less egregious acts and both were disbarred from USAID funding, their leadership forced out of the industry (not just the company) and so far, one company was sued into non-existence. Guess none of that applies if you just write a good heart-strings book.
While I still find the misuse of funds tragic, what bothers me most about this response to Kevin Starr’s critique is why CAI decided not to replace Mortenson “…because the decades of relationships and experience that made it difficult – almost impossible – to replace him.”
So without Mr. Mortenson there is no CAI? I find this appalling and often a challenge within the sector. Yes, charismatic and effective leaders draw people to a cause and can help propel organizations forward. However, CAI’s response is telling us that without Mr. Mortenson as a figurehead, the organization would not be able to function? All good leaders build up decades of experience and relationships – that is their job. But this does not make them irreplaceable.
Unfortunately this tells me that CAI has had no good internal capacity building strategies in place, and perhaps worse, no trust in their ability to carry forth their mission without one individual.
Charismatic leaders may attract us to the cause with their passion and skill, but they can’t be the only thing that keeps the organization going or we all suffer – especially the beneficiaries.
Jill Freeman appears to focus on “the decades of relationships and experience” of Mr. Mortenson in fund raising. Admittedly his books have had a major affect on CAI’s fund raising. However, in reality Mr. Mortenson’s “decades of relationships and experience” in the client regions are far more important to the mission of CAI (and much harder to replace) than is his current role in fund raising.
While I too disliked the use of “irreplaceable” in the note, I have believed from the moment trouble started that Greg needed to be given a second chance and that he does, indeed, have a gift and a heart for these tireless and effective efforts. I also believe that his gifts and work are very close to one of the real hearts of darkness in our world today.
Greg, I applaud your achievements and your work. It is very important. Please keep making a difference in this beautiful, ugly world!
Bravo Mr. Jim Thaden! Your article has made my spirit soar. Thank you. I am a great admirer of the work of the CAI and Mr. Mortenson in these countries.
I find that some of the commentators here may have no clue what-so-ever in understanding the delicate cultural nuances, the extent of effort it takes to work effectively in the part of the world the CAI has a presence, and how very difficult, uncomfortable & increasingly dangerous this truly ‘hands on’ work is.
While it may be true that ‘nobody is irreplaceable’ the relationships built over the years by Mr. Mortenson and members of the CAI in this part of the world are not easily replaced. It’s a cultural thing. And, after all these years working in the region Greg Mortenson is ‘family’ there. That is not something just anyone can step into.
Where does Mr. Mortensen live? What kind of house does he have, what’s its value? What’s his bank account balance? Has anyone linvestigated his personal financial life on those levels? Because the accusations of financial gain and fraud mean that those funds must have ended up somewhere. How is he spending his $170,000 salary? Is it possible his speaker’s fees have gone to Pakistan to be invested in projects, or been donated back to CAI? Wouldn’t that be a great thing to discover? It is more than time for CAI to disclose everything. And I mean Everything. I have been a donor, and I make a whole lot less that $170,000, about 25% of that in fact. I asked these questions specifically in a letter when I donated in December. No response ... yet.
What I don’t understand is why this is being rehashed after the ruling from the courts:
“The televised accusations in 2011 led to a state inquiry and a purported class-action lawsuit – both of which have been successfully resolved for the Bozeman-based CAI. The Montana Attorney General’s inquiry concluded in April 2012. Also that month, U.S. District Court Judge Samuel Haddon dismissed with prejudice the lawsuit against Mortenson, CAI, and other defendants, calling it “flimsy, speculative and without merit.” The 9th U.S. Court of Appeals in San Francisco upheld that ruling in October 2013”
“. . . FLIMSY, SPECULATIVE and WITHOUT MERIT . . . ” leaves little room for doubt!
The heart of Greg Mortensen and his passion for the suffering of the people in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Tajikistan is almost unparalleled in today’s self-serving culture. I have no problem donating and/or supporting Mr. Mortensen and his mission in any way possible.
I live in Australia and only know about CAI through reading Greg Mortenson’s books. I have become very jaded about donating to NGO because of the money wasted on admin and employment of bean counters. I am appalled to hear that CAI funds have been wasted on fighting law-suits etc. How many projects on the ground would that money have completed?
I am drawn to Greg Mortenson because of the necessity to stuff wads of cash into his, and others, pockets in order to pay for goods and services in places that we could not comprehend much less deal with. Keeping accounts under such circumstances must be near impossible but should we care if it gets the job done?
Please CAI and Greg Mortenson, keep doing what you do best.
Greg Mortenson is irreplaceable because I can’t imagine anyone risking even going into the areas CAI serves, much less cultivating the trusting relationships he manages to establish with a very untrusting people. His rare gifts of patience, respect and understanding is not easy to find in others. His dedication to and knowledge of his mission is exceptional. He’s not a bookkeeper so don’t let him do that. Let him do what he does better than anyone else in those incredibly difficult areas he works in. Let him continue and further CAI’s work not only for those areas, but for the overall hope of peace and prosperity around the world.
like many people I read the book: Three Cups of Tea. what a wonderful and heart stirring story.
after that I saw the piece on 60 minutes. I was very disappointed in mortenson. then all the ‘ker-fullal’ about CAI. one would think that mortenson would have been removed and his salary stopped (or, minimally, vastly reduced) with no use of CAI facilities. I think that he is still a philosophical driving force there. because the book has been shown to be ‘a bit of fiction’, CAI should stop using it and referring to it.
let the charity live or die on it’s own (after following all laws of course). people should investigate the charities that they donate to..
I have been a donor and also followed CAI´s achievements over the years. I understand some of the success stories come from Mr Mortensen´s reports but even if they are on the side of a story I´d definitely support their goal. of course I expect most of the donations will go to the organization´s goals but I understand the situations that can arise, specially dealing in this part of the world, where there are no ATMs, no wire to a remote settlement, they work on an informal economy and it´s the way to conduct business. On the irreplaceable calification of Mr. Mortensen´s I propose to some of the above contributors if they can think of a better representative in both worlds, the funds collection and the building, logistics, bureaucratic processes in Pak, Afg and Taj ? Even if a large portion of what he wrote on those books was fake you wouldn´t find a better qualified person to get to the point where he got, I understand the need for a better management but he has qualities and a love for what he made that are unique and think about the books if they were boring government reports or academic papers they wouldn´t have sold the way they did, maybe some fiction was necessary to sell the idea and get supporters, I don´t mind.
I too am amazed that this whole thing is still being rehashed. Not everyone is good at everything and Greg got in over his head with the financial side of things. It’s been corrected.
So get over it and get on with what truly matters.
In response to the post by Wayan above, IRD’s misuse of funds was certainly not “less egregious” than the mismanagement CAI was guilty of. Details of the former are available from a number of sources. Also, the founder of IRD and his wife received nearly $6 million in compensation between 2008 and 2012, and a couple of close relatives received over a million dollars.
Having managed development projects in Pakistan I’m aware of the challenges of keeping track of all transactions, particularly in a cash-driven context and when receipts are not readily available. Good record-keeping is necessary, though, and I’m glad to hear controls have been put in place, including regular audits—but I understand the temptation to forego some of these measures.
In that part of the world relationships, especially those of long-standing, are very important, and so I believe keeping Greg on board with CAI and personally involved in that part of the world was a sound decision.
I think it is safe to say CAI is Greg Mortenson and vice versa. Many, including those within the organization, will probably take vociferous umbrage at that statement, but for me it is the simple truth. By the time Greg departs (may it be many many years in the future), CAI is going to have to have become a very different organization from what it is today for me to stick with it.
CAI was set up by a legacy from one man, specifically with Greg Mortenson as director. Unless criminal fraud was proven against Mortenson, and it hasn’t, there is no reason why it shouldn’t continue as directed.
If Greg Mortenson’s books were faction they sucked me in and that’s how supporters are found. No crime there either. Whatever it takes to get this important job done.
I have worked with and for a number of non-profit organisations over the past 30 years and if there is one thing that every organisation needs, it is motivated personnel. Greg Mortensen did the children of the region the greatest favour in creating CAI and in driving it forward, and has been an inspiration. As with so many non-profits, they reach a size and growth rate which they are ill-equipped to manage, and that happened with CAI. It took a while for this to be realised and new structures brought in. I agree with the stance that the board of CAI have taken to keep Greg on; I do not agree with the view that once a person has made a mistake, he should be fired, especially after the court findings which PAR reminded us of above. That is a very short-term view, IMHO, and if CAI is anything (as exemplified by Greg Mortensen’s own commitment), it is a long-term project that needs all the support we can give it.
What matters, in my opinion, is the result of Mortenson’s work, not whether some details in his book are 100% correct. Great that you now have a process in place to cover all aspects of the charity, including financial rigour.
Keep up the good work, all of you, your efforts are highly valued and of extreme importance.
Gregg wrote two compelling stories that moved people into action to address real situations and the plight of these countries. These are simple people and the help Gregg brought to them was simple for them to understand. It seems people want to judge Gregg’s authoring ability and lack of expertise in fund raising instead of the results of his actions.
CAI did not ride in on it’s white horse saying “We are here to save the day.” They came in with a novel approach of first listening to the needs of the people and providing them with the resources for them to save the day (their future) themselves. CAI provided a way for them to own the long term solution in a very simple way. Did he do it all correctly? Of course not, but his motives were noble. I follow principles, not people.
We should try judging our political leaders in such a manner.
Oh please Jude Foster. There are millions of people earning far more than Greg Mortenson does. You are missing the point: Do you think Bill Gates earns too much? I live in Africa and I hear that some of your US motivational speakers reportedly earn $60 000 per weekend. Well if people are prepared to pay that - so be it (it is just a number after all). If just ONE girl is given a hand up by CAI then that is ENOUGH. In this case thousands of young girls have been helped - THAT IS THE POINT - not fussing over what some staff member earns. Have you ANY idea of what these young girls go through? Are you prepared to risk your live and go to help over there? I hope you care, I sincerely hope you do. What Greg has accomplished, single handedly - it was his vision and now there are many more to help - is miraculous. And you just want to know what he earns - well I don’t. Thank you Mr Mortenson for doing what 100’s of millions of us won’t. It is hugely inspiring to read about what people are prepared to do to help others. If you get well paid for it - should you stop doing it??? There are no monuments to critics out there.
Thank you for pushing back, Robert, and I really mean that. I quickly regretted posting that comment or question some weeks ago, but I didn’t post again until now. I continue to donate to CAI, I have for years, and I just shared the children’s book “Listen to the Wind” with the parents in my school, which I do every year. I questioned the earnings, as one who earns much less and still contributes. I will never be comfortable with the disparity of incomes in our culture, it is insane in this suffering world. But I am with you on this. I retract.
I can only say “amen” to all those folks who support the CAi and Greg Mortenson and can only wonder who these people are that can’t see the incredible work being done in such a troubled parts of the world. Keep up your spirit and fine work, Greg and CAI!
Greg, and all of you at CAI, have been an inspiration to so many of us who cannot imagine doing what you do in that part of the world. But you have given us, from within the privileged havens of our lives, the opportunity to help bring peace to places which have previously known only violence and war from our part of the world. Your work is truly a gift from God. Keep doing what you do so well!
I think, that you guys are great. I think that the detractors of Greg Mortenson are small-minded nitpickers, who have no interest in helping CAI achieve a better future for thousnads of people. I suggest you simply ignore them all, and continue doing the excellent job you are all doing.
“Judge not, lest you be judged” is a good standard to live by. Greg Mortenson saw a need a tried to fill it. Human error is so easy to criticize but anyone who has started a business without much accounting knowledge, as I have, has learned there are a myriad of details involved and it can be quite difficult to work them all out. And the ability to build relationships that last for decades as Greg has done cannot be replaced by hiring other personnel. I applaud CAI and Greg and am glad they have made reparations and set up new policies so this awesome ministry can continue into the future. And I pray their efforts in these impoverished countries will bring miraculous results in the lives of women, children, AND men.
I have been following this story since it began and am producing a film with the results of my investigation: 3000 Cups of Tea, http://3000cupsoftea.org/trailer.php
Thank you Jude for your gracious retraction - you are my kind of person (not sure if that is good or bad 😊 ). I appreciate your answer and respect you for it. We are on the same side. I love it that folks like the CAI people are prepared to DO something for those who generally cannot defend themselves from these bullies who just want to use them and not allow them to better themselves. All humans get one chance on this earth and should be free to pursue their own happiness. So thank you and all the best 😊.
I love Greg Mortenson!! I am also a nurse, which was his original profession(?) The book “Three Cups of Tea” was awesome and brought to light the great needs, esp of women and young girls in those countries. He has been the greatest advocate of women’s rights and needs in today’s world!! He(Greg) saw a need and did something about it!! I see his heart!!
He was not a financial person, nor a writer, so he went to experts for assistance, and I feel he innocently took possible “bad advice”??
I also think he has been the object of envy and jealousy from other journalists who pursued him like a “hound” regarding his experiences because they were failures?? Most authors “dress-up” their words to make them more palatable and possibly entertaining? Greg is not a journalist nor does he claim to be! I am sorry that he had to suffer humiliation and threat of dishonor in the face of all he did in this crazy world today!! May God richly bless him for all he did!!
Greg Mortenson is irreplaceable because the entire body of work is his. I am ashamed of those who “fired” him from his own organization—it’s an old story: coming onto a board and firing the founder. No, the CAI board’s “decision to work with him” is simple patronizing nonsense. But if this fiction—that you’re “willing” to work with him—is what it takes, so be it.
I’m deeply moved to see that so many continue to support Mortenson in spite of the media’s attempt to score points off of him. It takes good readers to see how they’ve done that. For shame.
The courts dismissed the whole thing. If Mortenson is “willing” to keep working with the disloyal people who took over his organization, I wish them all peace of mind and the very best of luck with giving help to those who need it so badly.
Mortensen is a true believer, not a corporate attorney, accountant or Masters of Business Administration. His constructive contributions to our world far exceed any deficits in administrative talent, and I’m willing to forgive him and ask that he return to what he’s good at: making something positive happen.
I feel certain he agrees with me: work is easy, people are hard. I also suspect he sees for himself who the righteous are, and they are going in the same direction as he.
Nicely put John. An excellent analysis. I love it: “His constructive contributions to our world far exceed any deficits in administrative talent”. And yet some folks prefer to zero in on his weaknesses!! Well I love it that Greg is prepared to get out there and DO something. What an amazing man - facing massive danger and obstacles, Greg was prepared to get out there and do something wonderful to help those who find it almost impossible to overcome their own adversities.
From the first moment I heard of Greg Mortensen’s work in that extremely difficult part of the world I have admired him and never doubted his motives. His heart was always in the right place, and I believe he was so focussed on what he was doing that he did not realize that book keeping and keeping track of funds was important and would be questioned. I do not believe for a moment that he consciously misappropriated any funds. He worked non stop without regard to his own health needs, it never occurred to him that his motives would be doubted. Yes, he was naive , but he is not a crook. The courts have cleared him of any wrong doing and I think people should stop trying to beat him up. The fact that he continues to work for an organization that decided to take all power away from him, an organization that would not exist with out him, should tell you volumes about the nature of the man. God bless you Mr. Mortensen, I support you whole heartedly, all the people you helped support you, a whole generation supports you. Some people question your salary, as far as I’m concerned there isn’t any amount that could compensate or reward you for what your passionate heart started. You are the beginning and the end of CAI.
Mortenson supporters here will likely be interested in the documentary that’s being made about him—the inflammatory allegations and the work. Here’s a link to the trailer—and of course there’s a funding site for contributions to the project. http://3000cupsoftea.org/trailer.php
We are an English book group who were recommended ‘Three Cups of Tea’ as a ‘good read’. It knocked our socks off, so on reading about the ‘controversy’ started to feel somewhat disappointed. However, the spirit and personal determination of Greg Mortensen and his successes against unbelievable hardship in building his schools is simply inspirational. It is so sad that when the charity finally became financially viable and Dr Greg finally got paid a proper wage, someone had to find a reason to shoot him down in flames. As has been said before Greg Mortensen has done what none of the rest of us has the guts to do. He and his family deserve bouquets not brickbats. I am going to buy the calendar for my friends for Christmas and spread the word.
Greg Mortensen is a hero in my book!! He tackled a momental problem and did amazing things about it!! Three Cups of Tea is an awesome book and some jealous writer tried to make n issue with it!!
COMMENTS
BY SAW
ON February 27, 2015 06:07 PM
F. Scott Fitzgerald said it best: “America is all about second acts.” We will hope that CAI and its directors have indeed learned from their mistakes and will continue with what is a most worthwhile mission.
BY wayan
ON February 28, 2015 04:29 PM
Wow! So not only do you not fire him, you don’t even accept that his actions were worthy of dismissal. To give you a reference point, both AED and IRD were accused of less egregious acts and both were disbarred from USAID funding, their leadership forced out of the industry (not just the company) and so far, one company was sued into non-existence. Guess none of that applies if you just write a good heart-strings book.
BY Jill Freeman
ON March 2, 2015 07:41 AM
While I still find the misuse of funds tragic, what bothers me most about this response to Kevin Starr’s critique is why CAI decided not to replace Mortenson “…because the decades of relationships and experience that made it difficult – almost impossible – to replace him.”
So without Mr. Mortenson there is no CAI? I find this appalling and often a challenge within the sector. Yes, charismatic and effective leaders draw people to a cause and can help propel organizations forward. However, CAI’s response is telling us that without Mr. Mortenson as a figurehead, the organization would not be able to function? All good leaders build up decades of experience and relationships – that is their job. But this does not make them irreplaceable.
Unfortunately this tells me that CAI has had no good internal capacity building strategies in place, and perhaps worse, no trust in their ability to carry forth their mission without one individual.
Charismatic leaders may attract us to the cause with their passion and skill, but they can’t be the only thing that keeps the organization going or we all suffer – especially the beneficiaries.
BY Paul Voigt
ON March 2, 2015 01:30 PM
Jill Freeman appears to focus on “the decades of relationships and experience” of Mr. Mortenson in fund raising. Admittedly his books have had a major affect on CAI’s fund raising. However, in reality Mr. Mortenson’s “decades of relationships and experience” in the client regions are far more important to the mission of CAI (and much harder to replace) than is his current role in fund raising.
BY Judy Gervasi
ON March 2, 2015 01:32 PM
Keep up the good work, CAI. I’m impressed.
BY Russ H
ON March 3, 2015 09:14 AM
While I too disliked the use of “irreplaceable” in the note, I have believed from the moment trouble started that Greg needed to be given a second chance and that he does, indeed, have a gift and a heart for these tireless and effective efforts. I also believe that his gifts and work are very close to one of the real hearts of darkness in our world today.
Greg, I applaud your achievements and your work. It is very important. Please keep making a difference in this beautiful, ugly world!
BY Paul Schrader
ON March 3, 2015 11:33 AM
CAI leadership made the right decision to keep Greg directly involved.
BY Tamara deSanchez
ON March 3, 2015 05:55 PM
Bravo Mr. Jim Thaden! Your article has made my spirit soar. Thank you. I am a great admirer of the work of the CAI and Mr. Mortenson in these countries.
I find that some of the commentators here may have no clue what-so-ever in understanding the delicate cultural nuances, the extent of effort it takes to work effectively in the part of the world the CAI has a presence, and how very difficult, uncomfortable & increasingly dangerous this truly ‘hands on’ work is.
While it may be true that ‘nobody is irreplaceable’ the relationships built over the years by Mr. Mortenson and members of the CAI in this part of the world are not easily replaced. It’s a cultural thing. And, after all these years working in the region Greg Mortenson is ‘family’ there. That is not something just anyone can step into.
BY Jude Foster
ON March 3, 2015 09:42 PM
Where does Mr. Mortensen live? What kind of house does he have, what’s its value? What’s his bank account balance? Has anyone linvestigated his personal financial life on those levels? Because the accusations of financial gain and fraud mean that those funds must have ended up somewhere. How is he spending his $170,000 salary? Is it possible his speaker’s fees have gone to Pakistan to be invested in projects, or been donated back to CAI? Wouldn’t that be a great thing to discover? It is more than time for CAI to disclose everything. And I mean Everything. I have been a donor, and I make a whole lot less that $170,000, about 25% of that in fact. I asked these questions specifically in a letter when I donated in December. No response ... yet.
BY PAR
ON March 4, 2015 11:21 PM
What I don’t understand is why this is being rehashed after the ruling from the courts:
“The televised accusations in 2011 led to a state inquiry and a purported class-action lawsuit – both of which have been successfully resolved for the Bozeman-based CAI. The Montana Attorney General’s inquiry concluded in April 2012. Also that month, U.S. District Court Judge Samuel Haddon dismissed with prejudice the lawsuit against Mortenson, CAI, and other defendants, calling it “flimsy, speculative and without merit.” The 9th U.S. Court of Appeals in San Francisco upheld that ruling in October 2013”
“. . . FLIMSY, SPECULATIVE and WITHOUT MERIT . . . ” leaves little room for doubt!
The heart of Greg Mortensen and his passion for the suffering of the people in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Tajikistan is almost unparalleled in today’s self-serving culture. I have no problem donating and/or supporting Mr. Mortensen and his mission in any way possible.
BY Horst JENS
ON March 5, 2015 10:15 AM
Greg, please continue being awesome, and ignore those hate-groups.
BY Glynis Curtis
ON March 5, 2015 03:49 PM
I live in Australia and only know about CAI through reading Greg Mortenson’s books. I have become very jaded about donating to NGO because of the money wasted on admin and employment of bean counters. I am appalled to hear that CAI funds have been wasted on fighting law-suits etc. How many projects on the ground would that money have completed?
I am drawn to Greg Mortenson because of the necessity to stuff wads of cash into his, and others, pockets in order to pay for goods and services in places that we could not comprehend much less deal with. Keeping accounts under such circumstances must be near impossible but should we care if it gets the job done?
Please CAI and Greg Mortenson, keep doing what you do best.
BY Virginia Moss
ON March 12, 2015 06:42 PM
Greg Mortenson is irreplaceable because I can’t imagine anyone risking even going into the areas CAI serves, much less cultivating the trusting relationships he manages to establish with a very untrusting people. His rare gifts of patience, respect and understanding is not easy to find in others. His dedication to and knowledge of his mission is exceptional. He’s not a bookkeeper so don’t let him do that. Let him do what he does better than anyone else in those incredibly difficult areas he works in. Let him continue and further CAI’s work not only for those areas, but for the overall hope of peace and prosperity around the world.
BY Jessie Vaccaro
ON March 25, 2015 07:06 AM
Thank God that CAI kept Greg Mortenson! Amazing to me that there is STILL spiritual warfare swirling around Mr. Mortenson.
BY maggy fegers
ON March 31, 2015 09:11 AM
like many people I read the book: Three Cups of Tea. what a wonderful and heart stirring story.
after that I saw the piece on 60 minutes. I was very disappointed in mortenson. then all the ‘ker-fullal’ about CAI. one would think that mortenson would have been removed and his salary stopped (or, minimally, vastly reduced) with no use of CAI facilities. I think that he is still a philosophical driving force there. because the book has been shown to be ‘a bit of fiction’, CAI should stop using it and referring to it.
let the charity live or die on it’s own (after following all laws of course). people should investigate the charities that they donate to..
BY Luis Botero
ON March 31, 2015 10:33 AM
I have been a donor and also followed CAI´s achievements over the years. I understand some of the success stories come from Mr Mortensen´s reports but even if they are on the side of a story I´d definitely support their goal. of course I expect most of the donations will go to the organization´s goals but I understand the situations that can arise, specially dealing in this part of the world, where there are no ATMs, no wire to a remote settlement, they work on an informal economy and it´s the way to conduct business. On the irreplaceable calification of Mr. Mortensen´s I propose to some of the above contributors if they can think of a better representative in both worlds, the funds collection and the building, logistics, bureaucratic processes in Pak, Afg and Taj ? Even if a large portion of what he wrote on those books was fake you wouldn´t find a better qualified person to get to the point where he got, I understand the need for a better management but he has qualities and a love for what he made that are unique and think about the books if they were boring government reports or academic papers they wouldn´t have sold the way they did, maybe some fiction was necessary to sell the idea and get supporters, I don´t mind.
BY ANDREA
ON March 31, 2015 10:49 AM
I too am amazed that this whole thing is still being rehashed. Not everyone is good at everything and Greg got in over his head with the financial side of things. It’s been corrected.
So get over it and get on with what truly matters.
BY janet kehn
ON March 31, 2015 11:30 AM
in a world where so much is wrong…....
let’s commend Greg Mortenson for everything he has done right.
i for one applaud his courage and vision.
“Let he who is without sin…...cast the first stone.”
BY Jason
ON March 31, 2015 11:35 AM
In response to the post by Wayan above, IRD’s misuse of funds was certainly not “less egregious” than the mismanagement CAI was guilty of. Details of the former are available from a number of sources. Also, the founder of IRD and his wife received nearly $6 million in compensation between 2008 and 2012, and a couple of close relatives received over a million dollars.
Having managed development projects in Pakistan I’m aware of the challenges of keeping track of all transactions, particularly in a cash-driven context and when receipts are not readily available. Good record-keeping is necessary, though, and I’m glad to hear controls have been put in place, including regular audits—but I understand the temptation to forego some of these measures.
In that part of the world relationships, especially those of long-standing, are very important, and so I believe keeping Greg on board with CAI and personally involved in that part of the world was a sound decision.
BY Lynn Vorbrich
ON March 31, 2015 12:01 PM
I hope CAI and Greg Mortensen keep up the good work. By publishing financial results and AUDITS you have regained my trust and support.
BY Dale Copps
ON March 31, 2015 02:36 PM
I think it is safe to say CAI is Greg Mortenson and vice versa. Many, including those within the organization, will probably take vociferous umbrage at that statement, but for me it is the simple truth. By the time Greg departs (may it be many many years in the future), CAI is going to have to have become a very different organization from what it is today for me to stick with it.
BY Glynis Curtis
ON March 31, 2015 05:29 PM
CAI was set up by a legacy from one man, specifically with Greg Mortenson as director. Unless criminal fraud was proven against Mortenson, and it hasn’t, there is no reason why it shouldn’t continue as directed.
If Greg Mortenson’s books were faction they sucked me in and that’s how supporters are found. No crime there either. Whatever it takes to get this important job done.
BY Crispin
ON April 1, 2015 02:58 AM
I have worked with and for a number of non-profit organisations over the past 30 years and if there is one thing that every organisation needs, it is motivated personnel. Greg Mortensen did the children of the region the greatest favour in creating CAI and in driving it forward, and has been an inspiration. As with so many non-profits, they reach a size and growth rate which they are ill-equipped to manage, and that happened with CAI. It took a while for this to be realised and new structures brought in. I agree with the stance that the board of CAI have taken to keep Greg on; I do not agree with the view that once a person has made a mistake, he should be fired, especially after the court findings which PAR reminded us of above. That is a very short-term view, IMHO, and if CAI is anything (as exemplified by Greg Mortensen’s own commitment), it is a long-term project that needs all the support we can give it.
BY Sunni
ON April 1, 2015 03:30 AM
What matters, in my opinion, is the result of Mortenson’s work, not whether some details in his book are 100% correct. Great that you now have a process in place to cover all aspects of the charity, including financial rigour.
Keep up the good work, all of you, your efforts are highly valued and of extreme importance.
BY Robert Wood
ON April 1, 2015 09:23 AM
Gregg wrote two compelling stories that moved people into action to address real situations and the plight of these countries. These are simple people and the help Gregg brought to them was simple for them to understand. It seems people want to judge Gregg’s authoring ability and lack of expertise in fund raising instead of the results of his actions.
CAI did not ride in on it’s white horse saying “We are here to save the day.” They came in with a novel approach of first listening to the needs of the people and providing them with the resources for them to save the day (their future) themselves. CAI provided a way for them to own the long term solution in a very simple way. Did he do it all correctly? Of course not, but his motives were noble. I follow principles, not people.
We should try judging our political leaders in such a manner.
BY Lizanne McKerrell
ON April 1, 2015 09:27 AM
Good Luck to you all and to Greg who understands how these countries function and does not impose Western values.
BY Robert Bosenberg
ON April 1, 2015 12:28 PM
Oh please Jude Foster. There are millions of people earning far more than Greg Mortenson does. You are missing the point: Do you think Bill Gates earns too much? I live in Africa and I hear that some of your US motivational speakers reportedly earn $60 000 per weekend. Well if people are prepared to pay that - so be it (it is just a number after all). If just ONE girl is given a hand up by CAI then that is ENOUGH. In this case thousands of young girls have been helped - THAT IS THE POINT - not fussing over what some staff member earns. Have you ANY idea of what these young girls go through? Are you prepared to risk your live and go to help over there? I hope you care, I sincerely hope you do. What Greg has accomplished, single handedly - it was his vision and now there are many more to help - is miraculous. And you just want to know what he earns - well I don’t. Thank you Mr Mortenson for doing what 100’s of millions of us won’t. It is hugely inspiring to read about what people are prepared to do to help others. If you get well paid for it - should you stop doing it??? There are no monuments to critics out there.
BY Jude Foster
ON April 1, 2015 12:36 PM
Thank you for pushing back, Robert, and I really mean that. I quickly regretted posting that comment or question some weeks ago, but I didn’t post again until now. I continue to donate to CAI, I have for years, and I just shared the children’s book “Listen to the Wind” with the parents in my school, which I do every year. I questioned the earnings, as one who earns much less and still contributes. I will never be comfortable with the disparity of incomes in our culture, it is insane in this suffering world. But I am with you on this. I retract.
BY Steve Passek
ON April 1, 2015 06:41 PM
I can only say “amen” to all those folks who support the CAi and Greg Mortenson and can only wonder who these people are that can’t see the incredible work being done in such a troubled parts of the world. Keep up your spirit and fine work, Greg and CAI!
BY Don Welch
ON April 2, 2015 04:34 AM
Greg, and all of you at CAI, have been an inspiration to so many of us who cannot imagine doing what you do in that part of the world. But you have given us, from within the privileged havens of our lives, the opportunity to help bring peace to places which have previously known only violence and war from our part of the world. Your work is truly a gift from God. Keep doing what you do so well!
BY Don Fitzgerald
ON April 2, 2015 11:06 AM
I think, that you guys are great. I think that the detractors of Greg Mortenson are small-minded nitpickers, who have no interest in helping CAI achieve a better future for thousnads of people. I suggest you simply ignore them all, and continue doing the excellent job you are all doing.
BY Carolyn Isaacs
ON April 2, 2015 11:39 AM
“Judge not, lest you be judged” is a good standard to live by. Greg Mortenson saw a need a tried to fill it. Human error is so easy to criticize but anyone who has started a business without much accounting knowledge, as I have, has learned there are a myriad of details involved and it can be quite difficult to work them all out. And the ability to build relationships that last for decades as Greg has done cannot be replaced by hiring other personnel. I applaud CAI and Greg and am glad they have made reparations and set up new policies so this awesome ministry can continue into the future. And I pray their efforts in these impoverished countries will bring miraculous results in the lives of women, children, AND men.
BY Jennifer Jordan
ON April 3, 2015 06:12 AM
I have been following this story since it began and am producing a film with the results of my investigation: 3000 Cups of Tea, http://3000cupsoftea.org/trailer.php
Stay tuned!
Jennifer Jordan
Director
3000 Cups of Tea
BY Robert Bosenberg
ON April 5, 2015 01:11 AM
Thank you Jude for your gracious retraction - you are my kind of person (not sure if that is good or bad 😊 ). I appreciate your answer and respect you for it. We are on the same side. I love it that folks like the CAI people are prepared to DO something for those who generally cannot defend themselves from these bullies who just want to use them and not allow them to better themselves. All humans get one chance on this earth and should be free to pursue their own happiness. So thank you and all the best 😊.
BY Vella Joyner Marshall, RN, B.A., CRNA, ARNP
ON June 1, 2015 04:43 PM
I love Greg Mortenson!! I am also a nurse, which was his original profession(?) The book “Three Cups of Tea” was awesome and brought to light the great needs, esp of women and young girls in those countries. He has been the greatest advocate of women’s rights and needs in today’s world!! He(Greg) saw a need and did something about it!! I see his heart!!
He was not a financial person, nor a writer, so he went to experts for assistance, and I feel he innocently took possible “bad advice”??
I also think he has been the object of envy and jealousy from other journalists who pursued him like a “hound” regarding his experiences because they were failures?? Most authors “dress-up” their words to make them more palatable and possibly entertaining? Greg is not a journalist nor does he claim to be! I am sorry that he had to suffer humiliation and threat of dishonor in the face of all he did in this crazy world today!! May God richly bless him for all he did!!
BY LTRenaud
ON June 10, 2015 12:47 PM
Greg Mortenson is irreplaceable because the entire body of work is his. I am ashamed of those who “fired” him from his own organization—it’s an old story: coming onto a board and firing the founder. No, the CAI board’s “decision to work with him” is simple patronizing nonsense. But if this fiction—that you’re “willing” to work with him—is what it takes, so be it.
I’m deeply moved to see that so many continue to support Mortenson in spite of the media’s attempt to score points off of him. It takes good readers to see how they’ve done that. For shame.
The courts dismissed the whole thing. If Mortenson is “willing” to keep working with the disloyal people who took over his organization, I wish them all peace of mind and the very best of luck with giving help to those who need it so badly.
BY John Davis
ON July 23, 2015 04:02 PM
Mortensen is a true believer, not a corporate attorney, accountant or Masters of Business Administration. His constructive contributions to our world far exceed any deficits in administrative talent, and I’m willing to forgive him and ask that he return to what he’s good at: making something positive happen.
I feel certain he agrees with me: work is easy, people are hard. I also suspect he sees for himself who the righteous are, and they are going in the same direction as he.
BY Robert
ON July 24, 2015 12:51 AM
Nicely put John. An excellent analysis. I love it: “His constructive contributions to our world far exceed any deficits in administrative talent”. And yet some folks prefer to zero in on his weaknesses!! Well I love it that Greg is prepared to get out there and DO something. What an amazing man - facing massive danger and obstacles, Greg was prepared to get out there and do something wonderful to help those who find it almost impossible to overcome their own adversities.
BY Anisa Foy
ON August 23, 2015 03:43 PM
From the first moment I heard of Greg Mortensen’s work in that extremely difficult part of the world I have admired him and never doubted his motives. His heart was always in the right place, and I believe he was so focussed on what he was doing that he did not realize that book keeping and keeping track of funds was important and would be questioned. I do not believe for a moment that he consciously misappropriated any funds. He worked non stop without regard to his own health needs, it never occurred to him that his motives would be doubted. Yes, he was naive , but he is not a crook. The courts have cleared him of any wrong doing and I think people should stop trying to beat him up. The fact that he continues to work for an organization that decided to take all power away from him, an organization that would not exist with out him, should tell you volumes about the nature of the man. God bless you Mr. Mortensen, I support you whole heartedly, all the people you helped support you, a whole generation supports you. Some people question your salary, as far as I’m concerned there isn’t any amount that could compensate or reward you for what your passionate heart started. You are the beginning and the end of CAI.
BY LTRenaud
ON August 23, 2015 04:23 PM
Mortenson supporters here will likely be interested in the documentary that’s being made about him—the inflammatory allegations and the work. Here’s a link to the trailer—and of course there’s a funding site for contributions to the project. http://3000cupsoftea.org/trailer.php
BY Annabel Wood
ON November 25, 2015 07:52 PM
We are an English book group who were recommended ‘Three Cups of Tea’ as a ‘good read’. It knocked our socks off, so on reading about the ‘controversy’ started to feel somewhat disappointed. However, the spirit and personal determination of Greg Mortensen and his successes against unbelievable hardship in building his schools is simply inspirational. It is so sad that when the charity finally became financially viable and Dr Greg finally got paid a proper wage, someone had to find a reason to shoot him down in flames. As has been said before Greg Mortensen has done what none of the rest of us has the guts to do. He and his family deserve bouquets not brickbats. I am going to buy the calendar for my friends for Christmas and spread the word.
BY Vella Joyner Marshall, RN, B.A., CRNA, ARNP
ON December 10, 2015 06:14 AM
Greg Mortensen is a hero in my book!! He tackled a momental problem and did amazing things about it!! Three Cups of Tea is an awesome book and some jealous writer tried to make n issue with it!!