An Official Communication for Convening a Meeting with the Board of Directors of SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests).

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Pursuant to the bylaws of our organization, we are formally submitting this request for the convening of a special meeting with the Board to address matters pertinent to our continuing unresolved issues with SNAP’s Board of Directors. This document is intended as both an official notice and a comprehensive outline of the rationale, proposed agenda, and procedural framework for the requested meeting,

ensuring full compliance with organizational requirements and the spirit of transparency and collaboration that our bylaws espouse.

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Background and Justification for Meeting

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Our organization’s bylaws are designed to foster open communication, promote informed decision-making, and ensure that all are afforded an equitable opportunity to participate in matters affecting the direction and well-being of our group ofsurvivors and advocates. Regular and special meetings serve as vital mechanisms for upholding these values, allowing members to deliberate on pressing issues, enact policy changes, and review ongoing projects.

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A Call to Action was initiated among the SNAP Leaders.  See Call to Action #3 at the following address: Call to Action #3 - I volunteer to join the "Group of 20+"   A report of those who responded to this Call to Action was officially sent to the Board around June 24, 2025.  There are 25 names and email addresses sent to the Board of SNAP requesting this special meeting.  No word was received back from the Board.  An updated Call to Action has been issued and a report will be sent to the Board of Directors by August 18, 2025.  It is sincerely hoped that the Board will take the concerns of these Leaders with due seriousness and act promptly.

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Recent developments—whether operational, strategic, or related to governance—have underscored the necessity for a meeting at this juncture. The bylaws state that a meeting may be called upon the request of 20 Leaders, when proper notice is given and a clear purpose is outlined. In accordance with these provisions, the following section details the specific reasons for requesting the meeting, the key topics for discussion, and the procedural steps to be followed.  See the section of the bylaws referenced below.

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Pertinent Section of SNAP’s bylaws​

The following is an excerpt from the bylaws of SNAP concerning calling a “special meeting.” 

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ARTICLE IV. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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s. Special Meetings 

Special Meetings for any purpose or purposes shall be called by the President of the Board of Directors at the request in writing of one-third of the Directors or any twenty (20) Leaders of SNAP. The request shall state the purpose or purposes of the proposed Special Meeting. All Board Members and the Executive Director shall receive written Notice of the Special Meeting and the purpose or purposes of the Special Meeting. Business transacted at any Special Meeting shall be confined to the purpose or purposes stated in the written Notice, and all matters germane to that purpose or purposes.

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Authority to Call a Meeting

According to Article IV, Section 7 of the SNAP bylaws heretofore referenced, 20 Leaders may request a special meeting. This is formally submitted in writing and will specify the purpose of the meeting.  A proposed date and time of the meeting will be negotiated by the Board with David Lorenz, spokesperson. All attempts must be made to accommodate the schedules of the Leaders requesting this meeting as their number far exceeds that of the Board members of SNAP.  The meeting must be convened in a manner that ensures accessibility for all members, whether through physical presence, teleconference (Zoom), or other approved means. The meeting must be recorded in its entirety and made available to those who are unable to attend.

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Purpose of the Meeting

The primary purpose of this meeting is to:

• Resolve ongoing issues between Leadership of the Board and the grassroots Leaders of SNAP who are doing the work of the organization.

• Find an explanation for the lack of response to Leaders concerns exemplified by the year-long reticence of the Board to meet with these Leaders, engendering lack of confidence in the competence of the Board.

• Retract the misinformation promulgated by the Board that there was a mediation with the Leaders.

 

Proposed Agenda

• Discuss the concerns brought to the Board one year ago which are contained in the letter of September 19, 2024, sent to the Board but ignored.  This letter can be found on RemembertheSurvivors.com website in the Timeline and Correspondence document. 

• Discuss the continued false claims of a “failed mediation” being disseminated by the Board to all members of SNAP. 

• Discuss censure by removal from the Board of any Board member whose emails found in the Timeline and Correspondence document were sent to the group of Leaders who signed the 09-19-2024 letter to the Board referenced above. 

• Discuss the recent public breaching of the code of conduct by a top executive of SNAP which was witnessed by SNAP Leaders.

•  Discuss other concerns of Leaders and their impact on the SNAP’s ongoing mission and objectives.

• Establish a foundation for future immediate response to leader concerns at the grassroots of SNAP.  SNAP Leadership must show respect for all the SNAP volunteer Leaders who are doing the actual work of the organization.  

 

Proposed Agenda

In accordance with the bylaws, the agenda must be distributed prior to the meeting. The following outline serves as the Leaders proposed agenda.

 

Procedural Requirements

The bylaws require that:

• Official notice of the meeting be delivered to all members via the organization’s approved communication channels (e.g., email, physical mail, online portal) within the required notice period.

• The agenda and any supporting documents be included with the meeting notice so that members may review materials in advance.

• Quorum be established before any official business is transacted, as defined in Section Z of the bylaws (typically a majority of members in good standing).

• Minutes be taken and retained as part of the organization’s official records.

• All actions and resolutions adopted during the meeting be documented and, where appropriate, disseminated to the wider membership.

 

Member Participation and Responsibilities

All members are strongly encouraged to attend and participate fully in the meeting. Your engagement is essential to the vitality of our organization and to the successful resolution of the matters at hand.  Members are being encouraged to go to Rememberthesurvivors.com and complete Call to Action #8 to express their desire to attend this special meeting with the Board.

 

Conclusion and Next Steps

This request is submitted with the utmost respect for our organizational processes and with a sincere commitment to fostering constructive dialogue and shared purpose. The Board of Directors is urged to act promptly in distributing notice of the meeting and confirming logistical arrangements.  Gratitude is extended in advance to all SNAP Leaders and to the Board in advance for their attention and cooperation in this matter.

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Should you require additional information, clarification, or wish to propose amendments to the agenda, please do not hesitate to contact David Lorenz directly. Together, we can ensure that our meeting fulfills both the letter and the spirit of our bylaws, paving the way for informed, democratic decision-making and continued success of SNAP.

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Respectfully submitted,

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Leaders of SNAP

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Respond to the following spokesperson:  David Lorenz  Email:  glydonct@gmail.com