Save Wat Lao Buddhavong - Remove Treasurer

We have been following and observing with great alarms the actions of Ilene M. Tognini while she is serving as a Board Director and Treasurer/Secretary of Wat Lao Buddhavong in the past five years.

We are calling for a swift action by the Wat Lao Board of Directors to remove her from the Boards and from her position as Treasurer and Secretary.

There are three primary roles of the Boards that are well understood to everyone:

(1) To establish policies,

(2) To make significant and strategic decisions, and

(3) To oversee the organization's activity.

These are keys roles and responsibilities of a Treasurer of an organization

 (1) Looking after the finances

(2) Keeping financial records and making money is spent properly and wisely

(3) Ensuring ALL cash and checks are deposited and paid into the bank promptly

(4) Issuing receipts correctly when needed

(5) Reporting on the financial position to the committee members and the community promptly

(6) Preparing and end of year statements of accounts and a budget plan for the next year

Mrs. Ilene Tognini has these roles and responsibilities and has failed many of these roles.

Ilene M. Tognini who claims is the woman to steer Wat Lao Buddhavong into the proper organization in the past 6-7 years, because of her expertise and whatever, has GREATLY worsened the Wat Lao Buddhavong by helping covered up the financial issues.  She inappropriately reorganized the temple structure by modified and rewrote the Wat Lao bylaws without properly authorization and approval of the Boards and Community. The bylaws was written to overtook and control of Wat Lao Buddhavong by reducing the numbers of Board Members and Officers so that she, Ilene Tognini, and few other Board Members can easily make decision without coordinating and discussing with the Lao Community and other Lao Community Leaders.

Ever since Mrs. Ilene Tognini has been involved with the Wat Lao Buddhavong organization, the Wat Lao Buddhavong has rapidly changed its original mission in supporting the Lao people and the Lao Community. Wat Lao Buddhavong is steering away from preserving and protecting the Lao Culture and Lao Heritage. This is proven by cancelling and reducing some of activities including the Lao Language School, Music and Dance School to the Lao Kids.

As a Treasurer and Secretary of Wat Lao Buddhavong, Ms. Ilene Tognini, has NOT performed her duty to manage and monitor the financial related to Wat Lao Buddhavong. Her lacking of oversight and transparency of financial information has created turmoil at Wat Lao Buddhavong.

There have not been ANY financial reports to the community to date. There is no Monthly, Quarterly, or Annual Reports of any financial information. There are no official reports related to major fundraising such as Lao New Year and July 4th Celebration. Some of the reports provided to the public were vague and questionable and none were approved by the Treasurer.

There is NO financial report (Form 990) to IRS as this is the most important financial report to provide transparency and clear some concerns from the community. Wat Lao Buddhavong is a non-profit organization with tax-exempt status under IRS 501 (C) (3) Guidelines.

The Expenses of Wat Lao Buddhavong has been OVER RUN and many of which are NOT necessary. Wat Lao Buddhavong spent the public donated money without a proper oversight, and yet, Ms. Ilene Tognini, a Treasurer, has done nothing to control the situation.

The Income of Wat Lao Buddhavong has NOT been properly reported and tracked by Ilene Tognini, the treasurer.

This financial TURMOIL resulted in the deteriation of Wat Lao Buddhavong as everyone has noticed today.

After more than 5 years attempting to serve Wat Lao Buddhavong as a Treasurer, there should be much better policies, processes, and procedures developed by ILENE to manage Wat Lao Buddhavong. Ilene Tognini has absolutely failed her duties and responsibilities.

SHE MUST GO ! ILENE TOGNINI MUST LEAVE!

We, the Lao Virginia, DC, and Maryland Community, are demanding her resignation IMMEDIATELY. If she truly believes she want to help Wat Lao Buddhavong, she will need to RESIGN.

Time has come. Time is running out. We, the Lao Community, must act, and act now.

Please sign this petition to remove Mrs. ILENE TOGNINI from Board Members and Treasurer position of Wat Lao Buddhavong, Catlett, Virginia.