A two-year dream for Branda Avis was dashed earlier this month when, while browsing on the Internet, she learned “Up With People” was shutting down due to financial problems after 35 years of operation.
The Fort High student was looking forward to joining the troupe in July since she first received word she’d been accepted into the program two years ago.
“They came here once to perform and I just loved it,” Avis said. “I remember thinking that it would be really great to be able to travel around the world like that.”
But browsing through its official Web site one day, Avis came across news of the financial woes facing “Up With People”–much to her own dismay.
“I just happened to be on the Internet when I found out about the news,” she recalled. “I was really upset because I was going to be joining the touring group in July.
“I have been waiting to go for almost two years now so I really didn’t have a plan ‘B’. Now that I can’t go, I am not sure what else I am going to do.”
Rebecca Glascock, communication consultant for “Up With People,” noted Monday the organization is very disappointed with the recent turn of events.
“As of Dec. 6, our board of directors decided to cease operations due to some financial difficulties we have been having but we did not file for bankruptcy,” Glascock noted.
“The board decided that now was the best time to suspend operations so the needs of our students can be met,” she added.
Founded in 1965 and incorporated in 1968 as an independent, not for profit educational organization, “Up With People” offered students around the world an opportunity to participate in a year-long program that combined international travel, on-stage musical performances, and community service to accelerate education and career opportunities for students.
Several district youth have been part of “Up With People” over the past 10 years.
With the majority (46 percent) of its financial backing coming from student fees, Glascock noted that due to a lower number of applications, the organization could not remain active.
“Our highest financial resource are our student fees, then followed by our show revenues,” she explained. “We have noticed a decrease in both lately and as a result, our board of directors felt it was time to suspend our services.”
Although there has been no confirmation from the head office about when “Up With People” will resume operations, Glascock is optimistic about the future.
“We have a number of possibilities open to us right now,” she remarked. “Right now, we are going to try and organize and restructure the program, though as of right now, nothing is being done.
“First thing we have to do is get our finances in order. Though it has been hard to let everyone know about our current status, we are very positive about our future.”
Despite her disappointment, Avis also remains positive about the organization and is eager to reapply if the opportunity ever arises.
“If I found out a year from now that they were accepting students into their program, I would join right away,” she stressed. “I really would just love to go.”
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
