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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)‎

Strengthening AVLS for the Future

 

What is Chapter 11 Subchapter V?‎

Chapter 11 Subchapter V is a streamlined financial restructuring process designed to help small ‎businesses and organizations like AVLS address financial challenges while continuing ‎operations without interruption. It allows us to reorganize debts, prioritize resources, and ‎position ourselves for long-term success.‎

 

Why did AVLS decide to initiate this process?‎

AVLS, like many organizations, has faced financial challenges in today’s environment. After ‎careful evaluation and consultation with experts, we determined that Chapter 11 Subchapter V ‎is the most effective way to address these challenges and ensure we can continue serving our ‎members and advancing our mission.‎

 

How did AVLS get in this situation?‎

AVLS’ challenges stem from a combination of factors, including increased operational costs, ‎suboptimal long-term contractual obligations and governance gaps contributed to financial ‎inefficiencies, limiting our ability to adapt swiftly to changing circumstances.‎


Despite our best efforts to manage these pressures, it became clear that a proactive financial ‎restructuring through Chapter 11 Subchapter V would allow us to address these challenges ‎effectively, protect our mission, and ensure we continue to provide value to our members and ‎stakeholders. This decision reflects a commitment to long-term sustainability and the well-‎being of our community.‎

 

How does this impact AVLS members?‎

For members, it’s business as usual. Educational programs, research initiatives, advocacy ‎efforts, and member benefits will continue without interruption. The restructuring allows us to ‎refocus resources to provide even greater value to our members and deliver on our ‎commitments to Great Expectations.‎

 

Will member fees change?‎

No, member fees will remain unchanged during this process. AVLS is committed to maintaining ‎the value of membership while continuing to provide the programs, resources, and support our ‎members rely on. The restructuring process is designed to strengthen our financial foundation ‎without impacting membership costs.‎

 

Are AVLS events still happening?‎

Yes, educational events, including the Annual Congress and VLM Review Course, as well as ‎research and advocacy initiatives, will proceed as scheduled. Our commitment to providing ‎high-quality programming and advancing the field remains steadfast throughout this process.‎

 

Is the Foundation for Venous and Lymphatic Disease (FVLD) impacted by the AVLS filing?‎

No, the Foundation for Venous and Lymphatic Disease (FVLD) is not part of the AVLS Chapter 11 ‎Subchapter V filing. FVLD remains a fully separate and independent entity, continuing its vital ‎work to advance research and education in venous and lymphatic disease.‎


All funds granted by FVLD to AVLS are committed exclusively to supporting specifically ‎identified educational, research, and advocacy initiatives undertaken by AVLS. These grants are ‎carefully aligned with FVLD’s mission, AVLS’ strategic priorities, and Great Expectations. ‎

 

How will this process impact AVLS’ sponsors and donors?‎

Sponsorships and donations remain critical to AVLS’ mission. All funds contributed by sponsors ‎and donors will continue to directly support mission-focused programs—education, research, ‎and advocacy initiatives—as intended. Importantly, sponsor and donor funds will not be applied ‎to pay debt or fund overhead operations. The restructuring enhances our ability to allocate these ‎resources efficiently and strategically, ensuring they drive meaningful impact in alignment with ‎our mission.‎

 

What does this mean for AVLS’ financial future?‎

This restructuring is a proactive and strategic step to strengthen AVLS’ financial foundation. It ‎allows us to address challenges now and emerge more resilient, ensuring we can continue ‎delivering high-impact programs and serving our community for years to come.‎

 

Why should membership trust AVLS leadership?‎

AVLS leadership is deeply committed to transparency, accountability, and the long-term ‎success of the organization. The decision to pursue financial restructuring was made after ‎careful evaluation and consultation with experts, with the sole focus on protecting the Society's ‎mission and serving its members effectively.‎
In recent months, leadership has taken significant steps to address governance gaps, ‎strengthen financial oversight, and enhance operational efficiency. Regular updates, open ‎communication, and commitment to a strategic plan for recovery reflect the leadership's ‎dedication to earning and maintaining members' trust. By navigating this process with integrity ‎and a member-first approach, we aim to emerge stronger and more resilient for the future.‎

 

What are the costs to the association?‎

The financial restructuring process under Chapter 11 Subchapter V does incur costs, including ‎legal fees, administrative expenses, and other professional services required to navigate the ‎process effectively. These costs are being carefully managed to minimize their impact on AVLS ‎operations.‎

 

Where is the money coming from?‎

The funds for these costs are being drawn from existing operational resources and a legal fund ‎generously supported by individual member contributions designated specifically for this ‎purpose. AVLS is prioritizing mission-critical activities and optimizing resource allocation to ‎ensure that member benefits, educational programs, and advocacy efforts remain fully ‎supported throughout this process. Importantly, no funds from sponsors or donors are being ‎used to cover restructuring expenses.‎

 

What is the timeline?‎

The Chapter 11 Subchapter V process is designed to be more streamlined than traditional ‎restructuring procedures. While exact timelines can vary based on court proceedings and ‎stakeholder input, AVLS anticipates the following general timeline:‎

  • Initial Filing: Completed and approved in December 2024, to begin the restructuring process.‎
  • Plan Development: AVLS will work closely with legal and financial advisors to develop a ‎reorganization plan within 90 days of filing.‎
  • Court Approval: The proposed plan will be submitted for court review and approval, typically ‎within a few months of filing.‎
  • Implementation: Upon court approval, AVLS will implement the reorganization plan, addressing ‎debts and restructuring operations to ensure long-term stability. The entire process is expected to take 6–12 months. Regular updates will be provided to ‎members and stakeholders throughout, ensuring transparency and engagement.‎

 

How can I stay informed about the restructuring process?‎

We are committed to transparency and will provide regular updates via email, our website, and ‎during upcoming events. You can also contact us directly at info@myavls.org with any ‎questions or concerns.‎


What role can I play in supporting AVLS during this time?

Your continued engagement is vital. Whether you’re a member, sponsor, donor, or partner, your ‎involvement strengthens our ability to deliver programs and services. We encourage you to ‎participate in upcoming events, share our mission with others, and stay connected as we ‎navigate this process together.‎

 

Who can I contact for more information?‎

For additional questions, please reach out to us at info@myavls.org or call our office at +1 ‎202 ‎‎591 2438. We are here to address your concerns and provide further clarity.‎

 

Where can I find updates about this process?‎

We will post updates on our website at www.myavls.org, send them via email, and share ‎details during our events. Please check back regularly for the latest information.‎