Should I join this team?

[Zerbie]

Y'all know me, more or less. Whaddaya think?:

The local HRC folk have sent out a call seeking 10 folks to work as an event-planning committee. I emailed back and asked for some information, and from the response, it looks like primarily a planning committee for things like Pride events, dinners, etc. They *did* mention some involvement in political matters, but that sounds like it might be secondary to the Prides and the dinners.

I am far less interested in planning parties than in delving into some actual political/social type efforts. I've participated in several rallies, written countless letters, and walked a gay rights march, but have never attended a gala dinner.

Since y'all know me pretty well, I'm askin' ya to present opinions about whether you think this sounds like it would suit me.

Here's why I am considering it:

After trying like h**l to get actively involved for well over a decade, I am slowly coming to the conclusion that there is no niche for me as an activist.

It looks like planning social events is as close as I can get, and maybe if I join this committee, something might come out of it in future? I am hoping this might lead to greater involvement in the community, not in terms of parties, but in terms of activism.

What do you think? Shall I go for it?!


Thanx!

[Rick336]

Absolutely! You should definitely go for it. After reading your entries on this forum I think that you're intelligence, open mindedness, and friendly personality is what this kind of activism needs. I like where your head is at and I believe you have a lot to offer HRC. I think both you and HRC will benefit greatly.

Rick

[Daniel]

Originally Posted by Zerbie

I am far less interested in planning parties than in delving into some actual political/social type efforts. I've participated in several rallies, written countless letters, and walked a gay rights march, but have never attended a gala dinner.

Do they need people to plan events or do they really need bodies to do the leg work for events? That's a question I'd nail down. If they have a board, I would think the planning of the event would be in the hopper already.

This is not to say that you shouldn't get involved or be wary of their motives. You could get involved and find yourself running the organization in 3 years.

No harm in going and seeing how you fit.

Alternately, you could start your own local chapter of whatever it is that really concerns you.

Are you a leader or a follower?

[Zerbie]

Originally Posted by Rick336

Absolutely! You should definitely go for it. After reading your entries on this forum I think that you're intelligence, open mindedness, and friendly personality is what this kind of activism needs. I like where your head is at and I believe you have a lot to offer HRC. I think both you and HRC will benefit greatly.

Rick

Oh!! Really!? Great!!! I was so hesitant!!! Partly because I've never done anything remotely like "event planning" before, so I'm not even sure I know what it means.

Hmm - maybe this IS the way to get busy in the community?

Thanks Rick! That's really encouraging.

[Zerbie]

Originally Posted by Daniel

Alternately, you could start your own local chapter of whatever it is that really concerns you.

Are you a leader or a follower?

That's just it, I don't know! I've always been the renegade. I've never organized or planned before, so I would definitely have to learn what's involved. But as far as personalities go, I think I might be more of a leader than I thought.

I'm not much of a joiner or a group loyalist. More someone who jumps from team to team as circumstances outside of me change. An individualist. But I desperately want to contribute to the community, and haven't found a way to give anywhere near what I want to give.

From the description I was given, it's a 10 person committee that is led by 3 board members (if I remember correctly what I read in my inbox). This would put us directly under the direction of the board. And we in turn would delegate to a larger team of volunteers who are not committee members. I am not entirely sure if I would be happier as part of the committee or as one of the occassionally-called-upon volunteers. That's not a time consideration on my part, I have the time. It's a question of what it involves and if my personality is suited. But since I dont have a clear picture of what it involves, perhaps going to a meeting or two is the way to find out.

[BruceChris]

Only you know what you will find rewarding, and then probably only after you have tried doing it for a while. So try what ever is out there. Talk to fellow members of the LGBTetc community, and see what you can learn. WHO ARE YOUR TWO OR THREE BEST BUDS?

After trying like h**l to get actively involved for well over a decade, I am slowly coming to the conclusion that there is no niche for me as an activist.

So Make one!
Form your own organization, or better yet, form one that is part of HRC, or any existing group that you like.


How large is your mertopolitan community? How close are you to a larger community? (In Minneapolis, there are more GLBT/liberal/progressive groups than I think I can count )

Start your own chapter of Lesbian Avengers

Peace, Love, and Rock-and-Roll, BruceChris

[Vortex]

I know that it is just letters on a screen but I can’t help but feel your excitement toward getting involved with this. It seems it is just the opportunity you’ve been looking for to really get involved. I also concur with the others, any such group would benefit greatly from your open minded approach to things. Even if this opportunity does not work out for you it would at least be a step in the right direction.

I empathize with you on being an individualist and a renegade; perhaps we should establish a group of renegades and set our own agenda. As far as leadership goes, perhaps you’re like me a reluctant leader, inclined at first to be a follower only to later take charge as you see those around you need your leadership more than previously thought. In any case I wish you well in whatever you decide.



Vortex

[NonLemming]

Zerbie, you'll never know if you don't go for it. Be sure they know what your desires are and then do whatever you can to that end.

What's the worst that can happen? You can find out you don't like that kind of thing, but you'll have done it. Plus, HRC does some good things. Please keep us posted whatever you do. You are a person whose posts I always enjoy reading for their kindness.

Big hug.

[Zerbie]

Vortex and BC: I concur with your "readings" of my persona!

Hmmm. . .seriously, I wonder how much of my hesitation about this planning committee is because there was a line in the email about planning "parties" (so not me! ) and how much of it is "imposter syndrome" because I tend to think that if I haven't done it before I won't know how. . .


BruceChris, I would LOVE to make a niche!!!! But I don't know how!

I would have NO idea how to go about anything - like what anyway?? My talents are singing and writing. I'm full of details, emotions, anecdotes, and grey areas. I'm soft spoken, and on the shy side in person.

This is a very important and serious question. How do I go about making/finding said niche? I would be utterly content being a follower. But right now, I've found nothing here to follow.

I was recently involved in a committee that I totally committed to 100,000%. I FINALLY felt like I was working. But that committee stopped abruptly in February, and I had accumulated a lot of "steam" from finally getting a taste of the kind of work I wanted, and having expectations that it would continue, when BLAM.

There are MANY organizations in my area. I've signed up for so many email lists. I am on volunteer call-lists for HRC, PFLAG, and two state-wide organizations. I read the "lifestyle" mags our community prints. My husband and I are paid members of both HRC and our state group. My motivation level is super-high. As is my frustration with not finding enough work (right now, none) to correspond to my interest or motivation level. There are other people out there with similar concerns and interests. One of them recently went off on his own and planned a rally. Hubby & I told him we were coming, but he cancelled it because so few of us responded. I get the sense that efforts are just not wanted.

[Mia14]

What about it really made you so hesitant? I agree with some of the previous posts that its important to find out exactly what kind of work they'll be doing. It might even be a good idea to be a volunteer for a while if you're really not sure.

As for starting a local group - how about SoulForce? Vanessa White and I are actually planning to start a local chapter near us. I'm sure we could keep in touch with you about what we're doing locally to help you start your own if you'd like. Seeing as you're the most frequent poster on this forum by far, we all know you're really into SoulForce.

I also agree that you've got lots of energy and knowledge to put to a good cause. I think you should just be careful about this opportunity. Something tells me you were hesitant for a reason... Will it be mostly office work? Will there be any direct connection with the community or just paper correspondence? If you really prefer political issues to social ones, do they have any other groups that might suit you better?

[Zerbie]

Originally Posted by Mia14

What about it really made you so hesitant? I agree with some of the previous posts that its important to find out exactly what kind of work they'll be doing. It might even be a good idea to be a volunteer for a while if you're really not sure.

As for starting a local group - how about SoulForce? Vanessa White and I are actually planning to start a local chapter near us. I'm sure we could keep in touch with you about what we're doing locally to help you start your own if you'd like. Seeing as you're the most frequent poster on this forum by far, we all know you're really into SoulForce.

I also agree that you've got lots of energy and knowledge to put to a good cause. I think you should just be careful about this opportunity. Something tells me you were hesitant for a reason... Will it be mostly office work? Will there be any direct connection with the community or just paper correspondence? If you really prefer political issues to social ones, do they have any other groups that might suit you better?

This is a really wise post Mia. Thank you.

And Nonlemm, you really made me feel better, as everyone can see I'm sorta steaming with confusion and "downers' today. Thanks for the hug.

So Mia, to answer your Q's - a lot of the hesitation came from my perception that it is a group that plans parties. They mentioned bowling, rock concert after parties, and some sports-related parties - none of which is a motivator for me. Another part of the hesitation is that I am in a down-slump right now.

Yeah I DO post here a lot! As much as I love this forum, I would LOVE to be using this energy to make some real progress on the issues that matter. I am willing to learn from the ground up if there's anyone out there that wants to train an activist. I've been waiting for years now.

I wish we had a local SF chapter. Last summer I spoke via phone with a man who used to be listed as our contact person and he told me they were defunct but re-organizing. He promised to contact me when they were meeting again. I followed up in January asking if there was any news, and never got a reply. Maybe he didn't get the message.

I wouldn't be averse to starting a SF chapter, but I haven't brought it up because I don't see my personality as a "starter-upper" type. I would be scared to death!!!!!! But I can imagine it. I've actually thought about it all year, but have been too scared to suggest it. So I'll suggest it now - should I contact Jamie and ask how to revive the local chapter?

Regarding the HRC committee, I emailed back stating explicitly what my interests are, explained my involvement with another local group that they will recognize, and how much I loved what we were doing until it was cancelled. Told her I am looking for an outlet for the same things, and flat-out asked if that would fit in with the group. Who knows? If they want a political wing to their committee, I would love to be on that.

[Daniel]

Originally Posted by Zerbie

I wouldn't be averse to starting a SF chapter, but I haven't brought it up because I don't see my personality as a "starter-upper" type. I would be scared to death!!!!!! But I can imagine it. I've actually thought about it all year, but have been too scared to suggest it. So I'll suggest it now - should I contact Jamie and ask how to revive the local chapter?

So you don't see you personality as a 'starter-upper' type? Ask anyone around here and I think they would tell you that they don't see you that way at all. You've very starter-upper around here. Perhaps it's time to step on the stage and spread your wings a bit. And guess what? Like in singing, after the first couple of bars, you get used to things and find your voice. And I know you can do that.

If you can imagine it, you can do it!

Should you do it? Geez! Do we all have to push you out of the nest? Fly batgirl! Fly!

[Zerbie]

Originally Posted by Daniel

So you don't see you personality as a 'starter-upper' type? Ask anyone around here and I think they would tell you that they don't see you that way at all. You've very starter-upper around here. Perhaps it's time to step on the stage and spread your wings a bit. And guess what? Like in singing, after the first couple of bars, you get used to things and find your voice. And I know you can do that.

If you can imagine it, you can do it!

Should you do it? Geez! Do we all have to push you out of the nest? Fly batgirl! Fly!

Daniel, I almost snarfed my ice water when I read "Fly Batgirl, fly!"! Sounds like something we need Bette Midler to come sing.


This just seems like one of those times when ya just hafta go out there and try a lot of different things to find out what suits ya.

Thanks everyone!!! Y'all are the best, ya know that?

[Emproph]

Originally Posted by Zerbie

and how much of it is "imposter syndrome" because I tend to think that if I haven't done it before I won't know how. . .

I too concur with the Rob schneider adage, “You can do it!” I think you know that too though, so for me it seems that the issue is more about your disinterest in being a "party girl."

Originally Posted by Zerbie

Hmmm. . .seriously, I wonder how much of my hesitation about this planning committee is because there was a line in the email about planning "parties" (so not me! )

Maybe you could be the one responsible for “politicizing” the "parties," assuming they’re fund raisers, and/or if they require publicity.

There was a fund raiser dinner awhile back, I can’t remember who sponsored it, it may have been the UN, or was for the UN bigwigs? Anyway it was about starvation, to raise awareness of it I think, you know what, let me Google it, I’ll be right back... (cue on-hold music playing Tijuana Taxi) ...............................(Honk)............. .................................

....I'm back, sorry. I didn’t find the exact article but this is an even better illustration, more details. This is the type of ‘education’ that should be mandatory and recurring with varying themes of every kind throughout the time kids are in school, heck I think most everyone could use “education” like this from time to time. Talk about letting the air out of hot button issues. I think the benefits of it’s effectiveness are apparent.

It’s not that long of an article, but for those of you who don’t have time or don't like reading, here’s a synopsis.

Point being, if you were the one responsible for coming up with and implementing ideas like this for the “parties,” that might be your niche there, and/or lead to a niche even more suited to your skills.

Originally Posted by Zerbie

BruceChris, I would LOVE to make a niche!!!! But I don't know how!......This is a very important and serious question. How do I go about making/finding said niche?........There are other people out there with similar concerns and interests. One planned a rally but cancelled it because so few of us responded. I get the sense that efforts are just not wanted.

I think a lot of us don’t respond because of the “I’m just one person” attitude. I think we need more “activist” groups devoted to the idea of showing HOW ‘just one person’ can make a difference. Not just motivationally, but the exact steps that need to be taken to plan a rally or event, so that the process itself doesn’t seem so foreign. Not that it’s easy, but knowing where to begin and what pitfalls to avoid, at least the unnecessary difficulties are reduced.

Not that this is where you should start, but I think getting involved with others of like activist mind might shed some light on “how” to go about whatever it is you want to do.

[Zerbie]

Originally Posted by Emproph

I too concur with the Rob schneider adage, “You can do it!” I think you know that too though, so for me it seems that the issue is more about your disinterest in being a "party girl."

Maybe you could be the one responsible for “politicizing” the "parties," assuming they’re fund raisers, and/or if they require publicity.

you know what, let me Google it, I’ll be right back... (cue on-hold music playing Tijuana Taxi) ...............................(Honk)............. .................................

....I'm back, sorry..

I think a lot of us don’t respond because of the “I’m just one person” attitude. I think we need more “activist” groups devoted to the idea of showing HOW ‘just one person’ can make a difference. Not just motivationally, but the exact steps that need to be taken to plan a rally or event, so that the process itself doesn’t seem so foreign. Not that it’s easy, but knowing where to begin and what pitfalls to avoid, at least the unnecessary difficulties are reduced.

Not that this is where you should start, but I think getting involved with others of like activist mind might shed some light on “how” to go about whatever it is you want to do.

Emproph - you are hilarious! You actually typed "hold on" and "I'm back" - - that cracked me up! Luff ya.

Now, back to work (taps pencil).

I am going to follow your links next, but wanted to respond to your other points right now.

Almost every communication I've seen the major organizations give their members is motivational - 'Come out come out wherever you are!' and 'get involved'. And NO explanation how to get involved beyond going to a dinner or watching a parade or sending a check. Ooh or the biggie, emailing your senator. C'mon, let's have some more.

I have experienced difficulty getting involved with established groups. My activism has been of the "loner" variety because it is the only variety I've been able to get into. Maybe I've knocked on all the wrong doors, but until now haven't been able to get regularly involved with any established organization. So I am hoping this HRC committee will be a good fit for me, so I can really develop a group connection and make some concrete contribution to the movement.

You spoke about educating individuals on the whats and the hows - the Whats and above all, the HOWS are a monumental mystery to me. No, I wouldn't have the first clue how to plan a rally, or even a simple meeting (how do you get a room to meet in to begin with? see, that stuff I don't know!) I need someone to tell me and show me. That is why I don't feel qualified to start something up - I'm NOT. You are totally on target with needing to instruct people from the ground up. Come to think of it, ONE of the groups here does sponsor some activist-training days, I went to one of them and learned some useful information. Now I want more.
They gave lobbying tips for writing and calling your elected officials. Great! Gimme more!

[Lydia]

Originally Posted by Zerbie

(how do you get a room to meet in to begin with? see, that stuff I don't know!)

I know that some public schools down south will rent out rooms in the evenings. I know of several schools that have rented rooms to churches.

Or you could contact your local community center. Or, if the group is small enough, you could meet in someone's living room. Or you could meet down at the local park, at least for the summer.

[Zerbie]

Originally Posted by Lydia

I know that some public schools down south will rent out rooms in the evenings. I know of several schools that have rented rooms to churches.

Or you could contact your local community center. Or, if the group is small enough, you could meet in someone's living room. Or you could meet down at the local park, at least for the summer.

Thanks, I figgered there was a simple solution for those things. The point being, I'd have to find out stuff like that Every Step Along The Way.

I had to chuckle at the suggestion to meet at a park in the summer. Anywhere but HERE!!!!! (112 F degrees today) That's a beautiful suggestion for any other part of the world ('cept maybe the outback.)

******Update*******

The HRC contact emailed me back and she is going to put me in touch with their political committee, which is also recruiting new members right now.

[Lydia]

Originally Posted by Zerbie

Thanks, I figgered there was a simple solution for those things. The point being, I'd have to find out stuff like that Every Step Along The Way.

This is true. And I can see how it could become a lot of work fairly quickly.

Originally Posted by Zerbie

I had to chuckle at the suggestion to meet at a park in the summer. Anywhere but HERE!!!!! (112 F degrees today) That's a beautiful suggestion for any other part of the world ('cept maybe the outback.)

[Zerbie]

Hey Lydia,

Yeah, it gets hot here. Until I moved here, I was insensate to heat. Now I get heat fatigue regularly.

As for all the details - yeah, exactly. I wouldn't mind doing some work, but I would have to have a goal before I would even bother thinking about that stuff. Rather than re-invent the wheel, I'm trying to get involved with people who've already hacked through the jungle partway and just join in!

[Mia14]

Maybe the political group would be a better fit! As for worries about reinventing the wheel with starting a new group, it happens sometimes. Vanessa and I will be starting something completely new for both of us when we start a new SF chaper near us.

SF itself is pretty good about training activists for activities. Keep an eye on the upcoming opportunities to participate in direct actions. There's usually training before the actual event. There's also a Don't Ask, Don't Tell initiative from SF that's going to start in many cities later this summer. If you're interested, maybe you could get some training there and even find people near you who might want to start a group?