Re: MCM - Digest V1 #191

["Mary McCaw" <marymccaw@mediaone.net>]

----- Original Message -----
From: <nfrank@mindspring.com>
To: <aga-mcm@thekrib.com>
Sent: Thursday, December 09, 1999 9:00 PM
Subject: Re: MCM - Digest V1 #191


>
>
>> This type of thing which is unintentional on our part might add to the
feeling that the organization is elitist. I have been suggesting that we
need a volunteer or PR coordinator to help with this problem.

I am sure you are right that not utilizing volunteers right away does
contribute to TAG's being perceived as an elist organization.  I think your
idea of a volunteer or PR coordinator is a good one.

>>Also, not everyone is outgoing and in my opinion the vast majority of
aquarists are introverts.

As an introvert myself, I appreciate where you are coming from.  If I am
hearing you correctly, you are implying that one of the reasons we are
having difficulty absorbing new volunteers is most of us are introverts.
Years ago I would have agreed with you.  But after speaking with extroverts
directly about getting to know new people and being new in an organization
and how it is for them, I now see things somewhat differently.  Getting to
know new people and being new is stressful for everyone.  Introverts cope
with the stress by being quiet, and extroverts by talking a lot.  There are
times when extroverts also need to get themselves "pumped up" in order to be
friendly.  I think that being welcoming to new people involves a committment
of will no matter who you are.  Having been to a lot of events in the hobby
over the last few years, I have enjoyed meeting new people, hearing about
their tanks, and getting to talk about mine.  I can't say I have met a
hobbyist, introvert or extravert, who hasn't enjoyed talking about something
they love.  IOM the most difficult part of running the AGA is that so much
of our communication occurs over cyberspace.  Having dealt a lot with
vulunteers in the past, I find it is so much easier when you can do it face
to face.  I have decided that when I do communicate with Cheryl, I am going
to call her.  This isn't as good as talking to to her face to face, but it
will be easier for me this way rather than by cyberspace.

Question, Bob.  Do we need to vote on the advertising issue?  If so, I make
the motion to vote on whether (a) we should seek to expand the AGA at this
time; (b) advertise in TFH, AFM, and FAMA.  If anyone thinks that the way I
have worded things should be revised, that's fine with me.


> > It was also my impression that AGA was an elitist organization before
> I joined.  The first time I went to an AGA gathering at an NEC convention
> several years ago I was rather apprehensive, wondering what the people
would
> be like even though I already knew Karen and Jack from BAS.  I would like
to
> see us work at changing this perception.
>
> After you met the other people, did you find us elitist?


No, I didn't, although I still had lingering doubts.  But when I joined the
MC I began to see things differently, realizing that a relatively small
group of people is trying to get a lot done on a volunteer basis when we all
have other committments and limited time and energy.

  And if so, how? (If I was at that convention, please don't hurt my
feelings <g>)

I believe you were.  But I want you to know that from the first time I met
you, I have always liked you and never considered you elitist.
>
> >I have a couple of things in mind.......
> I like the idea... sounds like the "beginners manual" that we have been
talking about for 8 or so years.
> --Neil

Umhum.  I think what I would like to do is have several beginners type
articles in the first issue for 2000.  I would like to bring extra copies to
sell at the NEC convention which should be a great one since it is the 25th
anniversary of NEC.  Also, perhaps we can send representatives to other
conventions and sell extra copies there.  "The Best of TAG for Beginners" is
going to take a while to get done, so starting with a special "Beginner's
Issue" has the advantage being something I can put together right away.

Mary
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