forum activism? like it or not?

[JoB]

We are involved in the second of our community fundraisers… opportunities to see and meet some of the forum members and help our community at the same time.

I didn’t think to ask you what you thought about this when i decided we should help the Food Bank with handbags for hunger.

Beachdrivegirl and JenV didn’t stop to ask you what you thought when their hearts went out to the young man who lost his business to an arson fire.

We know some of you think this is pretty cool. You show up at meetings and events and we have had a great time doing this.

But what do the rest of you think?

Is this a great way to get our community together?

Do you like the “good deeds” thrown in?

Do you think “someone” ought to decide what should be done instead of individuals responding with their hearts?

do you like it that these are all just someone’s ideas?

do you think this is all just a waste of time and digital space?

No really… what do you think?

i really want to know.

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[hopey]

You know, it’s really just all about the community. In this day and age where people don’t talk to their neighbors and we spend so much time isolated in our cars, our houses, whatever… this community forum is, for me, a way to “meet my neighbors”. I don’t really know any of my physical neighbors (have only chatted with one or two on my block), so I can’t ask them where to take my drycleaning or who is a good doctor. So I come here and ask instead.

Similarly, I think the forums are a 21st century way to bring people together around a commuinty cause. We’re not knocking on doors with a collection can. We’re spreading the word virtually instead about a community member who needs our help.

I’m not the best at large group in-person socializing, but I have Saturday night @ the Admiral Pub on my calendar! :)

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[JanS]

this is something I got in an e-mail yesterday…in a way, this is our version of a “potlatch”…helping others in our community when it’s needed, and in turn, bringing the community together. And then there’s the karma…karma is a strong thing, what goes around comes around. I think the community is better and stronger the more people who care about it, the more who are active in it, no matter how small the act…

“Potlatch

Encouraging Generosity

We can learn much from the Native American tradition of the potlatch. It is a tradition that values generosity above all else, and a potlatch, which is a very grand ceremony, is an exercise in giving away material possessions, food, and money. It is not uncommon for the host of a potlatch to give away so much of his own resources to his guests that he ends up with nothing. However, he can regain his wealth by attending potlatches at which he is a guest. In this way, a potlatch validates generosity and encourages the flow of resources in a community, while at the same time continually reaffirming the importance of community ties.

When we are held in a web of trust and connection, we can give generously, knowing that when it is our turn we will be supported. In this way, our whole sense of ownership becomes less individualistic and more communal. Resources are in an acceptable state of flux, moving within the community through the vehicle of the potlatch, which serves the additional function of strengthening community ties. This seems clearly preferable to isolating ourselves from one another and hoarding our resources.

Perhaps we can find ways in our own lives to create a community in which a flow of resources happens in this way, in which we support one another to be generous. We might begin by celebrating our own type of potlatch, having a dinner party and giving each guest an object that is dear to us. Or we could give everyone a little bit of money in an envelope to spend on themselves just for fun. Someone might get inspired to throw their own potlatch, and before we know it we might have a tradition that supports and validates generosity even as it creates a safety net for leaner times. In the most profound sense, that is what a community, a tribe, and family do best.”

We are all better for it.

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[JoB]

i like the idea of a potlatch…

i hadn’t thought of this on so personal a level before..

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[Myrtle]

>Do you think “someone” ought to decide what should be done instead of individuals responding with their hearts?

I think they both have their place. Some people are leaders, others follow. The world need BOTH to get anything accomplished.

The beauty of activism is that it’s a CHOICE. You can weed through it – or sign up. I’m glad to see it local and easily available.

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