My Brief Fling With Our New S.F. LGBTQ Center
Chief Thracian
To: S.F. LGBT Community Center "in...@sfcenter.org"
Subject: Re: Volunteering @ the SF LGBT Community Center
Date: 13 May 2003
(A volunteer coordinator posted to me:)
<<
The Center would not be where it is today
without the dedicated work of its volunteers.
>>
(And I reply:)
That may be so...but I was not impressed by the reception I
received by volunteer coordinators, on my first night with
Qcomedy. I was not introduced to any other member, just left
to hang out. Had I not made a point of introducing myself to
others there, no one would get to know me.
There should have been ONE person ready to make a new
volunteer feel welcome enough, that s/he is worth introducing
to others. They might all be young volunteers and
coordinators...that is: wet under the ears, and kind of shy.
But this is Etiquette 101 we're talking about. Sadly, there
was an older volunteer who showed up (Amy), who likewise did
not see fit to integrate me into the group, by introducing
herself (not to mention bothering to see that any new
volunteer would be made to feel welcome). I introduced myself
to her; but she never bothered to see that I'd be introduced
to anyone else.
Not that the folks I met aren't all great...but where is their
sense of social outreach and communication? The responsibility
to train young people in these matters should be up to our
older veterans. But I don't see this happening, judging by the
behavior of "leaders" I've met at The Center.
Then, when I went today for 6 o'clock orientation, I found out
that the time was changed to 7pm! (I also planned to
volunteer for the CyberCenter; I'm highly skilled with using
and teaching PCs.) My impression is that the coordinators knew
for at least several days, that the orientation would begin an
hour late. When I said to the host of tonight's orientation,
that I never received an e-mail to tell me of the schedule
change, he said that they're not up to snuff with e-mail
correspondence. This left me wondering (after I walked out,
planning to go home and come back by 7): What about using the
old fashioned telephone (which he never mentioned)?
Also, at Qcomedy, I was led to believe they'd have open-mic
for budding stand-up comedians like myself. Turned out, there
was not, last night. No problem, I enjoyed the show. So I
asked some of the coordinators of the show, how often, or
when, they'll have the next stand-up. No one knew...implying
there isn't really any plan for one. This is another example
of poor integration of a non-profit service with its
volunteers...especially brand new recruits.
Again, a communique problem: Qcomedy said they'll post me an
e-mail reminder about a week before the next Qcomedy event at
The Center. Well, said message never arrived...nor a phone
call. So I called on the morning of the day I was to
volunteer, just to affirm my intent to show up.
Since you so badly need volunteers, you really ought to have
better public relations. I do not respect someone who agrees
to meet at a certain time, then doesn't show up until an hour
later. I can deal with 15-20 mins., but anything longer than
that, no way! I feel the same way about group events,
especially when one is willing and eager to donate valuable
time to assist The Cause. There is no reason I can see, that a
friendly, hard-working person should be treated with less
respect by a group, than by an individual.
I'm sure I'm overly sensitive these days, as I am having
run-ins with all sorts of rudeness on every
level...understandable, in these nerve-wracking times.
BUT...enough is enough. I will NOT associate with anyone or
any group, that does not have its basic ducks in a row when it
comes to volunteer outreach. I'm a person, not an expendable
household appliance. If I continue to work with anyone under
such arrangements, it only leaves me open to further
disrespect and rudeness. This is true in personal
relationships, and I believe should still apply in one's
relations with any organizations...which is really nothing
more than a bunch of people. And there is no excuse for any
people to be cavalier in its regard to others who want to join
and help.
I conclude there is more of a problem than the money issue,
regarding volunteer outreach at The Center. What shortcomings
I pointed out, are easily rectified by proper instruction...if
some people there with influence, care enough to do something.
Maybe I'll stay with Qcomedy, though I'll probably drop out of
that, too. I joined under the impression I'd be able to do
stand-up. But if no one even knows if that will ever
happen...well, good grief!
All of the issues I brought up are not to be rationalized
away, in my opinion. In other words: there's no excuse for
this lack of camaraderie...which is so necessary to form
cohesive units working towards the success of our equality and
liberation. (And one of the easiest things do, of all the
assignments required!)
Please drop me from your volunteer list as a greeter for Queer
Pride Month; as I don't feel particularly welcome due to my
first few introductions to the Center. I will find another
avenue by which to express my volunteerism on behalf of sexual
minorities. It saddens me to think of how many other great
volunteers you've already lost, by first impressions.
I was not aware till recently, of some political intrigue
going on re. The Center. This news must have eluded my
radar...but certainly has made me reconsider volunteering
there. (I will research this further, before reaching a final
conclusion.) My experience with folks there, disappointed me.
But I would still have left, without the intrigue...just based
on a lack of interpesonal skills displayed by those
coordinators I have so far met.
Sincerely,
Ezekiel J. Krahlin
---
Lavender-Velvet Revolution
www.gay-bible.org
Fritz
>
> Zeke, is it possible that those queers think you're an ass hole and
> want nothing to do with you and for that reason they're keeping
> you out of the loop?
I think "Zeke" is a troll, like yourself, maybe you guys are the same
person.
--
Fritz
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Taking back my freedom of conscience.
Marie C. Bennett
wrote:
>E., Mann wrote:
>
>>
>> Zeke, is it possible that those queers think you're an ass hole and
>> want nothing to do with you and for that reason they're keeping
>> you out of the loop?
>
>I think "Zeke" is a troll, like yourself, maybe you guys are the same
>person.
Zeke may be far out (to put it mildly), but there's no need to insult
him like THAT.
Marie C. Bennett
>Such is the misery of those hapless fools who can't bear to have their
>posts properly archived --- they are completely defenseless against
>any and all accusations made against them; they must watch helplessly
>when people modify the quoted portions of their articles and can do
>nothing about it. Hahahahahahaha!
> -Marie C. Bennett, Fag Hag, in Alt.Politics.Homosexuality
Another jumpy record.