It worked. I'm Tyler.. the guy who sits in the front.
FYI: Just wanted everyone to know that I'm looking into starting the NOW group for my "November project." If anyone would like to officially start a group with me, just let me know Tuesday night.
Hi Tyler that sits in the front! Last semester Dr. K assigned the groups. I do not know if she will do that this time. We need to check with her on how she will do that.
Gotcha. I guess she's done it different ways, because we got to pick our groups in American Lit a few semesters ago. We'll just wait and see, like ya said.
I've emailed both the NOW headquarters asking about starting a chapter here in Americus, and also about rates for joining. A quick tour around their website shows a $35-40 a year membership, with students getting a $10 discount.
I'll keep y'all updated throughout the weekend on everything....
Thanks for signing-up to mobilize and organize young men and women on your campus for direct action. This is Lynsea Garrison, and I am a field organizer for NOW headquartered in Washington, DC. CC'd on this e-mail is Rita Hardin. She is the State President of Georgia; please feel free to also contact her with questions or details on upcoming events.
The manual for organizing within NOW's Campus Action Network structure is posted here: http://www.now.org/chapters/campus/CANManual.pdf Please feel free to read through this for your initial questions. I've also attached it to this email.
As I am developing our relationship with CAN's, below are some tips I give about meetings and positions and engaging new people from my experience as an organizer on campus. Your meetings should:
1. Be accessible to folks with disabilities- The benefits of organizing on a college campus are that meeting space will be easy to find. But some buildings still don't have elevators, so be sure to always make sure that folks with disabilities will have a way to attend. 2. Start at a good time that's convenient for most people- Usually, it shouldn't be too early or too late. It might be helpful to build consensus around this at your first meeting. 3. Start on time and end on time- This is a hard one sometimes. But college is a busy period and there are tons of things going on. It's preferable that meetings don't drone on and on and people will thank you by returning. 4. Have some sort of snack or food available- I know you are just getting started and you don't exactly have a budget. But you may want to look into donated food services. This is a service that provides free food to student groups. 5. Childcare- Generally speaking, meetings should have childcare. This may be on a needs basis and you may have to work something out with the Women's studies department to assist financially with this. I would first do research on the number of women that attend your university that have children and as your CAN picks up momentum you should then decide whether or not you have capacity to do this.
Other notes on meetings - you should generally have two types of meetings:
o An Administrative meeting- These could be bi-weekly or whenever you have capacity. This is where you handle your logistical responsibilities. This can be the tedious but necessary meeting that follows up on tasks, checks the status of actions and events that are in planning stages and a way for the core members to touch base. It may not be optimal for new people to participate in it if they don't already have an established role. You should play this by ear and do what's best for the group. o An Action Meeting- This could be monthly or whenever you have capacity. These should be targeted at issues, planning upcoming actions and participating in an activity of some sort. This should also be a space where you communicate with women about current events on feminist topics. This should be where you target all of your new people.
Housekeeping on new people: o You are just getting started and might not need to do this right away, but once you get a core group going you should try to really engage new people who join the group. You (or a membership person) should meet with them beforehand if you have capacity just to give them a sense of what your meetings are like. o You should always send a thank you for attending and ask new people to provide feedback.
Positions: o You should decide what structure you want the group to take. Will there be co-presidents? You as president with a vice president etc.? It might be helpful to at least get someone to take the lead on planning actions (though everyone will play a role). Maybe someone could also take the lead on being a needs assessment leader. This person takes the lead on determining what issues are relevant to women on campus and creating forums for dialogues where these needs can be shared. This person could be the one to find out how many women have children that attend your college, for example. You also might want to have a membership person to do the meet and greet and thank you's. If you become a formal organization associated with your school you may also need a treasurer.
Again please know that these are just suggestions. Ultimately you will have to do what is best for your group.
If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail the chapter development department at chapteam@now.org.
All the best,
Lynsea
-----Original Message----- From: Tyler Willis [mailto:yahweh_princeofpeace@yahoo.com] Sent: Friday, August 22, 2008 10:04 PM To: chapteam@now.org; member-info@now.org Subject: comments concerning Interested in starting a chapter
Name: Tyler Willis Member: no
Contact Information: Women's Studies Class of Georgia Southwestern State University 800 Wheatley Street GSW Box 0734 Americus Ga 31709 E-mail:
Comments: Hello, my name is Tyler Willis. I'm a 21 year old male, attending Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus, Ga. I'm currently enrolled as a senior with a major in History. This past Spring semester, my professors advised me on pursuing the Women's Studies Certificate that our college offers. I'm now taking the Introduction to Women's Studies course, and we've been challenged to do something in our community to spread women's awareness. I would like to get any information that I could about starting a NOW Chapter here in my community, because a quick search of my zip two codes shows nothing in our area. Thanks so much for the help in advance. I'm looking forward to starting something that will certainly be challenging now, but very rewarding for years to come. Thanks!
Referred from: http://www.now.org/chapters/ Web address: http://www.now.org/comments.html?code=chtm&display_name=Chapters%20Team&sub= Interested%20in%20starting%20a%20chapter Browser: Windows, Firefox version 2.0.0.16
Well, if we get to pick our own groups count me in on the group project. I like the idea of starting a NOW chapter at GSW. Let's ask Dr. K tomorrow night! See ya then.
ANOTHER EMAIL!! WOOOHO. They love the fact that our class is having stuff like this... it's pretty cool. Read the email, and you'll see what I mean:
Hi Tyler,
Unfortunately, Rita's email is bouncing back for me, too. I’m going to give you her numbers so you can try to reach her by phone. The first one is (678) 471-6222, and the second on you can try is (770) 493-9595. Hopefully, you can get in touch with her about starting a group in southern Georgia.
In regards to your second question, do you want to merge a CAN with a chapter? Or do you want to start both groups independent of each other? My advice is to start organizing within your campus and once you get a handle on campus activism, then extend it to community activism. The challenge that you'll probably face is sustaining membership and leadership after you've graduated. I would recommend developing a relationship with the women's center or gender studies department of your school so that after you graduate, your CAN will be able to continue because of its foundation in your gender or women studies department.
The other thing you could do would be set up a NOW chapter on your campus, which isn't the same thing as a CAN. CAN's don't receive money and they aren't expected to give money either. Chapters on campus abide by normal chapter rules where they receive rebates for actions, are expected to give money and fill out an annual report about their actions, membership, issues, successes or problems. For example, NYU is a chapter, not a CAN and they follow this protocol.
Regretfully, I don't know of any male feminists in your area. This is a constant misfortune because it's very important to get young men involved with feminism, too. Maybe that's a campaign you could work on - unifying all genders in feminist activism.
Let me know whether you're able to reach Rita and feel free to write me with any questions or concerns. I also want to let you know that I'm working on sending out a newsletter with issues you could focus on this semester and some events that are coming up. Perhaps some of its material will give you some immediate issues you could act on.
Thank you for your strong interest in activism. I hope to hear from you soon.
All the best,
Lynsea
-----Original Message----- From: Tyler Willis [mailto:yahweh_princeofpeace@yahoo.com] Sent: Monday, August 25, 2008 2:21 PM To: Volunteer Subject: Re: comments concerning Interested in starting a chapter
Lynsea Garrison,
Thanks so much for the speedy email! I read through most of the article that was attached on the .pdf document, and absolutely cannot wait to start! Couple of quick things...
First, I tried to email the Georgia state president, and her email bounced back to me. It said something about how it couldn't find her email address, and failed to deliver. I'll copy/paste the email I sent to her in-case you have an alternate email for her.
Second, if you read over the email I tried to send to Rita, you'll see that I'm needing all the help I can get. Yes, I do want to start a campus NOW group, but also a community/region wide NOW group. There doesn't seem to be any groups down here in the southern part of the state, and I think it'd be wonderful if someone (me and my fellow classmates) could try to do some of the "grunt" work that way our future generations could have some resources to look to. If you know of anyone who could give me any advice on starting a group, please.. please let them know my email address..... and if you know of any male feminists in the works, that'd be awesome to know, too! Haha.. but seriously, it would be great if I knew of any.
Third, you're doing a wonderful job. Thanks so much for all the help.. and I'm quite sure there will be lots more emails to come. Have a wonderful day!
Hello, my name is Tyler Willis. I'm a 21 year old male, attending Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus, Ga. I'm currently enrolled as a senior with a major in History. This past Spring semester, my professors advised me on pursuing the Women's Studies Certificate that our college offers. I'm now taking the Introduction to Women's Studies course, and we've been challenged to do something in our community to spread women's awareness. I would like to get any information that I could about starting a NOW Chapter here in my community, because a quick search of my zip two codes shows nothing in our area. Thanks so much for the help in advance. I'm looking forward to starting something that will certainly be challenging now, but very rewarding for years to come. Thanks!
(That was a copy and paste from my first letter to the NOW interest in starting a chapter on the website.)
I would like to thank you in advance for any help that you may offer.... so thanks! I just got the email from Lynsea Garrison about starting a chapter on my college campus, but I've got a few questions. Is it possible to start an actual chapter here in southern Georgia? What would be the steps in doing so?
I asked, because we've been given a challenge for the month of November to do some type of "community service" project in my Women's Studies course (my professor's name is Dr. Elizabeth Kuipers, and her email is ear@canes.gsw.edu). As you can see, I'm wanting to start a good few months prior to that, so that during that month we can mobilize and really do something in this community.
Any help that you can offer in starting either a campus or a community chapter will definitely help. If you need to get in touch with me via phone, my number is 229-224-7517, and I'm available mostly in the afternoons or early evenings. I have 17 hours of classes, and 15 hours of work a week, so I just might have to return phone calls.. so I apologize in advance. Have a wonderful afternoon, and I look forward to our future conversations.
6 comments:
Hi Tyler that sits in the front! Last semester Dr. K assigned the groups. I do not know if she will do that this time. We need to check with her on how she will do that.
Gotcha. I guess she's done it different ways, because we got to pick our groups in American Lit a few semesters ago. We'll just wait and see, like ya said.
Quick update:
I've emailed both the NOW headquarters asking about starting a chapter here in Americus, and also about rates for joining. A quick tour around their website shows a $35-40 a year membership, with students getting a $10 discount.
I'll keep y'all updated throughout the weekend on everything....
Just got an email from NOW:
Hello Tyler,
Thanks for signing-up to mobilize and organize young men and women on your
campus for direct action. This is Lynsea Garrison, and I am a field
organizer for NOW headquartered in Washington, DC. CC'd on this e-mail is
Rita Hardin. She is the State President of Georgia; please feel free to also
contact her with questions or details on upcoming events.
The manual for organizing within NOW's Campus Action Network structure is
posted here: http://www.now.org/chapters/campus/CANManual.pdf Please feel
free to read through this for your initial questions. I've also attached it
to this email.
As I am developing our relationship with CAN's, below are some tips I give
about meetings and positions and engaging new people from my experience as
an organizer on campus. Your meetings should:
1. Be accessible to folks with disabilities- The benefits of organizing
on a college campus are that meeting space will be easy to find. But some
buildings still don't have elevators, so be sure to always make sure that
folks with disabilities will have a way to attend.
2. Start at a good time that's convenient for most people- Usually, it
shouldn't be too early or too late. It might be helpful to build consensus
around this at your first meeting.
3. Start on time and end on time- This is a hard one sometimes. But
college is a busy period and there are tons of things going on. It's
preferable that meetings don't drone on and on and people will thank you by
returning.
4. Have some sort of snack or food available- I know you are just
getting started and you don't exactly have a budget. But you may want to
look into donated food services. This is a service that provides free food
to student groups.
5. Childcare- Generally speaking, meetings should have childcare. This
may be on a needs basis and you may have to work something out with the
Women's studies department to assist financially with this. I would first do
research on the number of women that attend your university that have
children and as your CAN picks up momentum you should then decide whether or
not you have capacity to do this.
Other notes on meetings - you should generally have two types of meetings:
o An Administrative meeting- These could be bi-weekly or whenever you
have capacity. This is where you handle your logistical responsibilities.
This can be the tedious but necessary meeting that follows up on tasks,
checks the status of actions and events that are in planning stages and a
way for the core members to touch base. It may not be optimal for new people
to participate in it if they don't already have an established role. You
should play this by ear and do what's best for the group.
o An Action Meeting- This could be monthly or whenever you have
capacity. These should be targeted at issues, planning upcoming actions and
participating in an activity of some sort. This should also be a space where
you communicate with women about current events on feminist topics. This
should be where you target all of your new people.
Housekeeping on new people:
o You are just getting started and might not need to do this right
away, but once you get a core group going you should try to really engage
new people who join the group. You (or a membership person) should meet with
them beforehand if you have capacity just to give them a sense of what your
meetings are like.
o You should always send a thank you for attending and ask new people
to provide feedback.
Positions:
o You should decide what structure you want the group to take. Will
there be co-presidents? You as president with a vice president etc.? It
might be helpful to at least get someone to take the lead on planning
actions (though everyone will play a role). Maybe someone could also take
the lead on being a needs assessment leader. This person takes the lead on
determining what issues are relevant to women on campus and creating forums
for dialogues where these needs can be shared. This person could be the one
to find out how many women have children that attend your college, for
example. You also might want to have a membership person to do the meet and
greet and thank you's. If you become a formal organization associated with
your school you may also need a treasurer.
Again please know that these are just suggestions. Ultimately you will have
to do what is best for your group.
If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail the chapter
development department at chapteam@now.org.
All the best,
Lynsea
-----Original Message-----
From: Tyler Willis [mailto:yahweh_princeofpeace@yahoo.com]
Sent: Friday, August 22, 2008 10:04 PM
To: chapteam@now.org; member-info@now.org
Subject: comments concerning Interested in starting a chapter
Name: Tyler Willis Member: no
Contact Information:
Women's Studies Class of Georgia Southwestern State University
800 Wheatley Street GSW Box 0734
Americus Ga 31709
E-mail:
Comments:
Hello, my name is Tyler Willis. I'm a 21 year old male, attending Georgia
Southwestern State University in Americus, Ga. I'm currently enrolled as a
senior with a major in History. This past Spring semester, my professors
advised me on pursuing the Women's Studies Certificate that our college
offers. I'm now taking the Introduction to Women's Studies course, and we've
been challenged to do something in our community to spread women's
awareness. I would like to get any information that I could about starting a
NOW Chapter here in my community, because a quick search of my zip two codes
shows nothing in our area. Thanks so much for the help in advance. I'm
looking forward to starting something that will certainly be challenging
now, but very rewarding for years to come. Thanks!
Referred from: http://www.now.org/chapters/
Web address:
http://www.now.org/comments.html?code=chtm&display_name=Chapters%20Team&sub=
Interested%20in%20starting%20a%20chapter
Browser: Windows, Firefox version 2.0.0.16
Well, if we get to pick our own groups count me in on the group project. I like the idea of starting a NOW chapter at GSW. Let's ask Dr. K tomorrow night! See ya then.
ANOTHER EMAIL!! WOOOHO. They love the fact that our class is having stuff like this... it's pretty cool. Read the email, and you'll see what I mean:
Hi Tyler,
Unfortunately, Rita's email is bouncing back for me, too. I’m going to give
you her numbers so you can try to reach her by phone. The first one is (678)
471-6222, and the second on you can try is (770) 493-9595. Hopefully, you
can get in touch with her about starting a group in southern Georgia.
In regards to your second question, do you want to merge a CAN with a
chapter? Or do you want to start both groups independent of each other? My
advice is to start organizing within your campus and once you get a handle
on campus activism, then extend it to community activism. The challenge that
you'll probably face is sustaining membership and leadership after you've
graduated. I would recommend developing a relationship with the women's
center or gender studies department of your school so that after you
graduate, your CAN will be able to continue because of its foundation in
your gender or women studies department.
The other thing you could do would be set up a NOW chapter on your campus,
which isn't the same thing as a CAN. CAN's don't receive money and they
aren't expected to give money either. Chapters on campus abide by normal
chapter rules where they receive rebates for actions, are expected to give
money and fill out an annual report about their actions, membership, issues,
successes or problems. For example, NYU is a chapter, not a CAN and they
follow this protocol.
Regretfully, I don't know of any male feminists in your area. This is a
constant misfortune because it's very important to get young men involved
with feminism, too. Maybe that's a campaign you could work on - unifying all
genders in feminist activism.
Let me know whether you're able to reach Rita and feel free to write me with
any questions or concerns. I also want to let you know that I'm working on
sending out a newsletter with issues you could focus on this semester and
some events that are coming up. Perhaps some of its material will give you
some immediate issues you could act on.
Thank you for your strong interest in activism. I hope to hear from you
soon.
All the best,
Lynsea
-----Original Message-----
From: Tyler Willis [mailto:yahweh_princeofpeace@yahoo.com]
Sent: Monday, August 25, 2008 2:21 PM
To: Volunteer
Subject: Re: comments concerning Interested in starting a chapter
Lynsea Garrison,
Thanks so much for the speedy email! I read through most of the article
that was attached on the .pdf document, and absolutely cannot wait to start!
Couple of quick things...
First, I tried to email the Georgia state president, and her email bounced
back to me. It said something about how it couldn't find her email address,
and failed to deliver. I'll copy/paste the email I sent to her in-case you
have an alternate email for her.
Second, if you read over the email I tried to send to Rita, you'll see that
I'm needing all the help I can get. Yes, I do want to start a campus NOW
group, but also a community/region wide NOW group. There doesn't seem to be
any groups down here in the southern part of the state, and I think it'd be
wonderful if someone (me and my fellow classmates) could try to do some of
the "grunt" work that way our future generations could have some resources
to look to. If you know of anyone who could give me any advice on starting a
group, please.. please let them know my email address..... and if you know
of any male feminists in the works, that'd be awesome to know, too! Haha..
but seriously, it would be great if I knew of any.
Third, you're doing a wonderful job. Thanks so much for all the help.. and
I'm quite sure there will be lots more emails to come. Have a wonderful day!
Sincerely,
Tyler Willis
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------
Dear Mrs. Rita Hardin,
Hello, my name is Tyler Willis. I'm a 21 year old male, attending Georgia
Southwestern State University in Americus, Ga. I'm currently enrolled as a
senior with a major in History. This past Spring semester, my professors
advised me on pursuing the Women's Studies Certificate that our college
offers. I'm now taking the Introduction to Women's Studies course, and we've
been challenged to do something in our community to spread women's
awareness. I would like to get any information that I could about starting a
NOW Chapter here in my community, because a quick search of my zip two codes
shows nothing in our area. Thanks so much for the help in advance. I'm
looking forward to starting something that will certainly be challenging
now, but very rewarding for years to come. Thanks!
(That was a copy and paste from my first letter to the NOW interest in
starting a chapter on the website.)
I would like to thank you in advance for any help that you may offer.... so
thanks! I just got the email from Lynsea Garrison about starting a chapter
on my college campus, but I've got a few questions. Is it possible to start
an actual chapter here in southern Georgia? What would be the steps in doing
so?
I asked, because we've been given a challenge for the month of November to
do some type of "community service" project in my Women's Studies course (my
professor's name is Dr. Elizabeth Kuipers, and her email is
ear@canes.gsw.edu). As you can see, I'm wanting to start a good few months
prior to that, so that during that month we can mobilize and really do
something in this community.
Any help that you can offer in starting either a campus or a community
chapter will definitely help. If you need to get in touch with me via phone,
my number is 229-224-7517, and I'm available mostly in the afternoons or
early evenings. I have 17 hours of classes, and 15 hours of work a week, so
I just might have to return phone calls.. so I apologize in advance. Have a
wonderful afternoon, and I look forward to our future conversations.
Sincerely,
Tyler Willis
Post a Comment