I, too, like to personally welcome each new member as they join, and give them some tips to get their feet wet and give them the "lay of the land," but like Richard, I'll be boarding a bus soon to join the March in DC. So, if you join while I'm away, here's the pointers I'd normally give you on a more personal 1:1 basis:

1.) If you haven't already, open the "About" tab to learn a bit more about us and our mission.

2.) Then open the "Info for New Members" folder in the Message Board tab.

3.) Don't be afraid to read, start, join in on any discussion on the message board - it's our main arena for communication, where we discuss, ask, answer, and learn from one another.

4.) Keep an eye on the calendar for meetings and coming events/protests, etc, and join in whenever you're able. First of all, we'd love to meet you. Secondly, the more of us at each event, the more "they" (media, politicians, etc.), take notice, and the louder our collective voice becomes. And "they" are taking notice. Remember Van Jones' resignation - I'd like to think our grassroots movement had just a "little" something to do with that victory.

5.) Go to the next meeting. Trust me, you'll enjoy yourself, you'll be made to feel welcome, and you'll make many fast friends. I speak from experience. [snipped out old meeting date]

6.) Continue needling your elected officials every chance you get. Call/write/e-mail/visit often to remind them where you stand on the issues, and what you expect of them. Never forget that we surround them, and they work for us. Be ever vigilant.

7.) Learn as much as you can about the issues, and share what you learn with your neighbors, family, etc - you'd be amazed at the number of people who have no idea the damage being done to our government from within (maybe because they only watch network news). Get the word out.

8.) Stay true to the 9 principals/12 values.

9.) And finally: Question with boldness - Hold to the truth - Speak without Fear

Welcome to We Surround Rochester, home of the peaceful revolution. 





Posted Sep 11, 2009 6:47 PM
 by Wendy Ann


Posted by WeSurroundRochester on Sep 23, 2009