[dlvorg] Big Sister Coordinator - calling the question ...

In this mailing:

Org List
Calling the question
Big Sister Coordinator feedback
Big Sister thoughts
JoAnn responds
Administrivia
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Org List:

This is the DLV 2013 Organizational Mailing List (dlvorg_at_geekbabe.com)
Replies to this message will be forwarded to the DLVORG list and not
the DLV-Announce or DLV-Discuss list.
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Calling the question:

The question needs to be called. We need a decision so we can let
those who will be running the Big Sister Program (individual or
team) prepare to do their thing and all of us can enjoy the
holidays and get ready to go on our programming after the first
of the year.

We want this to be a clear decision of and by the group!

Those of voting status can expect to receive the special "ballot"
e-mail in about 24 hours. The time lag is to give everyone who
will be voting the time to read and consider the thoughts in this
mailing, review the previous mailings, and think things over as
to how to cast the vote. If you are of voting status and do not
receive the ballot by Wednesday noon at the latest, please let
us know.

We'll be voting on a decision between the two:

1. Adopt the team concept for the Big Sister Program. (This does
imply that the group can select their designated leader, who
can then fill the Administrative Committee slot as Big Sister
Coordinator.)

2. Retain the existing single-individual Big Sister Coordinator.
(This does not preclude the BSC from selecting assistants from the
DLV volunteer cadre as desired.)

Should the vote go to retaining the existing structure, we'll
then have a second round of voting to select the new Big Sister
Coordinator between the two nominated/seconded candidates (in
order of nomination), Delaney and Holly.

Thanks to all for your thoughts and feedback on this very valuable
DLV program!

Let's please consider the floor to be closed for Big Sister
Program discussion. Any further items received on this topic
will be held and forwarded to those in charge of the Big Sister
Program as decided by the upcoming vote(s).
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Big Sister Coordinator feedback:

Nora writes:

Hi:

A number of the suggestions made are sound and worthy of follow up.
Before we make any changes lets look at the past. I have been the Big
Sister coordinator for about ten years. It is extremely rewarding and
involves a fair amount of attention.

In any year we receive between 8-15 requests for Big Sisters. About
5-10% of the total registrants. Sorry Annie I do not have the exact
stats. If we are fortunate we receive one or two more volunteers than
those requesting.

The Volunteers are obtained generally after a number of pleas for help.

Because of a volunteer shortage some volunteers have taken it on
themselves to have more than one Little Sister. This is greatly unfair
and the primary reason we all come to the DLV is to have a great time
for ourselves.

Therefore the number of Volunteers is roughly the same as those
requesting help.

So we are dealing with a total pool of about 15-30 people, not many but
a significant chunk of the total number of attendees. Setting up a
committee or establishing a method to ensure the volunteer pool is more
than adequate is a very good idea.

Requests DO NOT arrive in one batch. They begin immediately after the
opening of registration and continue right until and even possibly
throughout the DLV period. It is not unusual to receive requests before
the opening bell and just because a person decides to attend at the last
minute is not a reason to deny help.

It is important to attempt to have as many volunteers as possible before
the requests start to come in.

The suggestion has been made to have events in support of the Big
Sister. This is a wonderful idea if it can be worked out. There are
numerous obstacles standing in the way. Many of those attending (Both
Big and Little Sisters) are not here for entire event. Some arrive
early. Others leave early and others come and go in the middle of the
event. The final, Bahama Breeze, event is the one which most of us will
be there and by that time if everything has gone as planned they will
already be quite comfortable.

Criteria for matches is important.

Obviously the first priority is to coordinate dates of attendance. The
Big Sister Volunteer must be here when the little Sister arrives. It is
best to have them being present together for their entire stay. After
this criteria is met I try to pair by location of stay (Hotel), Where
they live. If possible a little sister might feel more comfortable being
paired up with someone from their home city or state.

Language factor might come into play. We have had one or two Spanish
speaking requests. If the Little Sister is attending with their SO an
attempt is made to pair them with a Big Sister also coming with an SO.
(Providing the SO) is willing to be part of the DLV). Another factor is
age. Over the years, strange as it seems more difficulties have been
encountered when their ages are not reasonably close. Although rare we
must be careful in knowing as much as possible about our volunteers and
requesters. For several years we received requests from a LV local to
volunteer. The only one this volunteer was looking to help was herself
as she intended to have her Little Sister foot the bill for her
expenses. She was never used.

Because of the above I believe their should be one coordinator with one
or more assistants with designated responsibilities. I do caution that
it is important that the coordinator understand the dynamics of
providing support. It is not enough to have been a Big Sister in the
past. One of those volunteering to coordinate, while making a good Big
Sister has since caused major damage to a local support group by abusing
authority.
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Big Sister thoughts:

Rosada writes:

One of those activities, perhaps taking place a day before the start
of the DLV week or even in the afternoon before the Big Welcome
celebration, could be a Big Sister/Little Sister Tea or Luncheon where
anybody from DLV can chose to participate. At the tea or luncheon the
Big Sisters can individually introduce their Little Sisters to the group
in a safe, fun and relaxed environment. I would love to help with that.
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Katie writes:

Hi Gang.

I apologize for the lateness of my response to The Big Sister Thread. I
have no excuse except some measure of distraction with Fam' matters and
possibly a chunk of winter is coming laziness thrown in.

I would not want to commit to the Big S program as a Full Volunteer but
if I am in Harrahs or anywhere else for that matter and a Sister needs
company to help with a new girls first venture outside a room then
please don't hesitate to ask me to accompany you. I would really rather
play it by ear but would love to do something like this for the newer
girls who need help and also for the Big Sisters volunteers themselves
too.

I often thought that the Sis program would benefit from a tag team
effort so to speak where 2 accomplished lady DLVers could go together
and help the new folks leave the room for the first time and negotiate
the Casino floor. I think this might be a nicer and maybe less stressful
approach.

As mentioned already the Big Sister may not be quite compatible with her
assigned Little Sis so an assistant may do wonders for the process and
think of this. Cab rides split 3 ways are less$$ than split 2 ways, Also
a whole night looking out for someone who may be awkward in public,
deathly shy or even awkward in reality would best me handles by 2 rather
than one so their vacation is still a vacation and not a chore. Harsh
words maybe but it could happen. Maybe this isn't the right way to go
but I think it is food for thought.

I would love to help so please contact me if you need an extra set of
strappy heels to walk along with you.

The male escort idea may be nice for a new girl too but I would
*definitely ask her first* before the event via e-mail.

With this in mind I think it might be nice to have a guy and girl
approach for certain new girls. Who knows it may work wonders!
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Darlene writes:

sorry i havent been on line to respond to the big sister program have
had probs with new wireless system with AT&T but i am back now ladies
once again i am interested in being a big sister when i attended in 2011
my little sister was coming and called me but never showed might have
been cold feet or emergency let me know if you need help with it
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JoAnn responds:

JoAnn writes:

First, Nora's e-mail is a most important response to my Big Sisters
Program to "carry-forward". [JoAnn's para- phase: "Failure to learn
from the learnings of the past will only repeat the mistakes of
history."]

Second, every item that Nora mentions [ I miss you already, Nora ]
needs to become part of our checklist.

Third, I [nor Annie] would never want a Committee without a
responsible, designated leader [aka, Coordinator]. Nora was the
Coordinator and we need to continue to have such a person.

Most Importantly: The "Team Concept" that I'm proposing is to have a
"Plan" with several components or activities [a la task assignments for
the team members] which addresses all of Nora's "particulars" and has a
Coordinator [designated team leader].

I believe it will be most difficult to get a "Nora caliber Coordinator"
and thus I introduced the Team Concept with a Coordinator. My comments
on "team" was to expand the program with those who offered to
volunteered "to coordinate" by making one of those persons a Coordinator
of the Program and the others who wold continue (although not being
Coordinator) would make the program multifaceted.

Really appreciated Nora's sharing. From this we have a chance to
continue to define the concepts of "team", "coordinator", and "future
leadership" for DIVA to grow and have a succession plan.
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Administrivia:

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This mailing was addressed to: annie_at_annie.net

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Diva Las Vegas 2013
April 14 - 19, 2013
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Received on Tue Dec 18 2012 - 06:47:49 CST