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Post by Adam on Oct 22, 2008 10:30:44 GMT -1
I think it's a great idea and one to keep thinking on. The phrases safety net and network triggered an idea that might help. Oooh... de Bono style creative thinking... I like that :-) Much of the OP (thanks Draighean) hit on a subject that I think is really important here in terms of community... when I look around at communities I am part of, communities that I would like to be part of and think about whatever it is that cements these communities together, it is reciprocity. I know I keep harping on about it, but I do (with the ministers full knowledge of my spiritual stance) regularly attend our local Baptist church... they form a genuine, effective and face to face community... and it is something I am comfortable to bring my daughter to attend, knowing she mixes with a large number of non-judgemental, upstanding citizens and provide her with effective role models of how a true community works... if Mrs Jones cannot make it to the shops, Bob will take her shopping list and do it for her... for no better reason than he knows that if he can't wallpaper his front hall due to injury... I'll probably pop round one morning with the minister and do it for him. None of this is to do with chapel other than chapel supplying the community network within which it can happen This is community... this is tribe... and I think one of the problems I have always had with pagan is that it just doesn't provide that (where it does, it's people helping out a friend... but I don't have that sort of face to face contact). We are currently engaged with possibility of turning Haworth in a transitional town... if I can divert energies away from the "knit every one woolly hats and lets make apple preserve just before I fly out to my new home in Spain" brigade I want to see projects extending beyond faith boundaries... groups of able bodied young folk laying the insulation for the octogenarian down the road, home build "soft-tech" solar water heater projects etc... it's all about giving knowing you are giving to that which sustains you. My heart... my heart is pagan, but I've never really seen the pagan community develop into something strong enough to engage with the rest of the world in this way... if we did, then people might take a different sort of interest in us, knowing that we, as a community, sustain all of us and beyond. <rant off>
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Post by potia on Oct 22, 2008 10:55:22 GMT -1
A database is a good idea for when a majority require it. But on a smaller scale what about a contact point...be it email, fax, phone, postal? bb Luthien I think a database is better starting small because then you get a chance to iron out all the bugs
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Post by Deleted on Oct 22, 2008 11:36:32 GMT -1
I think it's a great idea and one to keep thinking on. The phrases safety net and network triggered an idea that might help. What about developing a database of contacts in different areas that would be willing to help out with stuff? There are issues with data protection for keeping and maintaing such a database but I don't think that should be a barrier. Practically one or two folk could maintain a database and anyone needing help or advice on a particular issue (or knowing of someone else in need perhaps) could contact the holder of the database with their need. Database coordinator does a search or two pulls out a list of names and either contacts all on the list with the needs for help or passes the names to the person in need. Something like this should not replace face to face local interations but could be an additional resource. Just an idea. That's an excellent idea.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 22, 2008 11:47:07 GMT -1
This is community... this is tribe... and I think one of the problems I have always had with pagan is that it just doesn't provide that (where it does, it's people helping out a friend... but I don't have that sort of face to face contact). No, me either ... well, not with anyone Pagan. My neighbours and I do help each other out a lot, but that's the limit of my support network (not that I'm complaining, it works and it works well!) ... I would like to be able to offer assistance to friends that are further away, it nags at me when I know someone needs help and I can give it, especially when it's a friend that's helped me in the past. When I was first diagnosed with M.E I was very worried about going to the camps in case I couldn't manage, but Brochfael retrieved me from the train station and Anne appeared with nice soft mattresses, helped us put my tent up and made me a cup of tea. I had to excuse myself and have a bit of a sniffle because I was so overcome by just how much people cared that I was ok. That depth of hospitality and care even for those we don't know very well is one of the things that makes this community so special. I can't think of one person I've met here who wouldn't reach out a hand to someone who truly needed it without any conditions or expectations and that's a good thing to have in common. It'd be nice to work with it and see what we can accomplish with a co-ordinated effort ... and for me, it'd be nice to feel I'm giving back to the tribe as well.
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Post by Midori on Oct 22, 2008 12:18:16 GMT -1
It's a great idea. I have always found the Pagan scene more supportive than most when problems announce themselves.
I understand your ME problem, I have Fibromyalgia, asthma and cataracts, and sometimes even small things get to be difficult. (one of the reasons I still haven't moved to Sussex!) It gets so embarrassing when you've always been one who gives, to have the reversal thrust upon you by circumstance.
Still, there are many things I can still do, not completely decrepit yet!
Cheers, Midori
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Post by Deleted on Oct 22, 2008 14:42:52 GMT -1
I have the same problem, it's always the little things that annoy me like trying to hang lights on the tree at Yule (muscle pains and a perfectionist streak are not a good combination!) ... I tend to get more embarrassed by the cognitive aspects of it though, it took me a long time to come to terms with being far from the sharpest tool in the box most of the time.
Would it be all right if I drop you a PM about the fibro Midori? I'm seeing the Dr next week because a lot of the difficulties I'm having add up to possibly having FM as well and if that's the case it'd be great to talk to someone that's learned to manage it.
Oh, by the way ... while I remember ... the books are in the post, finally!
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Post by Midori on Oct 22, 2008 14:56:50 GMT -1
Gosh, I'd forgotten about the books-- Good job I haven't moved yet!
Sure, PM away, I'd be glad to exchange info, commiserations, etc., on our respective aches, pains and treatments.
Cheers, Midori
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Post by Deleted on Oct 22, 2008 16:15:34 GMT -1
Sorry it took so long to get them out to you, it's been hectic here for the last few weeks ... my to-do list is nearly as large as my reading list at the moment. I need a PA!
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Post by Midori on Oct 23, 2008 11:57:24 GMT -1
The books arrived this morning, thank you so much for them! Now I think we'd better let this thread get back on topic, Or we'll be in trouble!
Cheers, Midori
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Post by Deleted on Oct 23, 2008 22:11:02 GMT -1
Plan. So, where shall we start? An email list/closed forum where we can co-ordinate helping people we know need financial aid without putting their details and problems out in the public eye? A list of things we're able and glad to do to help people near to us? Both?
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Post by arth_frown on Oct 24, 2008 7:57:41 GMT -1
I think we need to walk before we can run, and we are just crawling. TBH I think we need to get Brython sorted before we can divert our energy elsewhere.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 24, 2008 11:48:28 GMT -1
Chiming in late to this, but wanted to add my support to this idea - it is precisely *this* kind of thing that I think has the potential to elevate us from a bunch of random strangers who talk alot online into a real 'tribe'. Tribes need common bonds to bind them, and thats something I have seen scant little of in the wider pagan scene (aside from either clicky personality / personal friendship based connections which seem liable to change at the drop of a hat, or communal Pagan Celeb fan clubs). Personally, I've had my fill of both.
With my idealist hat on, I want to feel part of a community that is solid and strong and has balls and puts its money where its mouth is. A community with collective integrity that genuinely values the contribution of each and every member and doesn't hesitate to reach out and do whatever is needed to ensure the wellbeing of its members. A community that nurtures the young and cherishes the old. I want my tribe to be something I feel proud of and I want to feel humbled to be a part of it.
Of course, these things cannot be forced and take time to evolve, but as a spot on the horizon to aim for? As Arth says, crawl, walk, run....fly!!
Sorry if I sound crotechty today - had some bad news concerning the health of a family member last night (Uncle - skin cancer), so I'm not in a very love'n'light frame of mind (am I ever?! lol)
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Post by Tegernacus on Oct 24, 2008 11:59:10 GMT -1
gah, best wishes to your uncle.
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Post by arth_frown on Oct 24, 2008 12:36:23 GMT -1
With my idealist hat on, I want to feel part of a community that is solid and strong and has balls and puts its money where its mouth is. A community with collective integrity that genuinely values the contribution of each and every member and doesn't hesitate to reach out and do whatever is needed to ensure the wellbeing of its members. A community that nurtures the young and cherishes the old. I want my tribe to be something I feel proud of and I want to feel humbled to be a part of it. I like to think us in the Ashdown grove/Aelwyd have such a thing. We have worked hard at it for the last 2plus years. As a result of it we have lost a few members but it has been for the good the Aelwyd.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 24, 2008 12:46:28 GMT -1
Sorry if I sound crotechty today - had some bad news concerning the health of a family member last night (Uncle - skin cancer), so I'm not in a very love'n'light frame of mind (am I ever?! lol) Sorry to hear about your uncle, wishing you both strength. It's very difficult news to come to terms with, for everyone concerned (my dad was diagnosed with cancer a few weeks ago and we're still struggling to come to terms with it). If you need anyone to talk to, feel free to drop me a PM.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 24, 2008 13:45:21 GMT -1
I like to think us in the Ashdown grove/Aelwyd have such a thing. We have worked hard at it for the last 2plus years. As a result of it we have lost a few members but it has been for the good the Aelwyd. You are very fortunate to have that. As I'm sure a great many of us do, I have the sense of tribe that I'm talking about within my family, and also within my village - we are a very close rural community with a strong core of families who have lived here for generations. But when it comes to my spiritual self I am very much on my own - again, like many of us I guess. I am tentatively hopeful, that Brython can go someway to minimising that isolation. Edited to add: Thank you for the good wishes re: my uncle. It's tough, but we're tougher.
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Post by potia on Oct 24, 2008 16:21:17 GMT -1
Boo and Draighean my thoughts are with you both as you deal with the issues of cancer in the family. I've lost relatives and freinds to cancer in the past but treatments improve every year so I will hope for the best for you and your families. If I can provide a listening ear at any time let me know Perhaps that is the simplest way we can begin helping one another. With those who are needing help in any way from practical to spiritual sharing their need with the community here and those who can offer support doing so. Perhaps an area in this forum could be set up for that purpose? Blessings Potia.
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Post by arth_frown on Oct 24, 2008 17:08:52 GMT -1
I hope all best with your families.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 24, 2008 20:04:28 GMT -1
Perhaps that is the simplest way we can begin helping one another. With those who are needing help in any way from practical to spiritual sharing their need with the community here and those who can offer support doing so. Perhaps an area in this forum could be set up for that purpose? That's a great idea Potia. Thanks for the good wishes everyone, some days a kind word is all that's needed to tip the balance from a dark day to a bearable one and today was one of those days. That little bit of light is much appreciated.
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