Re: Looking for input

Posted By A Son-Rise Message Board Participant on October 06, 1999 at 12:34:49:

In Reply to: Looking for input posted byGaylen on October 05, 1999 at 17:52:25:

Hi Gaylen,

What a powerful statement of your conviction and love of your Son Rise program! When I read your post I had a sense of deja vu. After starting our Son Rise program we went to a residential college that is in our immediate neighborhood. We talked to the director of the psychology department, and hoped to talk to some of the classes that had a field work requirement to interest the students in helping us. We were invited to include our listing in the catalog of available placements, but were not invited into the class. The head of the department refused to return our phone calls or set up an appointment after our initial conversation. Then we met an instructor of a child development class at the college and we were invited to come talk to the students. I had two people who were very interested in helping us, and one wanted to use it for her field work requirement, because she was also in the psycholgy field work class. She came to our house and just loved the program. She had to get this approved by the head of the department. The head of the department, who never bothered to learn anything about our program, told the student that it was an inappropriate placement due to lack of supervision. The head continued to refuse our phone calls and meeting requests. Had she spent the time, she would have seen that there is more supervision in this program than in any other program! Where would the students get so much training, feedback and group meeting time?

I am not sure why the head did not want to return our calls. Initially I was quite frustrated that such an ideal connection to volunteers, and opportunity for me to get to know some students, was cut off. But what use is the frustration in helping me accomplish my intention of getting volunteers? I agree with Bram, that I really only want to pursue those who are interested. Fortunately, there are lots of them, and that is what we have done.

We also have visited the local high school community service clubs. They have been excellent sources of volunteers, and we are setting up another meeting soon. Nick really loves high school kids, too!

Perhaps in his own way this professor was just trying to learn more about your program. At least he was willing to meet with you! You may want to simply follow up with a thank you and invitation. I remember at the Start Up how they said to motivate nonbelieving spouses, and that was to live the Option philosophy. If he can see the benefits of Option through your actions, he may be attracted. If you realize that this professor is doing the best he can with his years of learning, and feels he is giving you his best advice, then it is easier to understand him. But is it our role to reeducate and try to repeal his knowledge? Do we have time for that?

Please keep us posted on what the outcome is. Thanks for the opportunity to share my experiences, too.

Doug

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Subject: Re: Re: Looking for input

Comments:: Hi Gaylen, : What a powerful statement of your conviction and love of your Son Rise program! When I read your post I had a sense of deja vu. After starting our Son Rise program we went to a residential college that is in our immediate neighborhood. We talked to the director of the psychology department, and hoped to talk to some of the classes that had a field work requirement to interest the students in helping us. We were invited to include our listing in the catalog of available placements, but were not invited into the class. The head of the department refused to return our phone calls or set up an appointment after our initial conversation. Then we met an instructor of a child development class at the college and we were invited to come talk to the students. I had two people who were very interested in helping us, and one wanted to use it for her field work requirement, because she was also in the psycholgy field work class. She came to our house and just loved the program. She had to get this approved by the head of the department. The head of the department, who never bothered to learn anything about our program, told the student that it was an inappropriate placement due to lack of supervision. The head continued to refuse our phone calls and meeting requests. Had she spent the time, she would have seen that there is more supervision in this program than in any other program! Where would the students get so much training, feedback and group meeting time? : I am not sure why the head did not want to return our calls. Initially I was quite frustrated that such an ideal connection to volunteers, and opportunity for me to get to know some students, was cut off. But what use is the frustration in helping me accomplish my intention of getting volunteers? I agree with Bram, that I really only want to pursue those who are interested. Fortunately, there are lots of them, and that is what we have done. : We also have visited the local high school community service clubs. They have been excellent sources of volunteers, and we are setting up another meeting soon. Nick really loves high school kids, too! : Perhaps in his own way this professor was just trying to learn more about your program. At least he was willing to meet with you! You may want to simply follow up with a thank you and invitation. I remember at the Start Up how they said to motivate nonbelieving spouses, and that was to live the Option philosophy. If he can see the benefits of Option through your actions, he may be attracted. If you realize that this professor is doing the best he can with his years of learning, and feels he is giving you his best advice, then it is easier to understand him. But is it our role to reeducate and try to repeal his knowledge? Do we have time for that? : : Please keep us posted on what the outcome is. Thanks for the opportunity to share my experiences, too. : Doug