coming out of my shell

coming out of my shell

Tuesday, July 4, 2017

NOW or never: Part 1

As promised, I spent two days as an eager newbie participant at the 2017 NOW conference in Orlando. It did not disappoint. In fact, it raised so many issues and inspired so many revelations for me, that I will be writing about aspects of it for at least a couple posts.

I arrived 20 minutes early and sat in my car feeling foolish. Nothing strange about THAT!

At exactly 8:00 a.m., I meandered into the hotel, and found the registration desk on the mezzanine. I also found a table laden with pastry and fruit.  More importantly, I found the coffee service. Fully loaded I searched out an empty seat on the mezzanine to wait, and perhaps to schmooze. My friend, CAP, who was to meet me there, was not the uncool early bird I am. It was early and I was feeling alone and dazed brave, so I sat down with a few strangers to see what would happen.

I sat down next to someone about my age. She was a talker, which took the pressure off me. When I managed to blurt out who I was, where I was from, and why I was there, she gave me a long look and then, with squinty eyes, said "I'm not sure how I feel about those new social media groups." For a few long moments, I felt like a fraud.

Thankfully, I have a strong ego. I also know secret groups serve a purpose for women who would not otherwise be politically active. AND we meet young people where they congregate, a real problem for traditional feminist organizations where the inter-generational tension is palpable. I thought to myself "Okay, now I know certain members of the old guard are uncomfortable with the proliferation of secret Facebook groups." Forewarned is forearmed. Next time I'll have an answer!

Fully caffeinated, I moved on to the breakout session on voter registration, which started at 8:30 a.m. I didn't want to miss a minute of it.


I had such a great time.

Much more to come.




13 comments:

  1. I'm so glad you went to this conference. I am looking forward to reading about all of it. Glad to know it was a great time.

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  2. Bravo! It's best to be well caffeinated when launching intrepidly into uncharted waters!

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  3. I can't wait for the next installment. And remember that the "old guard" are actually guarding against new ideas and new ways of looking at things.

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  4. Whoa! I'm looking forward to your reasoned remark to the previous generationl

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    1. Ha! Still working on it, but writing this multi-part blog post will help me get straight what I think.

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  5. Sounds like a great start. Looking forward to reading more about it and future forays. Bravura.

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  6. Back in my politically active days I went to the Democratic convention and had those same kind of feelings - excitement, expectation, and yes, alone and dazed. Being part of a movement is wonderfully energizing. I'm glad it was a good experience for you! And remember that the old guard may be leery of the technology of today, but they are the ones who fought and achieved many rights for us. They deserve a lot of credit . . . and a little nudge into the future.

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  7. I agree that the intergenerational tension can be palpable if the Old Guard is considerably distanced from their Younger Sisters in Arms. A pity, I find that the fierce Women Warriors of this Generation are a mighty force to be reckoned with, I'd align myself with them any day and get the job done showing that Women have transcended Age Barriers to Unite in the commonality of being Female!

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    1. I agree. I have been working closely with some younger women on my secret FB group and I'm SO impressed with them.

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So, whadayathink?