From Maceo Thomas, Membership Coordinator

This week, Amanda’s platform touched on two things that have been near to my heart since I was a kid… bugs and comic books. These were used as examples of wisdom which is the theme of the month. Easily, these could be examples of ways to get connected.  Guardians of the Galaxy were originally a bunch of misfits who then banded together with their amazing resources to successfully take on intergalactic bad guys. Each ant plays their part on a team to make the colony thrive. 

Community. Connecting. Sharing resources.

When I look across the WES community of members and visitors I see current teams and future teams banded/banding together.  Understanding what each other’s super power is takes a few moments of time, maybe a little longer, so the team can build and/or strengthen.  The super power may be a similar connection…or it may be a resource that some other person needs. It’s been my experience that super heroes often like to revert to their alter-ego, though, and not let the world know about their super powers. Yet, we need the Avengers, the X-Men and even the Guardians of the Galaxy (I will let the DC Comics fans have their own blog exemplifying comic book heroes.  This will stay Marvel-centric as long as I am writing it). So, we need to know what you’re great at and what it is you enjoy.

As the membership coordinator, my new Sunday morning station is floating around the welcome table.  There’s a sign up asking for people to share what resources and talents they are willing to share. That could be “I know a lot about drums and can tell you what to do with the drum set downstairs in storage” (Thanks Ben!)  Feel free to leave a note and let us know what you are willing to offer the team. 

I am trying to be mostly available before and after platform on Sundays to welcome our visitors and direct them to other community members who may have a great initial fit.  As Patti Absher once said, “when people reach the point of walking in the door at WES, they are interested in something.” I would love to introduce them to you. If you see me toting a visitor towards you, please help me introduce them to you or your group.  I may need to interrupt you. As I am getting to know members, I’m learning what people’s superpowers are and how others may be a super connection. Because time between platform and people’s exit is not limitless, allow me to make introductions during this time. Thank you!

We… are… Groot

… and a special shout out to some WES super heroes.  March 1-7th is Peace Corps Week, which recognizes the nearly 60 year service of volunteers and Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) to the country and the globe. WES has had volunteers from the beginning to today: Jo London, Patti Absher, Wayne Nilestuen, Shelagh Boucoum, Steve Stasiowski, Adam Brisking-Limehouse and Adam Briskin-Limehouse, and Suzanne Weiss. Ask them about their experience and look for more from RPCVs@WES.  Email maceot@ethicalsociety.org if you’re an RPCV and want to begin to connect with this super team.

Excelsior, 

Maceo, Membership Coordinator