WISH Team structure and organization (All team members please read)

[ultramickeymouse]

Amy: I don't mean to be combative. When I visit a forum and I post what I feel is constructive critisim, I don't appreciate a Steering Committee member going over to my forum and PM'ing me the comments I posted previously. I don't understand what they sent to me as constructive. They were obviously from someone who felt that my comments were insults and offensive. Hard not to get combative over that.

If that person would post them here on the thread so everyone could read them and respond, maybe we could have further constructive critism. I posted my out in the open, ready for replies(both positive and negative) and not hidden in a PM on another forum. If you don't like what I say, please post here and not in a PM. I am a big boy and my feelings won't get hurt.

I hope that all of the great things the Steering Committee and sub committees set as agendas do come true.

I would hope all new WISH'ers to never be afraid to post what you think or feel, that's what forums are all about.

 

[AmyBeth68]

Robert:
I think everything you've stated here on the Dis is valid and constructive, not that I am in total agreement with everything but I have the grace to respect your opinions. Thanks again for offering your thoughts, your knowledge in this area is well-known and speaks for itself.

Wish Team Members:

Please let us know what you feel is the most valuable idea brought forth thus far (page 1). I want to bring this discussion back to the page 1 notes as well as speaking to some the legitimate thoughts and concerns that Robert mentioned. Let's keep this discussion moving in a positive direction! . We want to hear from many of you. Thanks!

 

[ScoJo15]

Robert,

With all due respect, you posted the negative comments on another forum, not this one. I'm not sure why you are so upset that people viewed those comments and felt insulted. Everyone is absolutely allowed to post their feelings and that's what makes these and other boards so great.

With that said, I did not see anyone making fun of your boards or your ideas on this forum and to see that the opposite cannot be said is disappointing to say the least.

 

[ultramickeymouse]

Robert,

With all due respect, you posted the negative comments on another forum, not this one. I'm not sure why you are so upset that people viewed those comments and felt insulted. Everyone is absolutely allowed to post their feelings and that's what makes these and other boards so great.

With that said, I did not see anyone making fun of your boards or your ideas on this forum and to see that the opposite cannot be said is disappointing to say the least.

The "Very disappointed by your insults. As part of teh steering committee, I am perosnally offended." was from Carrie. I am not insulted by anything anyone has posted in the open where everyone can respond, both positive and negative.

I voiced the same concerns on my forum. I realize that was a mistake and I won't do it again. I WILL NOT stop anyone elses discssing whatever they want to. I will read and not reply.

We are all good.

 

[windwalker]

You know I love and respect everyone of you guys. We are brothers and sisters with the same cause.

That cause is to be positive role models for everyone including that person that looks back at us from the mirror.

We are all unique and wonderfull in our own ways, some of us aren't as pretty or as fast or as rich as some of the others but we have learned that we matter and our goal is to spread that message to others. We all preach healthy mind in a healthy body, sometimes healthy mind means saying what you are thinking.

So I'm going to speak what's on my mind. Let's learn from today put it behind us and get back to what we are all about.

Now what I'm about is being a voice for my walkers who are still considered the step children of the fitness world. I'm all about being an advocate for pace requirements and I'm all for getting our mentoring plans rolling.

Keep Moving Forward, now where have I heard that before.

Dumb Old Panda

 

[deekaypee]

Now we have:
Why Podcast's ,Disney website, etc. Why? Does bigger make better???

I think it's a fair question to ask members of the steering committee about its brainstorming ideas so that WISHmates have enough information to respond to. I'll answer for an idea I floated, the podcasts.

Here's the pertinent section of the email in which I proposed the podcast:

THE WIDER WISH/DISboards WORLD

I hope none of you thought I believe we should sever our ties from the DISboards. Anything but! I'd like to see us become a flagship for it, if possible.

• I admit that I don't spend as much time on the rest of the DIS as I used to, but it would be nice to see stronger ties with the WISH main forum and with the DIS. I think of Lily's work on the main thread—I swear she responds to most posts there, always with supportive comments and advice. I think her participation strengthens those ties, and hope we can do more of that either on an ad-hoc basis or as "assigned." And I don't know if it's just me, but it seems like the main WISH forum seems more oriented toward weight-loss and beginning fitness. If that's true—and it might not be—perhaps there's a way to work with that natural evolution?
• To play up our ties with the DISboards, it might be useful to have a couple of volunteers spend some time on the Welcome board, at least around January/February, where there were lots of questions about the marathon.
• It might also be cool if WISH got some time on the DISboards podcasts—which we might already have, for all I know. (A good researcher would have looked that info up, but hey, this isn't my day job!) I can think of many of you who would make excellent interviewees!

My thinking was that I was on the DIS for a long time before I found WISH, and I would have liked to have known about it sooner. I know a lot of people listen to the podcasts, and I thought it would be a way to inform other DISers about us. I guess I've really embraced this idea that if *I* can do a marathon, lots of people who never thought it was possible for them to participate in a marathon can do it too. (FWIW, I'm also the one who proposed advocating for more generous pacing requirements in new events, following Dave's lead on the board.)

Anyway, that's the background to the podcasts. It's just a brainstorming idea and it might not be where we WISHers want to go with things. As far as I know, no ideas were dismissed, no matter how "out there." Instead, they were posted here for discussion.

So thanks, Robert, for asking questions and providing input. I appreciate it and I think it's useful for everyone to have this information.

 

[ultramickeymouse]

I agree that podcast would be great. I am sorry for the inclusion. I would like to see(as an active Race Director of 5 ultramathons), that we push for more volunteerism on the race course. Either at Disney or any other races. Maybe give double hrs for them as I could always use help. I help at over a dozen other ultra's(working min 12 hr shifts- sometimes 24 hrs without sleep). This would give people what it is really like on the other side of the fence

 

[chimera]

Thanks for pointing out your concerns, Robert. I've edited the two opening posts to try to clarify some points. I appreciate your concerns for the overpoliticization of WISH and believe me, I'm not a political animal, so that's not what this is about. If the committee thing gets goofy, then we'll dump it.

Coordinating volunteers for marathon weekend is definitely high on the list of priorities, particularly since it was so successful this year!

Many of the ideas proposed were results of brainstorming and may never go any further. We are certainly growing and every time we are at a race as a group we make contact with many more potential members. I believe the goal is to make those folks feel at home and have an easier time integrating with the large group and finding the info they're looking for, so we need to reorganize a bit. Should we do undertake any more formal 'advertising' like podcasts or linking to the Disney site, we would have to be prepared to handle the additional growth we would see from that.

And yes, I meant every word of what I said. Everyone on the team has an equal voice and I hope no one feels intimidated or that their concerns won't be taken seriously if they differ from what's been proposed. We need to know if these proposals are illogical, not feasible or just plain dumb. If anyone does not feel comfortable posting their ideas personally, PM them to me and I'll post anonymously.

 

[wtpclc]

As listed in Mel's post, one of our goals is to encourage poeple to volunteer. To start, Kristi has volunteered to coordinate those who want to volunteer at marathon weekend this year.

SOmething that seems to shine through many of our communications is that fact that we want to share what WISH has given to us with everyone we possibly can.

And, while I love what WISH is now, as many of us do. If we don't continue to have new WISHers, who will we help? We won't be able to share teh joy of teh "I ran/walked further than I ever have today" posts. I can't imagine not having that.

We want new WISHers to find us and once tehy get here, we want them to know they are welcome adn to feel comfortable here.

 

[Honeibee]

I don’t think WISH is on the shirts or the boards, but it is much like Disney, kind of a magic that lives inside all of us that will allow it to be there. - My DH

Oh my Carrie! I just saw that! How perfect! Oh that's perfect!

 

[TnTsParty]

I just wanted to put my 2 cents in here - I think its great that we are open to discussions on the future of the WISH team. The suggestions that were made by the committee seem to be good ones and I understand some peoples hesitation when it comes to change. I am more of go with the flow kind of girl so I guess I will just go with the flow on this one.

I did appreciate the well WISHes I got by wearing my WISH shirt for the 15k. I felt part of a team even though I am not a big "into the team" type person. I must admit I didn't stick around after I was done with the 15k (part had to do with I was still in the zone - also after I crossed the finish line I was trying hard not to throw up (especially not on the lady taking my chip off ) I don't know why this happens to me after I finish some races (I thought I was done with that since it hadn't happened since my 3rd 5k but I guess its something I still am dealing with )

If there are any sub committees I could assist with I would be willing. Just let me know. Oh and I am interested in volunteering for marathon weekend - I would only be able to volunteer for the 1/2 marathon since I am running/walking the full and plan on doing the 5k with my niece (that is if she ever gets around to training - that is in between her gymnastics team practice - guess she has lots of time still)

 

[Lynn G]

Wish Team Members:

Please let us know what you feel is the most valuable idea brought forth thus far (page 1). I want to bring this discussion back to the page 1 notes as well as speaking to some the legitimate thoughts and concerns that Robert mentioned. Let's keep this discussion moving in a positive direction! . We want to hear from many of you. Thanks!

The part I liked was the idea of pace groups, I think I might need that kind of help getting thru my first full marathon in Jan.

I have a question about the volunteering, I have been trying to decide if I wanted to volunteer with Disney for the 1/2 marathon, or just be a "scream teamer", as Scott will be running it as part of the Goofy, but I am not. Are we as WISHers talking about a different volunteering program?

 

[wtpclc]

Lynn - We are talking about volunteering through WDW for teh expo, teh full, teh half, and likely teh fun run too. We'd also liek to have coordinated scream teamers too. WHerever you want to help. I have to admit, that we (dh andn I) will likely volunteer for a water station or soemthign for the half, but I will miss being on Main Street scream teaming.

 

[Valentine]

Hi Everyone..... I just wanted to add that when any change happens it is bound to cause some discomfort. Not everyone will be agreeable to the changes.. and maybe some of the changes do not need to be made.

I think that some of the suggestions are fabulous. Some seem to be things that we do already in an unofficial way... and this is a way to make them more accessable to all.

I personally would love to volunteer to be a pacer for the 1/2... the BACK of the 1/2... you know.. the 3:30 group! That is where I have the most fun!!!

That being said.. as long as we never forget what the WISH team is really about... loving and encouraging one another.. I am willing to try anything once....

Kathy

 

[TnTsParty]

Doesn't Disney include Scream Teamers in there volunteering? I thought I saw it last time although I could be wrong because I never actually participated in the marathon events before. But I know what you are talking about Carrie is probably just dedicated WISHers scream teaming and not through Disney.

 

[goofyinohio]

I would like to give my opinion on a couple things here.

I think this forum is wonderful. I also think it's very difficult to find. Do I want us to grow? Sure, but not just so we can grow. I think helping people who happen to be Disney Fans or maybe not be Disney Fans is what makes it so great. I think getting a mention on the Podcast would be a good thing. Mainly because I found the WISH Boards by accident and I think this will give more people a chance to find us.

Please oh please streamline the WISH gear. I can't figure out how to order anything.

Take care and keep up the great work.

 

[curiouser]

Please let us know what you feel is the most valuable idea brought forth thus far (page 1). I want to bring this discussion back to the page 1 notes as well as speaking to some the legitimate thoughts and concerns that Robert mentioned. Let's keep this discussion moving in a positive direction! . We want to hear from many of you. Thanks!

I've been lurking on this thread for a while, so since you asked for one, I'll speak up! I still feel a bit like a newbie, so this is my take from my standpoint.

I love the idea of a Coaching/Mentoring system. Maybe even like a buddy system? I really like the idea of having a constant person I can go to for questions or who can follow up with me if I've been awol for a while. Obviously, this would be dependent on the gracious volunteering of some of WISH's more experienced members.

I have to be honest and say all the committee stuff seems overwhelming. But I guess if they are just folks working together in the background and not 20 new threads I have to keep up with (one for tips, one for my pace group, one for my challenge team, one "regular" thread, etc..) then I am good.

As for the whole shirt thing.. I just wanted to be upfront and say that I love you guys, and the support you all have offered me has been tremendous and I feel so lucky to have found this group... you all are seriously the best... but you ain't probably ever gonna get me in no neon lime green! That's just not how I roll.

 

[wtpclc]

but you ain't probably ever gonna get me in no neon lime green! That's just not how I roll.

And that's absolutely fine. We have several WISHers who don't don the shirts. I liek mine so I can get all teh welp I can during a race. That's nto for everyone, though.

I'd liek to say also, that most of what's being discussed is to giv epeople extra options. No one will ever be pressured to volunteer or partake in what they don't want to, except, of course, for races.

As for scream teaming, I meant just WISHers doing it together, but I think you can scream team fo WDW too. I don't knwo anythign about that, though.

 

[Honeibee]

And that's absolutely fine. We have several WISHers who don't don the shirts. I liek mine so I can get all teh welp I can during a race. That's nto for everyone, though.

I'd liek to say also, that most of what's being discussed is to giv epeople extra options. No one will ever be pressured to volunteer or partake in what they don't want to, except, of course, for races.

As for scream teaming, I meant just WISHers doing it together, but I think you can scream team fo WDW too. I don't knwo anythign about that, though.

It was a very wise man who said " I don’t think WISH is on the shirts or the boards, but it is much like Disney, kind of a magic that lives inside all of us that will allow it to be there." No one has to wear the shirts or anything else. Wait. You have to wear something. We don't do nekkid races. Do we?

Carrie et al - I'm pretty sure you can volunteer with WDW to scream team, but you know, we were at a water stop handing out "free Disney water" and we still scream teamed too! We sort of multi-tasked.

 

[Outonarun]

All that WISH has been, is today, and will be as we "[go] forward" is fantastic and well worth the effort and energy that goes into intentional growth and change. I am in full support.

You all have done a great job at setting goals, identifying achievable steps, and taking action. Thank you!!!!!

Let's try as many of the these great ideas as we can. If one doesn't work, we can try something else. If that doesn't work, we'll try something else (my life philosophy) ... it keeps a healthy flow going and prevents getting stuck, so to speak. Besides, everything is in a constant state of growth and change -- we can either be passengers of change and hope that things go the way we want them to, or brainstorm possible futures and get in the driver's seat!

I am excited to be a part of this intentional effort. The WISH entity and its members have given me much happiness, and I look forward to contributing.

I will volunteer to lead a pace group at the Jan 09 Half and Full marathons.
I will volunteer at January events, and will join the scream team... I just need some coaching on where to cheer on others, if it is an organized effort.
I will mentor new runners and runners who want to improve/exchange training tips.
I can advise on female-specific and vegetarian/vegan running issues.

Where do I sign up? I will stay tuned to this post and await further instructions.

You **all** are awesome.

Teri