Dedication Should Not Be Measured By One's Willingness To Risk Dehydration

[snogged]

29 – What is your current project or projects?

I only have one project in the works right now and that's Self-Destruct Button, a Willow/Spike adventure set during AtS Season 5. I'll be quite honest when I say that I hope to wrap it up sometime soon. It's already expanded into something way larger than I intended it to be. Not that I mind. :)

---

So yesterday one of the guys who works for the Democratic Party as their District Campaign Manager posted an article on FB. I took the opportunity to comment and ask if the office was air-conditioned (on account of the fact that I could use a chilly escape.) He said it was and I mentioned that I wouldn't be knocking on doors if I came down. Another volunteer commented by saying this heat wave was the perfect weather to go knock on doors because more people were likely to be home.

The manager there responded to this by saying: "Spoken like a truly dedicated volunteer and hopefully a well hydrated one."

I'm sure it's just the way he phrased it, but I can honestly say I felt mildly offended by it. There is no reason for him to imply that a true volunteer would brave a heat wave to knock on doors. To me, that implies favoritism and lessens the importance of the people who come in to make phone calls or enter data. In my eyes, this is not the attitude that the District's Campaign Manager should be sharing on any public forum.

Plus, if that's really how he feels, I'll happily go sit in the library and read. At least I'd feel wanted there.

ETA: Went to the office and had a face-to-face with Josh (the campaign manager). He had intended his message to be for the volunteer who had sweated it out the other day, but recognized where I was coming from. Without missing a beat, he deleted the comment, apologized profusely, and reiterated how much he appreciates the work I do. Also, he was grateful that I talked to him about it so yay for that.

Comments

[velvetwhip.livejournal.com]

I can see why you were offended. And yeah, if he feels that way about it, I guess he doesn't actually need help after all.


Gabrielle

[snogged.livejournal.com]

I'm glad to know that others read into his comment the same way I did.

[velvetwhip.livejournal.com]

For all he knows, you're on medication that makes it dangerous to be out in the heat. Or maybe you just don't feel like risking heatstroke is the best way to serve the cause. He's a jerk. Is he going out in 100 degree weather walking the neighborhoods?



Gabrielle

[snogged.livejournal.com]

I wouldn't go so far to say he's a jerk, especially because he quickly apologized for his mistake and deleted the comment.

Also, he did go outside yesterday, walked for three minutes, and produced copious amounts of sweat.

[velvetwhip.livejournal.com]

Well, since he apologized...


Gabrielle

[secondmezzanine.livejournal.com]

Not to mention, you have done WAY more knocking on doors than most people in this world! I'm a bit offended on your behalf. Besides, it's literally not safe to be outside in this heat for an extended period of time. Did you respond with anything?

[snogged.livejournal.com]

I decided to bring it up in person today since I have the day off.
We'll see how that goes.

ETA: It went well! He completely saw how his comment (which was intended to compliment one volunteer) could be misconstrued as favoritism.

[angelskuuipo.livejournal.com]

Good for you for talking it out with Josh. :)

[snogged.livejournal.com]

Thanks

[shakensilence.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you talked it out with him and things are now resolved because yeah... I'd be offended too if I were you!!!!

*hugs and love*

[snogged.livejournal.com]

I'm glad I talked with him too.
:)

[loquaciousambie.livejournal.com]

Good job standing up for yourself! I have so many friends who will not say something and I think communication makes everything better!

[snogged.livejournal.com]

Communication rocks the house!