[TheThinkTank] full-timers/directors/project coordinators: how'sthe job treating you?

[lance ayer]

Our initiative has taken on an egalitarian approach yet informal power
structures still develop which lead to some people carrying more of
the burden than others. Mainly this process is a function of member
activity, those who are more active carry more of the load. Although
this is not an egalitarian result, it is an equitable one. So far it
has been working and moral is high. That being said we are still a new
initiative and have not had to combat the problems that arise with
longevity. I would be interested to here from those in similar
organizational structures about their experience with issues
surounding  informal power structures as well as potential solutions
or preventative measures. Also it is hard to ignore the benefits of
having a director or coordinator, how would you suggest disseminating
this role among a collective?

Cheers,
Lance
Calgary, Alberta

On Nov 21, 2007 3:15 PM, Adam Weber <adamlweber at gmail.com> wrote:
> Friends,
>
> While you might not be able to "imagine it any other way" many of your
> comrades in the bicycle community can and do. Perhaps consider a
> collective form of organizing where responsibilities, anxieties, and
> rewards are shared equally. Taking the role of "director" and weeping
> over your martyrdom is not an attractive quality. Hierarchy is not our
> friend, whether it rides a bike or drives a car.
>
> Adam (Chicago)
>
> On Nov 20, 2007 10:06 AM, R.  Dugas/Vélogik/Carrefour jeunesse emploi
>
> Saint-Laurent <velogik1 at cjestlaurent.org> wrote:
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Very busy, very exciting, lots of good opportunities to develop stuff and
> > fascinating people to work with. I've been doing this for 4 years now and
> > can't imagine it any other way.
> >
> >
> >
> > I think it's the same in other organizations related to community enterprise
> > because we tend to believe in what we do and therefore really invest
> > ourselves in our dreams working.
> >
> >
> >
> > And hiring staff will not make you have less of a workload, quiter the
> > contrary in my experience.
> >
> >
> >
> > richard
> >
> >
> >
> >  ________________________________
> >
> >
> > De : thethinktank-bounces at bikecollectives.org
> > [mailto:thethinktank-bounces at bikecollectives.org] De la part de rachael
> > spiewak
> >  Envoyé : 20 novembre 2007 09:32
> >  À : The Think Tank
> >  Objet : [TheThinkTank] full-timers/directors/project coordinators: how'sthe
> > job treating you?
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > since taking on directing sopo full time, i've come to find that this job is
> > all kinds of intense.  wonderful, but exhausting.  i'm wondering.. how much
> > if it is me and how much of it is this job?  is it unique to community bike
> > shops, or is it like this for other kinds of organizations?  or is it more
> > about the organization being a start-up?  for the folks in a similar
> > position: what's your day like?  hanging in there?
> >
> >  thanks!
> >  rachael
> > _______________________________________________
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> >
> >
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