I wonder if this individual thinks that having a kids' Earn-a-Bike program dicriminates against adults.  :)


 
On Thu, Jun 18, 2009 at 2:04 PM, Blackbird Bicycle Co-op <blackbirdbicycle@gmail.com> wrote:
The conclusion everyone has come to sounds good. The point might be made in that plenty of non-profits have specialized nights. Context, please.
If the person contesting these Tuesday nights was involved in the organization then they would understand the priorities within it.
Keep on!
shannon


On Wed, Jun 17, 2009 at 10:42 PM, Plan B <nolabikeproject@gmail.com> wrote:
Rachael,

Your statement was succinct and amazing. I think it will be our standard answer from now on. Thanks so much.

Victor


rachael spiewak wrote:
This may also be a case where falling back on organizational policy or program that resolves to a mission statement can come in handy.  Then you can depersonalize the issue for you and the other party...
"awesome community bike shop's mission is to maximize accessibility to cycling by providing affordable bike maintenance services and education.  to achieve this mission, we provide a number of programs, including open shop hours and other specialized programs that support traditionally marginalized members of our community, including women and transpeople."  The end, unless you want to encourage this person to come to organizational meetings if they really care that much.  And then you can follow it up with agreeing that they should check in with ACLU if they need more information.

And then there are people who have nothing better to do than to harass community organizations.  Along the lines of what Lars is saying, I don't think these folks are really up for being engaged about an issue.  For your own sake and the sake of the organization, save your energy for what will make the biggest impact and keep your spirits up... helping the tons and tons people who do come to your shop and use it appropriately.

-rachael


On Wed, Jun 17, 2009 at 4:28 PM, Lars Peterson <lars@cpete.com <mailto:lars@cpete.com>> wrote:

   Victor,

   Plan B really is making a determination solely on the basis of
   gender on Tuesday nights. Is that sexual discrimination?

   I am a man, and if I showed up on Tuesday night I'd be turned
   away.  (Isn't that correct?) Probably I'd be asked to come back on
   Thursday, Saturday, or Monday-- but for all of Tuesday I am not
   welcome. Not because it's Hot as Hell or because there's no more
   room or because the folks running the shop are too busy to help
   me, but solely based on my gender. In this scenario, Plan B has
   made a determination about whether or not they will serve me based
   on gender alone. Thomas Taylor thinks that's sexual discrimination.

   As for me, I am not interested in determining whether or not this
   is "discrimination."  I'm not judge or jury trying the case of
   Thomas Taylor vs. Plan B, which is the only place the definition
   of "discrimination" really means anything.  Out here in the world
   where we talk to one another and try to get things done, no one
   can really say what "discrimination" is.  Tom Taylor says you're
   discriminating against him.  Is that an argument you think you can
   win? Or win friends by pursuing?

   So probably the best thing to do is offer Mr. Taylor a good
   explanation for why you reserve Tuesday night for women and
   transgendered people.   It can't hurt.

   Lars Peterson
   Baltimore, MD


   On Jun 17, 2009, at 3:19 PM, Plan B wrote:

       Hey y'all,

        This is Victor at Plan B down in Hot as Hell New Orleans (the
       new official name for the city). I just got this email, and
       it's almost laughable, but I wanna deal with it in by using an
       accountable and knowledgeable (and perhaps vicious) response.
       I'd love some ideas. Here's the email, in it's entirety.

       /While viewing your website, I have noted that tuesday nights
       are exclusive to women and transexuals- I hope that you are
       aware that as a non-profit this constitutes sexual
       discrimination. If you do not cancel this event, I may refer
       the situation to the ACLU.
       Thank You,
       Thomas Taylor

       /My gut instinct is to be a jerk. My original response started
       with the line, " Dear Big Dummy...."

       I'm not the best at responding to jerks, so any help would be
       appreciated.
       Thanks y'all!

       Overheated hugs and sweaty kisses,

       Victor

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