*** An important question about the monthly prayer thread ***

[I Have A Dream]

Poll question: *** An important question about the monthly prayer thread ***

This group has had the monthly prayer thread in its current format for exactly two years. During this time, a different volunteer has created the opening post for each thread.

My question is whether we want to continue having a different person coordinate each month's thread, or do we want to change things so that I automatically post a basically generic thread at the beginning of each month. (Are you getting tired of the unending requests for a volunteer?)

I am happy to continue to do things as we are doing, but I don't want to dictate that this is the way things should operate. Please let me know your opinion by voting and, if you desire, your thoughts about this issue.

:)

[Grateful for Hope]

1. Perhaps you could leave it the way it is

with the caviat that, if no one volunteers then there would be someone who would post a generic thread (not necessarily you as this would be a big responsibility, and, maybe there should be a vote on who would be willing to do this?). I voted "other" because I think perhaps the answer for me is a combination of choices one and two.

The monthly threads have been a beautiful expression of the various posters who have been responsible for them. It would be kind of nice to see them continue.

[I Have A Dream]

2. Kick. nt

[Grateful for Hope]

3. Another kick

Given that in the last two months these thread were broken into two 'pieces' because they had beome so large, it says to me that many here at DU value this monthly thread and come here to ask for spiritual help.

Dream, I am wondering if this thread should also be posted in GD. I am wondering how many DU'ers come here when they really need help, but otherwise do not frequent this group.

[I Have A Dream]

5. I would hesitate to post it in GD because there are many who would post...

snarky, negative comments in it and, in my opinion, the energy put into the thread is very important.

However, if the group thinks that that is the way to go, we can certainly consider it. These threads belong to the group, so the group has final say. I have one vote. :)

[Celebration]

6. No to GD!!

I agree with you. But, we could go to GD and point people here, couldn't we? BlueIris is good about posting things from other boards here, too. I realize not everyone can post here. But I think even our responses would be different if it was in GD.

[Delphinus]

14. NOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Do NOT take this to General Discussion!!!

[Grateful for Hope]

18. OK...very bad suggestion...lol. n/t

[SeattleGirl]

4. I like it the way it is, Dream.

It meant a lot to me, to be able to start one, and I'll definitely want to do another one in the future.

[MorningGlow]

7. I vote to keep the current system

I really enjoy reading the different intros and prayers from the various members of our ASAH family!

Dream, if you're concerned that nobody's stepped up for the March thread, don't worry--if nobody new wants to do it, I'm sure that other folks (and I) would be happy to offer to host it again! :hi:

[Celebration]

8. I voted to leave it as is

But I don't think you should feel any pressure to find anyone, and people shouldn't feel pressured to do it. If there are some months where it is not convenient for anyone, a generic one sounds like a good idea.

You may be tired of posting the requests for a volunteer. Would you like to pass that around too?

[Why Syzygy]

9. Dream ..

I like it the way it is. I don't feel any pressure when you post for a volunteer, BUT if it came down to it, I would volunteer any time there's a pinch. Some might be shy about volunteering. It's okay to preemptively volunteer. No one has to wait to be asked. Right?

If you can't or don't want to post the request, please ask some of us to do it. I appreciate your efforts on behalf of this effort, but would never want it to be a burden for you.

edit: I would vote no to GD also.

[I Have A Dream]

10. Kick. nt

[stellanoir]

11. The only thing I'd suggest is that

whomever starts a monthly thread might put out the request for the volunteer for the following month in the middle of the month.

That way you won't have to worry about it and can concentrate on deleting your own threads. :)

[Celebration]

12. now that is a good suggestion!!

The person that coordinates the thread finds the next person. I like that. Dream is probably tired of posting all these requests.

[I Have A Dream]

13. Oh, I don't mind posting the requests at all. I consider it a service to the group...

and I'm happy to do it. I just feel as though people might resent the requests or feel pressured to volunteer. That's the reason that I posted this poll; not because I don't want to put out the request every month. :)

[Celebration]

17. You do a great job!!

I'll try to remember to help kick the requests in the future.

[I Have A Dream]

19. Thank you, but I don't do anything but cut and paste for the most...

part.

(When I first started posting the requests, I had to go and find every past request and paste it into the new thread. I couldn't just copy from the last request because it wouldn't give me the entire text for the links. However, after a year and a half of this, I realized that I could get what I needed by clicking on the 'Printer-friendly format' link at the top of the last prayer request. Wow, did that ever speed things up! What would take me a half an hour to do now takes me 2 minutes maximum. :))

[Celebration]

20. Printer friendly format

Who would have thought!! I never paid attention to that. I figured you had it in a Word document somewhere. I sort of know how you feel--when I figure out something easier and obvious like this I feel great and relieved that I finally figured it out, but still kicking myself for all that time I wasted.

But, always best to live in the present! No regrets, for sure.

Thanks for all the time you have spent, and for figuring out an easier way.

[Delphinus]

15. OK,

now that I've voiced my opinion on GD (love it, but not for the prayer thread), can you tell me (us) what is required for someone to coordinate the monthly prayer thread? Does the person in charge find the opening prayer and then respond to each person who posts? Do we find posts in other forums and cross post them here? Just what all is involved? Some months are "easier" for me during the year and I *Might* be up for volunteering if I know what I'm volunteering for.

Thanks!

[I Have A Dream]

16. Hi, Delphinus! The only things required of the coordinator...

are the following things:

Come up with some kind of an opening post. It doesn't have to be complicated -- it just needs to put good energy into the thread. (Could be as simple as finding a few poems or prayers that speak to you.)

If the thread hasn't been responded to in a few days, just give it a kick back to the top. (Even by just having a post that says 'Kick'.)

That's it for requirements.

At the end of the month, I contact you and tell you that you can either just let the thread die, or you could choose to close the thread with a closing post. It's the coordinator's choice.

Some months, the coordinators have chosen to respond to most of the things posted in the thread, and other months, they haven't. It's not a requirement, and it's not a negative if the person doesn't.

(On edit: The idea behind having different people coordinate the thread each month was so that it was fully owned by the group and because we wanted different people's energy to be associated with the threads.)

[I Have A Dream]

21. One last kick since polls don't get kicked back to the top when people...

vote in them.

[rosesaylavee]

22. I could do a future month

Wasn't quite sure what was required but that seems like something I could take a turn at. Let me know which month. I like that its a task we all share.

[I Have A Dream]

23. That would be wonderful, rose.

Delphinus is taking March, AZDemDist6 is taking April. How about you taking May? Would that work for you?

Thanks! :)

[rosesaylavee]

24. May it is then.

Great. I have just the prayer too.

[Why Syzygy]

25. wow!

I just got tingles. You've got the next three months lined up! WTG!

[I Have A Dream]

26. Yeah, isn't that wonderful! The prayer thread is alive & well!

:)