Why You Should Be at the Think Tank
To those of you who are new to BFB and came here via Kate Harding's site or Redeye, first, welcome. You might be wondering what this Think Tank this Saturday is about.
In short, the fellow behind BFB (hi!) is one of the folks starting up a new fat rights organization. I say "starting up" because at the last Think Tank in November, we outlined our basic goals and established a name: the Coalition of Fat Rights Activists or COFRA. We exchanged ideas and thoughts about the movement's current state and where it could go. We commiserated over our frustration with the lack of apparent action in the movement, too.
But most importantly, we came up with a lot of fantastic ideas for the future of the movement and what we all can do. Some of these are big things - like the business-end of the organization. Some of these are little things - like helping with the Fat Fifty, our project to document discrimination in each of the 50 states. We got a number of great things done, including setting up our website.
At the next Think Tank we'll be talking more about the structure of the organization and setting some firmer deadlines. I've received a few great emails with ideas to discuss this weekend, and I hope we have time to cover everything.
For years, a lot of us (myself included) have felt that "the movement" is this nebulous thing out there - something to mention and reference, but not necessarily something to participate in; for some, it wasn't something to be proud of.
But it's important for us to realize that each and every one of us is the movement. We are activists. We are advocates. We are the ones on the front lines every day, combatting stereotypes and pushing for change. We are the ones who look forward to a day when a person can't be fired due to her weight. We are the ones who want to make discrimination against fat people illegal in all fifty states, and we are the ones who want to help people understand that this isn't a fat issue - it's a human rights issue.
It is on us, ultimately, to be the movement because without us there isn't one. Now, you obviously don't have to attend the Think Tank in order to do your part. But I can tell you that I want to work with other people (in a... coalition!) to make things better. We can work together and be stronger. We can work with the media. We can work with each other. We can make all of this happen. We can make our movement one that is admired and respected, one that embraces technology, one that encourages new ways of thinking, and one that gets everyone the equal rights we all deserve.
I want to work with you to make the movement better. Let's do it.
Redeye Covers Fat Blogs; Kate Harding on Cover! | A Complete List of All Places Where Fat Discrimination is Illegal in the US
Posted by paul on February 20, 2008
Damn it, Paul, you're a geek, can't you figure out video conferencing for those of us who are too poor to attend?
I'm a nerd.
Anyway, that's something I'm officially looking into (with the help of Carrie) for the next Think Tank. I understand it's not easy to physically be here, so we'll do what we can!
oh, WOW, meowzer -- video conferencing is a fabulous idea. i am both too poor and too disabled to travel, but i would be all over a video conference. paul, if you can get that going somehow, it would be wonderful.
Video conferencing would rule. There is no way I could ever make it to Chicago.
I would totally get behind video/internet conferencing (WebEx, anyone?). That said, I completely want to come to a Think Tank. So, I'm sending good wishes for great conversations and productivity this weekend, and will do everything I can to be in Chicago for the next one.
I really really....really wanted to come, but I just can't afford it right now. Videoconferencing would be amazing. Or teleconferencing even. Either way I'll still try to make it next time around.
Why I won't be at the Think Tank:
Two words: Chicago. February.
I will make the next one, though, videoconferencing or no. I have to get out that way anyway. Just, you know, not when it's negative 80 degrees.
Video conferencing would be fantasic. I'm another one of the one's too poor to attend, I'd love to, just can't afford it.
Oh yes, a video feed would be fantastic. It takes me all my time to scrape together enough cash and leave for my trips to Boston, never mind Chicago, but I can't help feeling I missed out big time on the last Think Tank.
I can't even afford to go across town sometimes, so videoconferencing is a good idea!
It might not even be necessary to have a video conference if someone is just willing to moderate an IRC chatroom and bring us live transcripts and relay our questions. It's probably a lot easier to set up, if a bit more labor intensive for the transcriber. (Also easier on those of us who don't hear so well.
)
I have severe respiratory problems and Chicago in February would kill me dead, but I'll be rooting for everyone from sunny SoCal!
I think wallflower has the right idea. Are there any hard-working attendees willing to liveblog this event?
I so wish I could be there, Paul, if only for the chance to say "SHOULD YOU REALLY BE EATING THAT, FATTY?" to some nice, earnest, unsuspecting fat acceptance person.
But, on the upside, I will be studying for an exam about how to create social marketing campaigns, which might just come in handy at some point.
At any rate, I will be thinking of you all.
woo hoo! see y'all on Saturday!
Would it be possible to have a Twitter like the last time? I found iit very useful.
(I hope I got the name right, I'm so not a technological person)
Have a great day everyone!
We will be twittering the event. Details tomorrow!
How's the weather looking up there? We got snow and ice here in Cincinnati yesterday and today. I want to go and had planned on it, but not if the weather is questionable.
RIght now, it's looking good. Cloud/sun mix today and tomorrow.
What about IRC?
I can't remember what the twitter is/was, but I'd be willing to do some of the keying in of conversation during the meeting, if that will help. (I won't do all of it because I also want to shoot my mouth off, and it's hard to do both simultaneously.)
Also, it's great hearing from all of you who can't make it but are behind COFRA. You all obviously would be jumping in with both feet if your feet were in the meeting room. I so appreciate this, and I bet the rest of the attendees do, too. Since COFRA is a fledgling organization, it's especially wonderful to see more babies in the nest. Every single person makes a difference.
That's so sweet, goddess, thank you very, very much for your words!