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I have a question for all Islanders, including our host here on the board.
I believe strongly in the idea of community -- the way to get the most of of the place you live is to give back to it. I spent three years on the board of my condo association, and am very proud to be leaving this building not only in better condition that when I came here, but also leaving it as a stronger community in which the people who live here know and care about each other and about the property itself.
If you all could make one wish about the best way to give back to my new community in St. Croix, what would that wish be?
Also, is there any etiquette guidelines or suggestions about how to introduce ourselves to our new neighbors?
HC
Posted : May 7, 2004 3:35 pm
My best advice is to take it slow and get a feel for the island. One thing that will turn off people in a heartbeat is any impression from you that you're here to help fix what's wrong, I call it a missionary approach -- come to bring religion to the heathen.
Think about what you're interested in. One friend was a school teacher in the states and she sought out the principal of one of the middle schools. She does one-on-one tutoring twice a week. The Humane Society runs a thrift shop where you could volunteer. Get a library card first thing and join the friends of the library.
You'll find your way, just take it slow.
Posted : May 7, 2004 8:00 pm
I echo Linda's advice. Your settling in period- the first 3-6 months- should be one of observation. Keep your eyes and ears open and your mouth shut. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities that will become apparent through your daily activities, newspaper reading, etc.
Posted : May 8, 2004 9:51 am
Topic starter
Thank you, ladies , for good common sense advice echoed twice.
I had to giggle a little as I read Linda's reply:
"One thing that will turn off people in a heartbeat is any impression from you that you're here to help fix what's wrong, I call it a missionary approach -- come to bring religion to the heathen."
We call your missionary approach the Beltway BS here in DC. As you've probably picked up from my posts, I work in politics -- started out at the state level and now work in DC on state and federal issues. The thing I hated most when working on state legislation in Michigan was having a national activist show up at the last minute in a campaign and announce, "I'm from DC and I'm here to help!" There couldn't be a bigger oxymoron in the business.
I carried that respect for local expertise with me when I moved to DC, and always make sure I treat my state and local contacts the way I expected to be treated in my home turf --I attend several gatherings where I do nothing but sit and listen...that gives all of us time to get to know each other and to start to build trust, and it gives me achance to figure out how to create a win-win scenario that will meet both of our needs. Only then do I ask how I can help them implement THEIR plans and ideas or offer some suggestions on resources I can add to their effort to help them succeed.
Getting away from the extreme sense of outsider self-importance and superiority that runs rampant here is one of the big benefits that will come with our move to STX. 🙂 [Begin off topic rant] I find the unending list of restrictions that Congress members from all over the US impose upon the residents on the District of Columbia sickening -- do you realize Congress prevents DC taxpayers from spending their own tax revenue on programs that are supported by close to 80% of all DC residents?? [End rant -- thank you for letting me babble.]
Posted : May 8, 2004 8:13 pm
Oh, you are going to have such a good time here!
Posted : May 11, 2004 2:06 pm
