i lived in moses. now that they are a co-ed freshman dorm and will continue that role, we need to establish a way to learn them fish about bonfire.

Good idea!

They're an all freshman co-ed dorm. It will be difficult, not impossible, but difficult.

They actually had an impressive turnout last year, I expect them to continue to grow.

Scott Coker '92

If you're referring to cut classes, Scott. They had SO MANY fish come out to class but never out to cut.

the sad part is that cut classes were the only part of bonfire they new about.

RAB

The trouble is that there has to be involved leadership close at hand that can be the source of information and consolidation. Without any upperclassmen in the dorm that are not university affiliated this is difficult. The system that most other dorms have does not apply here. It might be best to ask some of the Lechner people how they manage it. They are the closest to that type of dorm enviroment. Perhaps having people that are in the other dorms mention Bonfire while in mixed dorm activities would be one alternative. Facebook groups are deffinatly an option as well. Create a group with the title "Moses co-ed" or somthing like that. Not being an official university group it would be perfectly acceptable to bring news of Bonfire to them in this format. Crocker has been doing this for a while as well as several other dorms.

Lechner restarted out of a facebook group by manually going down a facebook list of Lechner residency status and matching it to class year and then inviting them to our group. This only gets some people slightly aware of what is going on. Plus, be sure to give the freshmen real information they can use (i.e. dates, times, event information, etc. Generally an all around idea of what SB is and specifically how they can get more information or get involved). If you are just spamming the group with useless information, they can tell and will quit the group never to be seen again. Also, let me warn against being too emotional, aggressive, or speaking in excessive grandeur, they will not be impressed or "get it" and will power down immediately.

More importantly, to push it over the edge and make it real and tangible for them, you have to make yourselves visible and available to them at all times. For Lechner this was made easier because we already had "Lechner Families" which were organized groups of Old and New Lechnerds. You all know you had questions about what this was all about and what to expect when you first started out and they are no different. Where most "bonfire dorms" had upperclassmen living next door as a reference, these kids don't, BECOME THAT REFERENCE. Also, don't just be the "Bonfire Guy/Gal" reference, help out your fellow ags in whatever capacity they need, it's not only being a good Ag, it's gaining their trust and respect. Remember though to be open, honest, and respectful... don't try to make them do what you do, how you do it, or like what you like, provide advice and let them figure out their own way.

From my understanding of Mose's case, I think the idea of inter-dorm activities early and often are yall's best bet. If you wait too long into the semester (even as little as 3 weeks) most fish will go into shutdown mode and lock outsiders out. You are always in a time crunch to be getting something done, don't wait around doing nothing. Good luck.

[This message has been edited by DoctorSnoball (edited 7/31/2008 2:24a).]

No, Jayci, I'm not talking about cut classes. Why would I? I'm talking about the Moses crews I saw first hand in the woods. From what I saw, they had numbers equal to or greater than several of the other established crews. I was pleasantly surprised and impressed.

Scott Coker '92

What would be your estimate? And how consistent were they in turning out?

Outstanding post by DoctorSnoball.

quote:

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More importantly, to push it over the edge and make it real and tangible for them, you have to make yourselves visible and available to them at all times. For Lechner this was made easier because we already had "Lechner Families" which were organized groups of Old and New Lechnerds. You all know you had questions about what this was all and what to expect about when you started out and they are no different. Where most "bonfire dorms" had upperclassmen living next door as a reference, these kids don't, BECOME THAT REFERENCE. Also, don't just be the "Bonfire Guy/Gal" reference, help out your fellow ags in whatever capacity they need, it's not only being a good Ag, it's gaining their trust and respect. Remember though to be open, honest, and respectful... don't try to make them do what you do, how you do it, or like what you like, provide advice and let them figure out their own way.

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Servant leadership is essential.

[This message has been edited by Keegan99 (edited 7/30/2008 3:05p).]

i thought sno's post was great as well. lechner has been great the past couple of years.

Estimate...Oh, I don't know, I'd say 15-30. Broad range I know, maybe someone can narrow it down, I didn't count heads. I saw them every time I was in the woods and most Stack shifts I made. I was there most weekends. (Yeah, yeah, cha-ching-cha-ching, tie on the saddle, I'm bucking for a leadership position, etc, etc... )

Yes, Sno's post is great and that type of direction is very helpful. Lechner has been great more than the last two years. They were a great crew back in the old days as well. I was there when their YP got his Pot, great guy, hard working crew and they earned that Pot. They had a crew on loadsite that year that George and I dubbed "The Machine" because no matter where on the truck we told them to put it, they could hit us in the hands every time

Scott Coker '92

just a question scottimus, what floor did you live on

Sigh

So I was informed today that the Moses crew is pretty much just dispersed among the others now.

Kind of a shame.

Scott Coker '92

EMPIRE

RAB