The call to war.
Sent this yesterday evening:
Subject: So Ambidextrous 07-08 begins!
Hi everyone,
Hope you’ve all had a brilliant summer, and that you’re ready for what’s going to be an equally brilliant (if busy) year ahead. Jay will have got an email to most of you about the first meeting we’ll be having - that’s Monday 24th at 6 in NEG.08, for those of you who didn’t get the message - it’s vitally important that you be there, as we’ll be going over roles and our agenda, as well as talking about what’ll be going on at the Freshers’ Fair. If you can’t be there, please let us know, and we’ll be looking for a good excuse (as with all meetings).
I’ve attached a copy of part of the handbook we should work to over the year. In there is a member “hierarchy” and a proposed calendar of events. Most rooms/venues have been booked with the SU or MTC, but bear in mind that this still has a provisional element to it. Hopefully not too large a provisional element, but since there are new ventures it’s there nonetheless. Some of the new events have not been slotted in yet, but we’re working on it.
Now, if anyone is looking at the hierarchy (or the calendar for that matter) and panicking and/or protesting: LET US KNOW. I cannot stress this enough - communication is vital, no matter how bad the news you may have to give us. The left hand must always know what the right hand is doing. If it doesn’t, then we become inefficient and things fail, or at the very least people get pissed off. And the more you delay in letting us know, the more pissed off we’ll be.
This is especially true for those of you down as running an event. If you don’t think you can cut it, or you think you’ll encounter difficulties, tell us so. We can’t help you if we don’t know to. And we won’t bite, promise. J
So, at the risk of patronising you all (which I don’t want to do, by the by), let’s test the above. When you get this, and have read it, reply back to say so, please. This way no one can say that they were uninformed. Again, very important if you have a problem. It would also be appreciated if you could say whether you check your webmail or your personal email more often, and provide a mobile number. We’re not going to hound you unless you make us; it’ll just be in case.
Also, as an aside - as you will see, some of the events don’t have (a) coordinator(s). So, if anybody thinks they could take one (or more) on, please do, and let us know! If it’s easier, get somebody to work with.
Ambidextrous - and that doesn't just mean the group as a name or 'brand', it means you, us, as people - are at the leading edge of the university's creative departments. Staff and students respect us if they're not in total awe. You are all vital, brilliantly capable and imaginative people. Let's not forget that. We can make this year and the years to follow fucking fantastic, and we will. Jay and I have the utmost faith in you.
That’s it for now. Remember: communicate. We’ll see you Monday 24th.
Take care,
~ Le
artimahadanna@hotmail.com
07758624336
PS - The next Ambimeetings after this coming one of the 24th will be October 1st and Oct 8th - after that, it's fortnightly Mondays 6-7, so you know.
So there we have it, my first email as a leader. Already had four responses (not including Jay's) - from Tim, Elana, Katie and Simon - which is good. Simon said he was 'impressed and slightly terrified by the efficiency and organisation'. Haha. So it should be. After I sent it I was talking to Tim on MSN and he said it sounded 'passionate and considered'. I was worried I went a bit too OTT.
I feel better from yesterday after having exerted some authority. The jazz evening we were going to go to turns out to be next week instead, but we didn't find that out 'til we got down there and spoke to Trish (Nat's friend and fellow band player, saxophonist, Jonny's ex). I really want to get to know her better - like me she has a drive for efficiency and organisation, and she's no-nonsense.
We'll be having our house party on Friday, and are going to be arranging the guest list this evening.
~ Live beautifully. ~
~ Fade out. ~
Subject: So Ambidextrous 07-08 begins!
Hi everyone,
Hope you’ve all had a brilliant summer, and that you’re ready for what’s going to be an equally brilliant (if busy) year ahead. Jay will have got an email to most of you about the first meeting we’ll be having - that’s Monday 24th at 6 in NEG.08, for those of you who didn’t get the message - it’s vitally important that you be there, as we’ll be going over roles and our agenda, as well as talking about what’ll be going on at the Freshers’ Fair. If you can’t be there, please let us know, and we’ll be looking for a good excuse (as with all meetings).
I’ve attached a copy of part of the handbook we should work to over the year. In there is a member “hierarchy” and a proposed calendar of events. Most rooms/venues have been booked with the SU or MTC, but bear in mind that this still has a provisional element to it. Hopefully not too large a provisional element, but since there are new ventures it’s there nonetheless. Some of the new events have not been slotted in yet, but we’re working on it.
Now, if anyone is looking at the hierarchy (or the calendar for that matter) and panicking and/or protesting: LET US KNOW. I cannot stress this enough - communication is vital, no matter how bad the news you may have to give us. The left hand must always know what the right hand is doing. If it doesn’t, then we become inefficient and things fail, or at the very least people get pissed off. And the more you delay in letting us know, the more pissed off we’ll be.
This is especially true for those of you down as running an event. If you don’t think you can cut it, or you think you’ll encounter difficulties, tell us so. We can’t help you if we don’t know to. And we won’t bite, promise. J
So, at the risk of patronising you all (which I don’t want to do, by the by), let’s test the above. When you get this, and have read it, reply back to say so, please. This way no one can say that they were uninformed. Again, very important if you have a problem. It would also be appreciated if you could say whether you check your webmail or your personal email more often, and provide a mobile number. We’re not going to hound you unless you make us; it’ll just be in case.
Also, as an aside - as you will see, some of the events don’t have (a) coordinator(s). So, if anybody thinks they could take one (or more) on, please do, and let us know! If it’s easier, get somebody to work with.
Ambidextrous - and that doesn't just mean the group as a name or 'brand', it means you, us, as people - are at the leading edge of the university's creative departments. Staff and students respect us if they're not in total awe. You are all vital, brilliantly capable and imaginative people. Let's not forget that. We can make this year and the years to follow fucking fantastic, and we will. Jay and I have the utmost faith in you.
That’s it for now. Remember: communicate. We’ll see you Monday 24th.
Take care,
~ Le
artimahadanna@hotmail.com
07758624336
PS - The next Ambimeetings after this coming one of the 24th will be October 1st and Oct 8th - after that, it's fortnightly Mondays 6-7, so you know.
So there we have it, my first email as a leader. Already had four responses (not including Jay's) - from Tim, Elana, Katie and Simon - which is good. Simon said he was 'impressed and slightly terrified by the efficiency and organisation'. Haha. So it should be. After I sent it I was talking to Tim on MSN and he said it sounded 'passionate and considered'. I was worried I went a bit too OTT.
I feel better from yesterday after having exerted some authority. The jazz evening we were going to go to turns out to be next week instead, but we didn't find that out 'til we got down there and spoke to Trish (Nat's friend and fellow band player, saxophonist, Jonny's ex). I really want to get to know her better - like me she has a drive for efficiency and organisation, and she's no-nonsense.
We'll be having our house party on Friday, and are going to be arranging the guest list this evening.
~ Live beautifully. ~
~ Fade out. ~