SPAR revolt?

[strider]

AlexS: The real truth is that the majority of the residents in Springfield do not have a clue as to what is going on.  No one has been there in years who was willing to get the real word out there.  Not everyone is on the forum nor do they want to be. So, yes, going door to door with the information may be the only way to get a true read on the real opinion and needs of the residents.  If we are going to do that, then I would suggest also asking if they want a new organization as even I am concerned that otherwise it would be time poorly spent if we can not successfully bring about change to the current SPAR Council.

In response to your answers - so LISC is making sensible suggestions and the current SPAR Council board is going way beyond them to insure total control of what  is going to happen between SPAR Council and LISC.  Gee, do you think someone sees some money to be made with the LISC involvement?

Before we go in front of the board with suggested changes, how do we find out if more than 1/2 of the board members would be willing to make those changes?  My gut tells me that most want it the way it is and nothing is going to change because we simply ask them.

I'm a Libra too, but when I get smacked across the face, the only way to get the balance back is to smack back.  I do feel for ya buddy, you are in a bad position here.

[jbm32206]

That's because most people are not involved and could care less

[AlexS]

Before we go in front of the board with suggested changes, how do we find out if more than 1/2 of the board members would be willing to make those changes?  My gut tells me that most want it the way it is and nothing is going to change because we simply ask them.

I think the changes should be suggested regardless. Every board member will have to voice their opinion publicly. So we will find out where everyone stands.

Regarding going door to door and suggesting a new organization I am a bit confused. Many people may not even know about the current one (SPAR).

[sheclown]

I doubt that there is a resident in Springfield who doesn't know what SPAR is.  Most of them think that SPAR hands out the COAs and gives permission to "do things".

I think a survey is an EXCELLENT idea.  I'll volunteer.

People may not be following the political dancing here, but they all know what they need and want from their community organization.  It would be a guide to keep us all on track.

This would solve part of one of the problems.

[deportman]

I’ll volunteer too, but I have to tell you I cause people to either run out the back door and windows or hide in closets. 

[uptowngirl]

I doubt that there is a resident in Springfield who doesn't know what SPAR is.  Most of them think that SPAR hands out the COAs and gives permission to "do things".

I think a survey is an EXCELLENT idea.  I'll volunteer.

People may not be following the political dancing here, but they all know what they need and want from their community organization.  It would be a guide to keep us all on track.

This would solve part of one of the problems.

I think your right. I talk to many neighbors up here in the forgotten quadrant and that is exactly what they think SPAR is.

I also hear a lot about how much better it was in the "old days" and how much SPAR has changed. There is a real feeling of disfranchise with half our neighbors, usually low to moderate income and/or renters. I have had many tell me SPAR used to care, but now they only car eif you have money. Living in several urban areaw and emerging neighborhoods I can tell you part of the charm is the great mixture of backgrounds, ethnicities, lifestyles, and traditions. A true melting pot is what an urban area should strive for. If you just want rich white people then move to the suburbs.

AlexS, I too will volunteer. I will volunteer to help beef up your survey or create a new one, and get it out to the neighborood. I will also volunteer to collect and analyze the findings. I will volunteer to go through the by-laws and articles and help craft ammendments to be submitted. I will also go to all the meetings needed to have the ammendments presented, and take detailed notes on who votes how and what they say.  if SPAR is to be saved and revamped, this would be a critical step.


btw, I think I could get some more volunteers to help too. (one holdback is a LOT of people think SPAR can hurt them, turn them into the city and such...this is a real obstacle to be faced

[sheclown]

 

HEY!  Can I be on Deportman's team?

[sheclown]

I doubt that there is a resident in Springfield who doesn't know what SPAR is.  Most of them think that SPAR hands out the COAs and gives permission to "do things".

I think a survey is an EXCELLENT idea.  I'll volunteer.

People may not be following the political dancing here, but they all know what they need and want from their community organization.  It would be a guide to keep us all on track.

This would solve part of one of the problems.

I think your right. I talk to many neighbors up here in the forgotten quadrant and that is exactly what they think SPAR is.

I also hear a lot about how much better it was in the "old days" and how much SPAR has changed. There is a real feeling of disfranchise with half our neighbors, usually low to moderate income and/or renters. I have had many tell me SPAR used to care, but now they only car eif you have money. Living in several urban areaw and emerging neighborhoods I can tell you part of the charm is the great mixture of backgrounds, ethnicities, lifestyles, and traditions. A true melting pot is what an urban area should strive for. If you just want rich white people then move to the suburbs.

AlexS, I too will volunteer. I will volunteer to help beef up your survey or create a new one, and get it out to the neighborood. I will also volunteer to collect and analyze the findings. I will volunteer to go through the by-laws and articles and help craft ammendments to be submitted. I will also go to all the meetings needed to have the ammendments presented, and take detailed notes on who votes how and what they say.  if SPAR is to be saved and revamped, this would be a critical step.


btw, I think I could get some more volunteers to help too. (one holdback is a LOT of people think SPAR can hurt them, turn them into the city and such...this is a real obstacle to be faced

And, how do we do this?  You are right, some are going to think we are gathering data which will only ultimately hurt them. 

[uptowngirl]

Well some way to make the feedback/survey anonymous?  A bunch of crazy white people coming up to your door with a clip board and questions won’t work…trust me we already have that in the SPAR board! There needs to be a way to have everyone feel included and I am not sure I have an answer ?

[sheclown]

Well some way to make the feedback/survey anonymous?  A bunch of crazy white people coming up to your door with a clip board and questions won’t work…trust me we already have that in the SPAR board! There needs to be a way to have everyone feel included and I am not sure I have an answer ?

Good point. 

[deportman]

Thanks Sheclown,

Uptown why would people be afraid of SPAR.  Now that ticks me off.
And now a very good reason to dismantle SPAR.

why can't you create or fine tune your survey, then we make self address, stamped envelopes, I am willing to donate $75.00 for stamps and take a Saturday to put them in mail box's. then see where the chips fall.

[jbm32206]

You know you can count on me to help!

[sheclown]

Deportman...people, disenfranchised, would be afraid of a SPAR member knocking on their door.  

And, really, what has SPAR done for them?  Increased property values?  You have to own the property (or want to sell a property) for that to benefit you.  Otherwise, it is increased rent or RE tax.

Security Force?  The people I have talked to resent the off-duty officers who stop them when they are riding their bikes (because they may be a little scruffy) and ask to see ID and try to find out where they live.  Many, I believe, would rather have the crime around than the perception of persecution that this security force instills.  You say, "if they aren't doing anything wrong, why would they care?"  There are many social reasons for this.  Fear of those in power is the main thing.  ESPECIALLY if those in power are trying to run them off.  And, they are, aren't they?

First Fridays?  I don't think so.  Mommies' club?  Yeah, right.

See where I'm going?

But, door-to-door it would have to be.  It is, IMO, the only way to truly poll all of the citizens in SPR.  AND, it is ALL of the citizens in SPR who ought to count.  (Not just the lovely).

[sheclown]

I started a thread in SPAR's forum for questions and concerns to submit to the next SPAR meeting.  Let's get a list of them together b/c we need to submit them several days before the meeting.  The meeting is on October 18th and I believe our questions/concerns need to be formally submitted the week before.

[jbm32206]

Good, I've already placed a few