[Communications] Fwd: Fwd: CCGA Conference - discount for vets?

Thu Feb 20 20:53:59 CST 2020

Hello Everyone, I’ve been reading your emails and am so disturbed.

The question was asked by a Veteran, (I’m paraphrasing) he would love to
attend our Conference; is there a discount for Veterans? My answer to both
Amy and Mamie is, No.  However, I agree that we inform him with
kindness/gentleness that it was not considered for this Conference, but
will definitely be a discussion for the 2021 Conference.

First let me say that I understand we all want as many as possible in our
audience, but we have to resolve issues as a meeting of the minds. We
cannot continue to do what we want to do. That’s one of the reasons why we
are in the position we’re in right now.

That being said, let’s make note of these uprising questions/suggestions
and have a collective discussion, not just 2 or 3 people and a decision
made. I believe transparency and communication is the key to making CCGA an
organization where we can agree to disagree and come up with a solution.

Therefore, I still stand firm that the Veteran be informed that as of the
date we have already put in place our Registration package, and
unfortunately a discount for Veterans was not considered,  but we will
definitely do so in our 2021 Conference. Thank him for the suggestion.
(Amy/Lorraine, I know you know how to work that out).

Let’s table this discussion because now brings up, do we consider discounts
for special needs, senior citizens, disabled, etc.

Also, it is not correct to say that will you pay for his registration. I
believe it sends the wrong message. This is a CCGA Conference, not if one
does not agree you will take the responsibility to do what you want. That’s
why when I  expressed to Lorraine when she stated that she would pay for
the Presenters, I told her, No.  The same holds true in this case, that’s
why there is a MOTMs Committee.

We have approximately 4 weeks and so much more to do.  Let’s focus on what
there needs to be done for 2020, and if there is something other than
what’s already in place, please make a note of it so that our 2021
Conference can be just as exciting for us to work through and our audience
enjoy.

Gina Jamison
2020 Conference Chair

On Thu, Feb 20, 2020 at 18:59 Lorraine Kells <lxkells at gmail.com> wrote:

> Mamie,
>
> I suppose what's next is that you contact the man and state that we do no
> offer military discounts, but that you would like ot cover his registration.
>
> Then we move on, at what 'cost' I'm not sure, but with the understanding
> that we hear each other first. I mean words are actions in our minds.  We
> hear each other first.
>
> On Thu, Feb 20, 2020 at 6:52 PM Mamie Gray <mamiegray2012 at gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
>> This week has been like the Twilight Zone. Resources distributing tools
>> but not at the Conference, OK registrations given, not next year, to all
>> presenters because we see their worth, sustainability table only for those
>> who bring something. What’s next? Mamie
>>
>> On Thu, Feb 20, 2020 at 6:41 PM Lorraine Kells <lxkells at gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>> As a teacher for 30+ years I wrote many letters of recommendations to
>>> the courts and to recruitment offices for young men and women who wanted
>>> the opportunities that came with joining the armed forces.  One judge said
>>> she would pick only one letter  among those submiteed  by a young offender
>>> who wanted to join the service.  She picked mine, he got  his dream.
>>>
>>> I support second chances and what military service means to vets.  We
>>> really have to hold the line on every request for discount when we have no
>>> basis.  He's not asking for special treatment, just a yes or no to his
>>> question. The answer is NO we do not offer military discounts. How did this
>>> become an issue of worth of his decisions or actions?
>>>
>>> What Mamie does with her own $$ is none of my concern.  Changing
>>> registration as written, doing anything on a case by case basis is again
>>> structurally flawed and philosophically unsound.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On Thu, Feb 20, 2020 at 6:25 PM Mamie Gray via Communications <
>>> communications at chicagocommunitygardens.org> wrote:
>>>
>>>>
>>>> FYI
>>>>
>>>> ---------- Forwarded message ---------
>>>> From: Mamie Gray <mamiegray2012 at gmail.com>
>>>> Date: Thu, Feb 20, 2020 at 6:22 PM
>>>> Subject: Re: [Communications] Fwd: CCGA Conference - discount for vets?
>>>> To: Lorraine Kells <lxkells at gmail.com>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Would it be OK for Amy to write to him and ask him to register at
>>>> “Table 3, Walk-Ins.” I will pay for him anonymously. Mamie
>>>>
>>>> On Thu, Feb 20, 2020 at 6:17 PM Mamie Gray <mamiegray2012 at gmail.com>
>>>> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> I guess my willingness to pay his fee, full if necessary, will not fly
>>>>> either? Please advise. Mamie
>>>>>
>>>>> On Thu, Feb 20, 2020 at 6:14 PM Lorraine Kells via Communications <
>>>>> communications at chicagocommunitygardens.org> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> Hey all,
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I agree with Gina. Thank you for the suggestion; we'll take it up for
>>>>>> next year, but at this point once again changing registration is not going
>>>>>> to fly.  We have to stand with what we put out on our website, our flyers,
>>>>>> any information we have already put out without making "back room"
>>>>>> exceptions to our registration as it stands.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> The exception that we make on a case by case basis is too flawed
>>>>>> structurally and philosophically.  What does it mean to be a veteran;
>>>>>> someone who went to base camp and learned carpentry and then left the army?
>>>>>> Yes that's a vet who gets veteran benefits; it's my brother.  His
>>>>>> beneifts are great. Does he need to be comped to a conference because  he's
>>>>>> a vet NO.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> These requests become issues that easily become divisive,
>>>>>> unmanageable and unreasonable arguments rather than decisions that can be
>>>>>> made by email.  All registration fees are as stated on the form.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Lorraine
>>>>>>
>>>>> --
>>>>>> Communications mailing list
>>>>>> Communications at chicagocommunitygardens.org
>>>>>>
>>>>>> http://chicagocommunitygardens.org/mailman/listinfo/communications_chicagocommunitygardens.org
>>>>>>
>>>>> --
>>>> Communications mailing list
>>>> Communications at chicagocommunitygardens.org
>>>>
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>>>>
>>>
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