Cindy Lamb-Kalionzes Statements and Answers

[Admin]

This thread is for Cindy Lamb-Kalionzes to answer questions in regard to her candidacy for the office of Gold Usher. Cindy may also use this area to introduce herself and make any appropriate comments as she so chooses.

[MadMadamMissy]

1. What ideas do you have for ways to promote the Order?

Find the fun. Members having fun is the best promotion the group can have, in terms of membership. More small local events to promote a sense of community within the sectors, and planning some larger events (such as Con meetups) that bring members from the sectors together.

Community outreach. Find ways that the Order can have fun while getting involved in our communities. Take suggestions from the local Sectors, and reach out to those events to get the order involved.

That being said, I think some deputizing among the sectors might be needed, due to the local nature of events. So part of the role would be to operate as the "central source" for local sectors to communicate with about event participation, to "support and assist" local members with the functions of promoting their events, and to help maintain a consistent message across the sectors, but that events should primarily be locally driven.

2. There have been considerable concerns about the growing Whovian community compared to the relatively small number of Whovian centered events in the United States. What could you do as Gold Usher to get us involved with existing events, and how do you think you could help the Order with encouraging and perhaps creating new ones?

We can start with having our own events. All or most of our events should be open to prospective members anyway. Members should feel comfortable "bringing a friend" to events. The "point person" for a particular event should be on the lookout for non-participants who show interest in the group and ensure that that person is welcomed and given information about joining. All members should feel comfortable welcoming prospective members, but the point person should make sure it happens.

As we get better versed in creating fun, smooth-running events, we can look into promoting them a bit more aggressively. However, I think controlled growth is essential. It would be unwise to over-promote an event such that its popularity spirals well beyond one's ability to stay on top of it and in control of the outcome, as this leads to chaos and a bad reputation in the community. Or at least it can. When the Order is responsible for an event, we need to see that the outcome of the event will reflect positively on the Order. So not growing an event beyond our means to host it is vital, and relies on leadership's good judgment.

3. Do you serve as an officer in any other costuming club? Please let us know your title/role and the name of the club. Do you feel there is a risk of any conflicts of interest, and if so, how would you deal with those if they arise?

I do not. My potential conflict relates to the "merchandise" half of the role, as I believe the Gold Usher is also responsible for maintaining information on vendors. I do have some whovian fabric designs on Spoonflower, however, I do not feel this will interfere with my ability to maintain objectivity about vendors.

4. As many know, we have been approached about the DFW Whovian Costuming Club in regards to working together and a possible merger. The group rejected the idea as it seemed a huge step to take. What are your feelings on the matter, if any?

This early in the Order's history, I feel that a merger with an existing club would be too great a change for the order's fledgeling "culture" to take without substantially changing it. Working together to support each other's events, however, could potentially benefit both clubs.