Before they dug into the Wild Salmon Cakes and Spice Encrusted Gulf Shrimp, the CIA Board of Directors had rocked my living room with their enthusiasm for the video series’ project. The meeting was a rollicking one with different members volunteering their impressive expertise and time to assure I had a smooth and successful trip around the country.
I have to admit when the Tech Team started rambling off wacky lingo like Instagram, Twitter, Flickr, Snapchat, Pinterest and more that I would be responsible for, I thought I had run into a ditch. Fortunately, Santiago, a wizard at digital art and professor at University of Tampa, noticed I had stopped breathing and stepped in to rescue me with the offer of a student who would help. Praise be to the younger generation for whom such things are fun and not fearful.
That near heart attack was followed by the Production Team’s annoying (to me, since I did not have answers) questions about shooting while cooking and drinking wine—just how was I going to do that since I am also the camera person….and, oh yes, who was doing the final editing and how was I going to share videos with that person…..and other questions that were rapidly making me feel awesomely inadequate.
Hang on, Jan, we have George Sherman, our old standby Everyman and CIA Advisor, who has stepped up to the plate for the past 15 years to help with Earth Charter US including doing the final editing for numerous video projects. George is an unheralded angel and a real bargain as all he has ever asked for in addition to his huge salary of $1.00 a day—a long standing joke—is that I host him and his wife for dinner and drinks at my place.
My normally publicity shy board members generously volunteered to be interview subjects so I could practice, practice and practice my video skills. But, I still have to figure out how to interview, assist with the cooking while sipping wine and also shoot the scene. If using one’s brain for new things keeps one from having dementia, I am certainly safe. I can’t help but wonder, though, if my feeling overwhelmed might erase any positive impact. Is this meeting done yet?
Not yet, BUT it’s only party planning that is left on the agenda. We pondered the question about how to identify innovative folks for the video interviews. I have some ideas from years spent in working with people around the country on the Earth Charter. There is also YES! Magazine, which is always full of uplifting stories of people making a difference in their communities….and I do know Fran Korten, the Executive Director and Publisher. I am definitely contacting her.
Board members also got excited about inviting their friends to a party to have them help us identify innovative people. In addition, they thought it would be good to ask for names of other individuals along the way, who might be willing to put me up for a night as we are on shoestring budget. What better way to brainstorm a list of prospects for an Operation Bon Appetit initiative than to gather everyone in a room stocked with great food and favorite beverages? While socializing among likeminded people, they could stick pins on a big map of the US with the name and location of an innovative project or place where I could couch surf. Party plans were made.
On that high note, we adjourned and spent time connecting and socializing over a menu that included the aforementioned Wild Salmon Cakes and Spice Encrusted Gulf Shrimp plus Florida Avocado and Tomato Salad with an array of drinks including 360 Vodka, a sustainable vodka that was a sponsor at our Earth Charter Fest in November.
To meet our excited and terrifically competent Board of Directors, Genie, Cy, Andrea, Amy, Tracy, Santiago, Lou Ann, Judy R. and Judy H., please visit them at https://undauntedchangemakers.org/about/.
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