Lurkers! (and what it means to this project blog)

I've wanted to discuss this issue for sometime but unfortunately am just getting to it.  I have noticed that in regards to this project, many of my fellow classmates are struggling with similar issues:  How do we get people to participate and/or follow our blogs?  Are our blogs meant for the public to participate in?  What are the ethical implications of posting personal messages that have been exchanged via email or written text?  What are the ethical implications of simply discussing our fears regarding the overall project in a very public forum and space? And what are the realities of web-based community action/research, etc?

A couple of weeks ago, in my Qualitative Research Practices course we covered the topic of the internet as an overall research tool.  I’ve found that much of what was covered in the course really applied to our course blogs (this blog) as well!

One particular slide covered, when we should used the internet and it made me think about some of our projects and whether or not utilizing a blog is really appropriate given some of us are dealing with people who are incredibly uncomfortable with the internet, do not trust it and really, we can access them through other mediums such as letters, emails (not a blog or social networking site).  We should consider who our projects are geared towards and what we hope to achieve through our projects then decide whether or not using the many resources the internet has to offer in the ways of social networking and communication is appropriate.  In my particular case it is very appropriate and is actually something that although many people are afraid of utilizing discussion boards and social networking sites, communication has been done primarily via email. However, the organization I am working with, King County 4-H, is aimed at youth and encouraging them to utilize their skills, many of the adults overseeing the projects and programs while well versed in email, are very fearful of social networking sites and the ‘control’ aspect of what is being put out there.  They also do not want to create any sort of panic, given children’s well beings are at stake.

One other interesting note on when we should use the internet is when researchers have the time and skills.  When they do not, it is not necessarily encouraged as a primary source of communication with your constituency base.  This is what I and it seems all of you (my peers) are dealing with.  We simply do not have the time with to keep up with a blog, to make it interesting and to really research out various ways of conveying our thoughts and our message to a greater audience, in an interactive and engaging way!  At least I don’t.  I can honestly say, not having the time has put me in tears—and I feel I’ve not been able to do justice to this project or to the maintaining of an interesting blog. 

Concerns over data safety are high as well.  Given much of what I’m discussing is not necessarily available to the general public, it is quite difficult to distinguish which emails I can post (I’ve decided on quotations plucked from emails, without reference, but notification to those who’s words I’ve used).  Last week, I received a response on my blog and project plan from the County Extension Agent I’ve been in contact with.  Although, Facebook and discussion boards are not on the agenda yet, I’m still pushing for one (a discussion board primarily) in order to help conversations flow between busy people.  However, at the organizational level, no one is willing to begin conversations of a sensitive nature even face to face until financial matters of the organization are released in June.  This is the time when they want to begin conversations and start working on building a community and network of support and will consider my ideas further, but they are still unlikely to utilize the internet at least for any sort of youth based engagement. 

And a final concern of mine has been over the lack of people engaging in our blogs.  Although, the intention of my blog is meant to be exclusively reflective of my experiences within SWSP7123 and the implementation of my project with King County 4-H, I have been put on to some of my “friends” and “acquaintances” whom I know to have a connection to 4-H in general and may have some interest.  However, because you have to join many are not apt to “follow.”  Instead many have opted to become what is referred to by Kazinets (presented in Qualitative Lecture Wk9) as Tourists (also sometimes referred to as Lurkers (those that are “publicly silent participants)…some are Minglers (and may leave a comment but will not join).  As classmates, many of us are following a few blogs, which has relinquished us to become Insiders, while some of you may have Devotees (and if you do please share your methods). 

All of this just struck me that although work as been done, thinking about the appropriateness of a blog to our projects (outside of the required coursework) and whether it is worthwhile to pursue has consumed my thought.  We are all Lurkers, and pick and choose how active to be.  With the medium of a blog, we may have individuals interested in what we are saying, but may never know given the context surrounding internet use and lack of ability to follow up with them!  It has blown my mind a bit to think this and has been somewhat discouraging and encouraging at the same time.  Heck, I may be reaching people with my incredulous amount of BS but maybe not?

How do you feel about this?

-Alex

References:

Flame Eye Picture [Image].  Retrieved May 17, 2010, from       www.testriffic.com/resultfiles/11298eyes5.jpg

Mayall, M. (2010).  Week 8, The Internet: Research Context, Research Tool [Powerpoint Slides]. Unpublished Manuscript, SOCY7049, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia. 

Success!

My emails and Facebook messages out to select friends and "friends" have reaped some benefits.  Per two email messages today:

"I have also read your complete blog and your emails over again.... I will put out the word about it to others I know." 


"So I just got the message you sent about a blog and it sounds like a really awesome topic. I was a total 4-H nerd too...for some of those kids it was really their only social interaction. I loved it! God Bless pygmy goats."


Hopefully, more will come in and if anything I can get an informal group discussing issues and options given that most are former 4-Hers and are heavily involved in community programs and activities.  I would prefer to continue with full support and guidance via the county but for now, this is the way things will have to proceed.


It seems initially my thoughts of feeling like an "insider," like I new what I was doing and the organization very well having been in it, have now moved to the realization that having been part of an organization in the past does not mean you are an "insider" at all.  I've been on the outside for too long it seems and although I do have some connections and knowledge of the organization at all levels, not being a member of the already existing group has made it more difficult to gain access and acceptance.  I also believe putting it in the context of a school related project although often times encouraged by staff of the organization, this particular one, my hit to be cliche', "too close to home."  Public action and difficult conversations may not be where people want to go given the sensitivity to the project and the involvement of children. Also, being entrenched in political grime at local, state, regional and the national level I'm sure has made some action quite difficult.  A fear of what the internet may bestow is also a real 'turn-off' for people too!  Children are being targeted by people wanting to do them harm, parents are worried about the amount of time they and their children are spending online and well, these are all very busy people, with busy lives and children, pets, etc!  Fighting for a cause no matter how much you care can be the last thing on your mind--I know often time it is for me, just given this particular assignment and the lack of time I've had to contribute to any substantial program changes, or upstarts, or whatever for that matter.  


There is a fine line to walk with all of this and I'm struggling to see where that is or how to cross it, or not cross it.  Whatever it is I'm going to try.  My next order of business will be tackling this the idea that "Facebook is the wild west" mentality.  There are ways to reign it in and keep it at a more private level and I'm determined to learn.  I may not be able to figure out how to do this RSS feed thing with my blog but I will figure our Facebook's quirks and conquer them in order to utilize a space that has already been created with similar intentions to mine!   Until, then this is one former insider, now an outsider, trying to get back inside, while maintaining some semblance of professional outsider opinion and views, signing off!

Quick Ramblings: Today's Checklist

New Post: Check...Facebook Message and Post: Check (on my own page to a group of friends that may or may not care--a few are former 4-Hers), and email out to contacts for follow up: Check!  Excite building again: Check, Check and Check!

It is quite surprising that after a few simple tasks (albeit 2hour of my paper writing time eaten up) I feel much more accomplished and once again as if things can and will go places.  Keeping my fingers crossed for feedback--and perhaps some followers, but mostly feedback (via my personal Facebook page and email).

Cheers!

I still feel a bit like Sisyphus: www.alchemysite.com/blog/sisyphus_sign.jpg

Clover's Secret (The 4-H Pledge)

...And the Frustrations Mount

Nearing the close of the Semester 1 and coming ever so much more close to presenting our "actions" or "implementation" process to my in SWSP7123: Community Planning, Engagement and Government I am becoming more and more frustrated with this project.  Yes, I understand that we can "fail gloriously" but time doesn't even seem to afford me that.  As an international student, I feel even more constrained by time limitations, because not only am I expected to take 4 courses full time and maintain high grades in those in order to stay in the country and keep my funding, but I also expect this of myself, I am still learning the area and trying to explore and still feel very poorly connected with the city, town and University (University of Queensland).  Resources are abound, there are many opportunities but I feel given my personal limitations that the help I want, desire and need are just out of reach.

In addition, communicating solely via email with my three contacts in the U.S. is proving to be difficult.  It's a fairly well known fact that amongst those involved in 4-H as volunteers, employees and as members, you tend to spread yourself too thin and well, the folks I am working with are pretty thin as it is.  Emails are far and few between and often responses are usually received in about 2weeks time.  Speaking of which I need to send a reminder in order to get a response.  Also, because of my limitations and lack of ability to be physically available meetings and discussions I have given my personal okay, for the understanding that things move at their own pace and not being physically being there to spur them forward, I have allowed others to take up the reigns when it comes to facilitating any sort of action.  Whether there have been any to date, I am unaware--again physical limitations and distance have hindered my ability to see if any progress has been made at the ground levels.

I also had it quite blatantly expressed that one of my ideas, regarding the utilization of Facebook was just not appropriate because of the way "rumors spread."  And according to many individuals working and volunteering in with the 4-H Organization within King County, WA, the Internet and Facebook are "uncharted territories" and are pretty much "the wild, wild west" when it comes to 4-H.  Despite the fact that when I checked out the 4-H Network Blog, I was quite surprised to see that they have their own YouTube video network with many interesting YOUTH produced films (http://www.youtube.com/user/4HNetworkNews).   This was one of my ideas that may come to fruition and that County Level admin saw as a real possibility given time constraints for them and for this particular class project. The production of a Youth made film regarding the 'good things' each current 4-Her within the county has experienced was really welcomed.  Everything else, thus far, quite shut down.

In addition, there was confusion over what my actual project was going to be about.  Most former 4-Hers when doing Graduate Projects around 4-H are engaging in some sort of "research" and because of the programs basis and early development, as well as current connections with research based, land grant Universities, "research" is a great idea!  As most of us are aware, numbers sell ideas in the U.S. and most Developed Countries, not some little Community Development project.

This being said, I'm not giving up.  I will continue to blog, albeit irregularly and I will keep trying to send my emails.  It seems with every other email huge leaps are taken forward and people are excited and ready to to get moving right in stead with me.  As soon as they speak with others, the next email is a bit disheartened and "questions" have been raised about purpose, relevance and most of all child/youth safety.  I suppose in this particular case it is simply my job to keep spirits up and to keep people positive (even though I'm feeling pretty crummy about the whole thing too).  We will see, what my reminder brings and if anything at all comes to fruition between today May 12th and June 2nd.

Until we meet again (which will be in the very new future...)!
-A

Finally! ! Plan and a couple of connections

Today is the first day I've actually had a chance to look at my blog space since starting it nearly one month ago.

Now, that I've completed a project plan with full Log Frame analysis and Stakeholder Analysis, I finally feel as if I have some grasp on this project and idea of where to go next.  Also, I heard back from my main contact, my former 4-H leader back home in Washington State and she was able to provide me with the contact information for the a new County level 4-H employee!  This was a couple of weeks ago, and I did do a bit of a happy dance then but also became quite anxious and stressed over the thought of giving my 'pitch' to a new person, one I don't have any personal connection too.  However, both being former 4-Hers I'm sure there we have much in common.  I cannot wait to hear her ideas and thoughts on how to proceed with engaging the rest of the King County 4-H family.

I also found out to my dismay that King County 4-H already has a Facebook page that is regularly updated. However, the original purpose of the page (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=73369&o=all&op=1&view=all&subj=111983015505931&aid=-1&id=100000800635298#!/pages/Save-4-H-In-King-County/200387315752?ref=ts) was to facilitate discussion on how to "Save King County 4-H" before the next budgetary meetings occur with the King County Council in November 2010.  No one wants to see the need for protests again in order to make sure the program is noticed and supported again, at the very last minute.  No one wants to feel that fear or see the need to drop everything to gather as many supporters as possible without any real clear mission!  At least I do  not, and from the few individuals associated with the program I have spoken with, neither do they.  So, one of my goals now is to help facilitate the discussion boards (which are currently blank) on this Facebook page and hopefully getting things moving.  Perhaps, one for the parents, volunteers and administrators and one for the kiddos to openly discuss their feelings and thoughts, which in turn can be monitored by their club leaders, parents, etc for content, trends and appropriate use.

We will see how far we get but in the short time we have before classes are dismissed for the final time this semester, the above is as much as I can hope for.  I've just now sent out my email and proposal to my, hopefully new contact and am eagerly awaiting a response.  Despite the my inability to focus solely on this project, as I would prefer, I am now at least somewhat energized and motivated to get started again and with a strong project plan completed, I know that I do have the tools and ability to "get 'er done!" From here on out, I only hope to see positive results. Fingers crossed that 2010 will not be a repeat of 2009 for King County 4-H.

To see what was organized at the last minute in November 2009 for the 2010 budget cycle meetings please visit the following links:
http://queenanne.komonews.com/content/rally-save-king-county-4-h-sunday-keyarena
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010341088_4hcuts24m.html
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010513492_web4h15m.html

And here is one that on a time I personally remember quite well.  I was spoken to by our lovely County Executive at the time with several other 4-Hers that previous summer (2000) and were shot down quite harshly by the adult we were told to treat with the utmost respect.  Good times--This is why I care today!
http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=20001106&slug=4051732

Project Proposal

After several weeks and many nerves I have submitted my project proposal both to the professor for my course "Community Planning, Engagement, and Governance" and to my former 4-H leader in Washington State, USA.

My ideas are at this time vague but as I share my ideas with my 4-H Leader and my peers I hope to refine many of these based on what people are willing to do back home as well as where they have already been. Below, please find my proposal. Within the coming week or two I plan to have a background not only to 4-H and my involvement within in but also the background the current financial issues occurring around Washington.

PROJECT PROPOSAL:

PROJECT TITLE: Learning in Action: Save King County 4-H

PROJECT FOCUS: Youth

PROJECT AIM(S):
With this project I hope to begin further conversations perhaps even in a new direction, on how to gain both County/State support for local 4-H (& by default Cooperative Extension Programs) in order to secure funding for the continuation of the program for the long term, rather than the current situation of year-to-year support and funding approval. In addition, I would like to create some type of forum for the youth involved in the organization to at least share their fears, worries and even excitements with one another. This exists at the national level but does not exist at the local, county or state levels.
Long-term I see the project going much further. I would like to be able to work alongside the youth, parents and volunteers within the organization eventually work on legislative change which has made it necessary for 4-H as a non-profit reliant on each subsequent County Council approval each year in order to maintain operations.

PROJECT RATIONAL:
As a former member of 4-H, along with a continued support of the organization, believe that it is a worthwhile youth development program engaging youth from all backgrounds, ethnicities, sexual orientations and abilities with absolutely no discrimination. It is both urban and rural and in essence is a preventative program through extracurricular education and leadership opportunities. It is something I hope to see my children and grandchildren involved in one day. 4-H is a perfect example of a program that has produced many state and national leaders (even former presidents) as well as civically minded and often engaged community members.

PROJECT ACTION(S):
My initial goals in beginning collective action will be work closely, via email, Skype and other messaging programs with my former 4-H leader who is actively engaged in the current struggle to ‘Save 4-H’. Nancy is a not only a club leader but a State Project Coordinator and works very closely with state level volunteers to coordinate the program as a whole. She is my main contact and source of current information from within the organization. I hope to work with her as a club leader to begin speaking (again through web based media) with parents and volunteers within my old club and propose some of my ideas for raising awareness of the issue as well as overall organization marketing. I additionally hope to work with the parents and volunteers to set up some sort of forum (perhaps a blog space) for the children/youth involved in the programs to discuss with one another their fears and ideas which at a later time may be integrated into the actions of the adults within the organization.
Through both conversations hopefully both the adults and youth will be able to collectively move forward with more substantial goals of maintaining the program. I only at this time hope to be a source of rejuvenation of their previous efforts and wish to begin empowering the youth to actively speak out as well.

RISK IDENTIFICATION:
In undertaking this work I will need to be mindful of the fact that all those involved are volunteers and that there are children’s feelings and emotional well being at stake as well. The program is a place to facilitate education not necessarily involve any children in political action (although this is one area that youth can choose to be involved in through 4-H). In addition, I will need to remain conscious that all things take time and that I am mostly acting out of a place of insider knowledge and feelings, as well as my idealized state of consciousness in regards to the subject and program itself, where the actual economic and political ramifications of the project are much larger than my current scope and vision.
Additionally, people may or may not want to participate and could already be resigned to the way things are and the very real possibility of losing 4-H in King County and Washington State within the next 1-2 years. Figuring out a way to either pre-empt this resignation or empower the group again will be another strategy I may need to consider.