A Picnic Instead of a Day of Silence?

From the GSA-Talk Listserve:

So, the sponsor of my GSA has decided that since our club is fairly new (formed this year) and because our parish (or county, I live in Louisiana) has never had a club like this before, that we are going to skip Day of Silence and instead have a group picnic or something.

He thinks that it will leave a bad impression on the school if this is our first event. My conflict comes because several members were looking forward to the DOS. We felt really active for the first time. I just don't know what I can do to help my members feel like we really are a club and that we are standing for something. Any ideas to bring us closer together and have us feel active?

Thanks!
Heather M.

Hey Heather.

This is what I'd suggest: Let your GSA know that even if you aren't going to officially be hosting the Day of Silence, that each individual member has the right to participate on their own. A lot of them probably will still do it.

I participated in the DOS last year and I wasn't even a member of my school's GSA. You don't need the club's consent to help make a difference.

Hope this helps

(Not signed)

Dear Heather,

In my opinion, even if its your first year as a G.S.A. the day of silence is actually a great way too show everyone you. Our G.S.A. at OHS has just started this year as well and granted that we have been opposed on this in almost everyway, we are still going too participate on the day of silence. You should tell your adviser that you greatly feel that you should do the day of silence and that you feel like doing only a group picnic will not give a great as impact as the day of silence. the day of silence is ment too show the public the silence that they never hear. a group picnic will only show everyone that you are hungry :P.

khris...

Heather,

Our GSA started out last year, and DOS was our first event. It did cause a ruckus, we are in a rural community, where there had never been this kind of group before. There was some negative response, but it brought our group closer together. It may be a risk, but it paid off for us. Best of luck,

Jessie

Just wanted to thank everyone for their advice. There is a meeting tomorrow, and I'm definitely going to bring up the issue.
Thanks especially to you Holliday!

Heather

I would have a rally or if u are still worried about leaving a bad impression pass around a carefully writtten petition and send it to a senator or the president also just sending letters to congress people can make a big diference.

I think not having DOS is probably a worse message than having it. It really is a great event and gives the club meaning and something to stand for. Unless you're looking for your club to be purely social-only, I'm not sure cancelling this event is the best way to go. For it being your first year, this really is a huge statement and can have unimaginable results. I wish you luck with whatever you pursue.

Nicole.