For the most part, I have written the monthly columns since this web site came up on January 1, 2004. I missed two of three columns in the last three months. I apologize if you missed the column. I was overwhelmed wtih the need to produce the best event I could, under the circumstances.
Here's a how-to, in case you want to sabotage a project.
- Volunteer to do something and don't do it. When pressed, insist that it was never on your to-do list. Say, "I thought it was just an idea you presented. I didn't know you actually wanted me to do it." Or deny you ever volunteered.
- Use sponsorship forms for a non-profit organization to procure sponsors for your own project, then demand that the non-profit publicize your sponsors, too.
- Demand to hold meetings with the chair person, talk about as much minutae as you can for as long as you can, and give the overworked chairperson your ideas of what the chairperson should be doing.
- Criticize as much as possible, but get upset and scream if anyone hints at any criticism of anything you may have done. Accuse the person who criticizes you of being "mean" and "cruel."
- Have screaming fits, public temper tantrums, and threaten to sue the organization or the chairperson if any one asks you questions.
- Defend the business partners who fail to deliver what they promised, and make detrimental changes at the last minute. Insist they have to get what they want.
- Hijack the publicity: make the press releases and radio sposts all about your project, not the actual event.
- Withhold crucial last minute changes so you can feel important when everyone gets together a few hours before the event.
- Refuse to do any work at all when the event takes place.
- Tell everyone how badly the event was planned and managed and make yourself look like an innocent, overworked, under-appreciated victim.
I know the event was well-planned and managed. Some of the people on the committee worked hard to make it happen. It was a group effort. Although we didn't do everything we wanted to do, and had unexpected last-minute expenses, we didn't lose any money on the event. The performers were paid more money than anticipated. The volunteers that helped were acknowledged and rewarded. Volunteers were able to take some of the donated items at the end of the day, and the organization was pleased with the results.
We made mistakes. I made mistakes. I learned from my mistakes; I admitted them in a report to the board. This year's event took it's toll on me. It consumed way too much of my time and energy.
It is expected that next years event will be bigger and better. I won't be part of it. I wish all the luck in the world to next year's board of directors and event committee chairperson.
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