~Brownbeansprout

Walk with me. Let's talk…

Buzz Chasers- in Advocacy

I recently heard the term buzz chasers and I knew right away that this described some of the people that I run into occasionally.

In my line of work I dedicate the majority of my day supporting patients and families affected by cancer.  It’s what I do. I didn’t choose this, it chose me when my dad was diagnosed and I became his caregiver almost 7 years ago.

One thing led to another and I founded an organization that supports people with lung cancer.  A few years later I became a national advocate and I’ve been going full time ever since.  It’s what I do.  It’s who I am.  It’s my passion and a large part of my life.

What I’ve seen time and time again are volunteers who strive to be advocates attending advocacy meetings or advocacy summits.  These are decent and kind folks with the best of intentions at the start.  But what I’ve seen more and more of over the last couple of years are the same familiar faces who hop from conference to conference.  They are buzz chasers.  They love the momentum and energy of an advocacy summit.  They are people who love the social interaction with other survivors and advocates but when it comes right down to it, they are not producers.

What do they do?  What have they accomplished?

I remember my very first advocacy summit years ago.  We were asked to produce a personal action plan on how we could aid or increase survivorship in our local area.  I took it very seriously.  And over time my plan was implemented and it grew arms and legs.  It has transformed over the years to meet the needs of my constituency and I’m proud of the work I’ve done and continue to do.

When I attend the meetings, I network.  I reach out to other advocates and other organizations and try to collaborate and learn new skills that I can bring back to the LCSC or to my in person group.

I realize I’m not having as much fun as the buzz chasers who make their rounds to all the national conferences.  I don’t have the late night dinners or the bottomless drinks.  But I’m productive and I’ve made some real connections.

I wonder if these types of participants who call themselves advocates are hindering the work that the rest of us do or are they entertainment to the rest of us who are busy and hard at work?

There are only a limited number of people accepted to attend these conferences and summits.  I realize that we need all the help we can get when it comes to the fight against cancer. 

I just wonder if they are filling space that could be better utilized by someone more dedicated to making a difference. 

I’m just sayin…

June 11, 2009 Posted by brownbeansprout | Rights and Revelations | , , , , , , , , , , | No Comments Yet

Social Media – Some let it all hang out

I’ve got to say the last year on Face Book and Twitter have been highly entertaining.  I’ve met several wonderful people in my line of work and in the cancer advocacy community.  I’ve been able to keep in constant touch with advocates throughout the country that I had only previously met once at a conference or event and may not have spoken to again for a year or more.  I promote my work.   I’ve been able to reconnect with old school mates and neighbors and colleagues.  For the most part it’s been good.

The best part of FB and Twitter for me is the fact that in a matter of seconds I can update my status and check the status of others, read news updates and promote my work all while stopped at a stoplight on my phone.  It’s almost effortless and because I can check from my phone I can use “dead” time (times parked at lights, waiting to pick up children, in the line at the grocery, on hold during a conference call) to manage my space and check in on the rest of my world.  It’s fun.  It’s easy and it’s efficient.

What I dislike are those users who don’t have a filter when they post their updates and messages.  Some are juvenile and childish.  Some are outright profane and disgusting.

Don’t get me wrong.  I’m not a conservative who believes folks shouldn’t have opinions or thoughts or be frank.  I’m referring to the folks who go overboard and bring drama to a place that isn’t equipped to handle drama.

 You can’t really have drama in 140 characters or less.   So these folks will throw in a crass word or comment or type a profanity against a race or public figure.  These are people who type out a suicide threat to gain the attention of a celebrity.  On a smaller scale, it’s poster who is cussing the policeman who gave her a ticket for twittering while driving, or posting a horrible comment about their boss or workplace.   Seriously?

FILTER people!  It’s a good thing to have. 

All of your updates and your thoughts are public for the world to see.

Think about what you’re saying and how you’re saying it.  Think about how it makes you sound. 

And think about how it can come back to bite you in the ass.

I’m just saying…

June 11, 2009 Posted by brownbeansprout | Rights and Revelations | , , , , , , , | No Comments Yet