$0
$30K!!!
$30,000
   

Thursday, June 15, 2006

Congratulations!

This was recieved via email at 12:19pm (PST) from Michelle Shin at Common Ground:

Dear LC3ers,

This is absolutely amazing news!!! The other day when Jim Kindy told me he thought you all were approachingthe goal, I was actually speachless. This, coupled with the progress on the clinic construction is mind-boggling. I can't thank you all enough or find the words to express what this is going to mean to thecommunity. We will literally be able to provide medical care to thousands of families that have no access at all to even basic services.

After having been in New Orleans for the past six months doing this work, I can't even begin to tell you what an uplifting thing this is to me personally.

Thank you!

In love and service,
Michelle Shin

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

More Growth on the BBS...

The following excerpts were pulled from the LC3 online bulletin board:


I have attached an idea for a name and/or logo for our Portland LP group that could be used on the T-shirt, in a brochure, on our blog, in our fundraising letters, etc. I am asking that you to take a look, make a suggestion or alternative idea and to align to one possibility by 8 p.m. PST on Friday, May 12. I see this as a beginning and ask that those with further creativity freely contribute to a name option.

Bart
-Bart
05/10/2006 @ 10:18 pm

Wow, another incredible day today. I attended a business lunch with eight people today, most all from my office. Before I even mentioned anything, one of the gals asked to speak to me after lunch regarding my project. One thing led to another and we were all talking about it and I shared my goal of raising $1,000 between now and then and how I have broken it down to $5 contributions from five people every day. The dollar bills started flying across the table. As I checked out at the register and was noting who contributed what the waitress asked what my project and fundraising was for. Upon hearing my story she gave me $2 from her tip money. Yikes, I just realized I forgot to leave my own tip! Anyways, the gal that breached the subject suggested she may contribute $500.

By the end of the day, I saw that I was $3 short of my daily goal. I went looking to see who was still in the office. One of the guys I had lunch with ripped out a $20 and gave it to me. I told him I would get him a receipt and he said not to waste my time dealing with that, instead to use my time and energy to get more contributions.

I am absolutely on fire with excitement, passion and goose bumps. I never in my wildest dreams imagined the engagement I am creating through this project.

I reviewed my notes from weekend one at LP. I noticed all the self-limiting beliefs and lack of self-worth that I came with. I looked at my list of attributes that I want others to see in me. What I see is that coming from a place of service with such intense energy, passion and excitement that I have moved over to the side of how I want others to see me. In other words, my servant actions have allowed me to see myself as the leader I am. Coming from a servant roll, focusing on serving others, suddenly I see how into “me” I have been and what a road block it has been for me. I can now see how my actions and thoughts were continually keeping myself in that downward spiral. What a learning experience! I’m so excited! It feels so good to be coming out of the drift!


Debbie
-Debbie
05/13/2006 @3:50 am

I have a reflection for this thread.

Last Thursday I sat down to discuss our stay in New Orleans with 2 of the carpenter contractors who had committed to help me build the medical clinic. To my dismay they informed me that they would not be able to go do to circumstances. I was devastated and very depressed. My thought at that moment was "how can I get this clinic built without some skilled helpers"? After stewing in my self pity and anger for quite awhile, I suddenly remembered something my brother Skip tells me. "Well that didn't work, what might work? In other words from such a huge breakdown, what are the possibilities that could arise?

At this point I started to ask myself, who else might I recruit from here? Then I thought, we'll I'm from MN, who could I recruit from there? I realized I didn't know anyone else that I could trust.

As I was discussing this with my girlfriend and telling her what had happened and I had no idea of any other possibilities, she looked at me and said "well I don't know why your trying to recruit anyone from here anyways, you should try and recruit in New Orleans where they live in the disaster".

When she said this, it was if a light bulb went off in my head. I looked at her and said "your absolutely right, that is what I am going to do". And I realized, this was the possibility I was looking for. I then proceeded to write a letter of our project, found a website that listed skilled trades in New Orleans and e-mailed about 100 e-mails out.

I won't go into all the details, however from doing this, realizing a breakdown then a new possibility, acting on it, we now have many contractors to help us on our project. This all happened in a few short days. I am now more excited than ever, to see all the caring and passion with everyone I've talked to in New Orleans.

Jim
-Jim K.
05/14/2006 @1:31 pm

Doug, I wanted to share my personal experiences. First of you. My experience of you was a gentle man with a huge heart and with a magnificent goal of improving the world around him and his clients, two-legged and four-legged (and snakes without legs I suppose). I sense an urgency you have about that and I have made two contacts with the other vet I mentioned and trust that as a fellow jouneyperson with me that she will contact you soon.
My experience of myself, not just about this particular chapter that is the Leadership Program, but what I have experienced since I got involved with the seminars, staffing and the schools since 2002 is that BEING in it makes my energy level rise and my desire to serve greater and clearly improves my attitude. It runs over into my participation with people here...at work, at home and just generally in the world.
I am requesting that you look at the possibilities that being a part of the service project, in any manner you choose to participate, that can open for you. As you see fit.
Best wishes.

Paul
-Paul
05/16/2006 @9:19 am

Birth of the Shirts

The following excerpt was pulled from the LC3 online bulletin board:
Ok Team!...

I've had some creative juices flowing, after connecting with Debbie this evening and getting up to speed on the fundraising call earlier today...

T-shirts are awesome and I thought "Why not us?". So, to the drawing (computer) board I went... I've attached a word document with an idea for a T-shirt print. Certainly doesn't have to be THE one and any/all feedback is appreciated!I am going to place a call on Monday and see what the possibilities are to get a logo for Common Grounds that may be placed on one of the sleeves or front.

Anyone have thoughts on what we want to call our group? Are we "Portland LP"? or are there some other ideas out there? My request is to hear from YOU! In the words of Debbie "I'm So Excited!!"...are you? Feedback please!!

Dar

P.S. Let me know if I have incorrect state, or name spelling (want a different name denoted?), etc.


-Dar
05/08/2006 @ 2:53 am

Having it happen vs. how it will happen...

The following excerpt was pulled from the LC3 online bulletin board:
To everyone

I am very pleased to see the responses from so many people that want to join together in the Common Grounds building project.

I am writing this post to make myself very clear. I plan to be going to New Orleans and working on the medical clinic no matter what.

I think we should all keep in mind the principles of accomplishment that we heard in Portland. Making a commitment to having it happen vs. how it will happen (page 1-15). So what I'm asking for on this thread is for people to be clear about their commitment to making it happen vs. talking about how it's going to happen. The how comes later.

Your friend
Jim

-Jim
05/04/2006 @ 8:55 pm

Sunday, June 04, 2006

Physically Showing Up

The following excerpt was pulled from the LC3 online bulletin board:

"We have 42 days before most of us will depart for Portland for LP2. We have 6 weekends in that time period as well. We need a date to be set. I saw a reference to setting up a conference call. I request we look at our calendars while we are doing the mechanics so we can establish a date certain and period of time certain that those who are going to New Orleans can plan their trip. Can we align on a period of 3 days, including a weekend? I request that it be June 2-4. I request that we each check our calendars to determine if these dates are those with which we can align to show up PHYSICALLY to put up the walls and distribute our supplies and make our presence known."

-Paul
05/04/2006 @ 10:47 am

Roll Call

The following excerpt was pulled from the LC3 online bulletin board:

"I recall on Sunday of LPWE 1, there being 32 of us, 7 coaches (including Nancy) and I'm not clear that I'm seeing everyone posting on the threads. My interpretation was that we as a group would use this forum as our communication, and I also recall there being inquiry about "emails" as an option, however, not clear that was ever confirmed. I don't experience communication "with some" in alignment with my purpose and my goal is to create a result of all present and accounted for.

I request that if you're reading this thread, please reply with a "present" and put your name in your post. This thread will be posted for 24 hrs, at which time I will compare it to the list that was recently provided (the newest one). I will then make contact with those not posted and request a "present" reply be done within 24 hrs of connecting with them.

We have 45 days in our LP bank, before WE2 and I say "Let's Rock and Roll (Call)"!!

Dar

P.S. 45 days = 3,888,000 seconds!"

-Dar
05-02-2006 @ 9:18 pm

Purpose, Vision, Alignment

The following excerpt was pulled from the LC3 online bulletin board:

"In looking at page 1-10 of the handouts "Purpose & Vision Chart", this service project looks like this to me:

Our group purpose is:
"To creatively inspire change and contribute to others"

Our group vision will be (with pending alignments):
To assist the lower 9th district of New Orleans establish a medical clinic in their area

Our goals are yet to be determined but include areas of fundraising, actual building, medical equipment, support teams, documentation, communication and possibly others

How to/mechanics depend on goals and could be determined by specific groups.

I have alignment from the following individuals who have agreed to lead specific areas with the idea of weekly conference calls for each group that they are involved with.
Kelly Lauren Andrea
Stephanie Bart Debbie
Brant Kristina Jim K.
Steve Brenda
I have not yet received agreement on conference calls from Bernadette. If Bernadette aligns with conference calls, I propose that leaders arrange weekly conference calls with members of their group to create goals, timetables, mechanics for their areas and determine requests for the whole group. There can also be a weekly conference call for leaders to share ideas and put out requests to the larger group. Additionally, I will use the BBS to summarize information about the project overall. I am putting this out there to stimulate thoughts to produce a process to achieve our purpose and vision. All feedback is appreciate and requested at this time."

-Bart
05-02-2006 @ 6:02 pm

Defining Our Path

The following excerpt was pulled from the LC3 online bulletin board:

"Hello Everyone!

Without assuming that the project we have been discussing is in fact what we chose to do. I have begun to put together the questions that are a beginning to structure the logistics of our project. I encourage everyone to add to this list as the particular areas we are each committing to develop.

1. What days will we be going?
2. Who will be going and what will be their task?
3. Where will we stay, Tent City?
A. If so do we need to make arrangements for space or will we borrow the tents from the clinic?
4. What portion of the building will we undertake?
A. Will we have a backup plan if our fist choice falls through?
5. Who will know the building codes of the area? Will locals be available when we are there to guide us on this or will we be prepared?
6. Will materials be available at the site, at a local merchant or anywhere in the area?
7. If no materials locally where will we get them?
8. Will someone be driving a truck we can use, or will we need to rent one?
9. What tools and equipment will we need and will they be available? If not who will bring what?
10. With fundraising in progress, the need for cash will arise at the site, who will be in charge to handle this?

This address mainly the issue of the construction that we will undertake. The need for medical assistance and supplies I will ask that someone more qualified will get that going?

I see this as a opportunity for Terrell (aka T) to shine. Having been a military man, logistics is his middle name. T if we get in your 3 foot space, it's because we want to feel your presence up close."

-Warm hugs, Garry
05-02-2006 @ 6:02 pm

Learing More About Common Ground

The following excerpt was pulled from the LC3 online bulletin board:

"Hi everyone

I'm very glad to here some of the positive feedback for getting involved in a medical clinic.

I wanted to give you a little more information.
Common Ground has a place for us to stay for people who are willing to travel there.
They have most of the building materials available however are in great need of medical supplies.
Here is a website where you can look up some more information on the medical clinic.
http://cghc.org/history.html

By Wednesday I would really like to here from those of you who have read our messages but not responded. So far 9 of us have responded."

-Jim
04-30-2006 @ 1:25 pm

Conference Calls and Calls and Calls

The main contact that LC3 has had over the last six weeks has been conference calls, emails and an online bulletin board system. Here are some pictures of us in action:

Quincy makes good use of her hands during conference calls!







Kristina finds out that the only place to get a good signal with her cell phone is next to the sliding glass door.







Here is Bernadette taking a break from her vacation in Victoria, B.C. (Canada) to take part in a conference call on a Sunday afternoon.

Isn't It Amazing

Lorrie has created an "amazing" song for our group to use. Here is a portion of the lyrics:

(Isn't It) Amazing

Isn't it amazing, what people can do
A vision and intention can make a dream come true

Isn't it amazing, how when all seems lost
A little passion and we can rebuild trust

Isn't it amazing... Amazing!

Have a little passion, care a little more
Change someone's live forever
Forever more, isn't it amazing

We are a family, a community
We can create whatever our minds see
We are one world, we are connected
What would you do, if this was you instead

Amazing... oh... Amazing!
(all rights reserved 2006)