TARGET: responding to tragedies

[Marti Anderson <marti@inwave.com>]

Hello!

Last night, feeling the sadness and the helplessness in the aftermath of
the tragedy in Jonesboro, Arkansas, I was trying to think of ways that
LM_Net as a group could assist our friends and colleagues who live and
work in the places where tragedies occur. I then wrote a note to Mike
Eisenberg and Peter Milbury, our esteemed listowners. Here is my note
and their responses.

I wrote: I've been thinking about the tragedy in Arkansas and wondering
what LM_Net members might be able to do to help. I must admit I haven't
really come up with any good ideas. I *do* know, however, that at least
one longtime, active, and very helpful LM_Net member works for the
Jonesboro, Arkansas school district -- Suby Wallace. I sent a message to
Suby via private e-mail with my sympathy and an offer to help in any way
I can. Without a concrete idea in mind, I didn't want to clutter up the
LM_Net mailboxes, so I haven't sent anything to the list. However, I was
wondering if there was anything that LM_Net has traditionally done in
the past when tragedies like this occur. Any suggestions you might have
would be very welcome. Thank you for your time and thoughts.

Mike replied: "I think this is an interesting idea. How about raising
the issue in a form of brainstorming ideas.  Then, you, a few of the
vocal ones, and Peter and I can decide on 1-2 actions. Go for it!"

Then Peter replied: "I agree, go for it!"

Me again: I think with our large international membership that there is
probably at least one LM_Net member who is directly touched by each
tragedy that occurs in the world. Do some of you have suggestions for
how we might support our colleagues and friends in these times of
trouble?

I have had one idea since sending my note to Peter and Mike last night.
Perhaps we could set up a committee that could contact members who might
need support. We have a committee that takes care of netiquette issues,
but I know of no committee that takes care of these human needs. People
could contact members of the committee when they know of another LM_Net
member who needs support, and the committee members could take it from
there. Is that a workable idea?

Any ideas are much appreciated. If you are not comfortable responding to
the list, I will be happy to compile responses and post a hit. I will
include people's names, unless you request anonymity. Thank you in
advance for all ideas you might have!

:-)   Marti Anderson
mailto:marti@inwave.com
http://www.uwm.edu/People/marti/strat.htm Creative Thinking Strategies
http://www.uwm.edu/People/marti/activ.htm Creative Activities
http://www.widesmiles.org/useful/ Fun and Useful Sites for Families
substitute teacher, Janesville, WI Public Schools
seeker of a position as an elementary school library media specialist

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