Accepting Responsibilities...

LSS · 08-07-2007, 03:51 PM

At my young age, I always worked with the college orgnaizations to help put on the annual Pow Wows. Working as a student, and with other students, it was always difficult to get people motivated to go ahead and make decisions early on about Head Staff. So, typically, it worked out well b/c on a limited budget from the university, it allowed us to go to those with free schedules and prioritize who we wanted to pay and who we wanted to invite.

Getting out on the pow wow trail a bit more than just the university pow wows and working with tribes/organizations who actually do their planning an entire year ahead (if not more) is quite awesome. However, knowing what we know in how the Creator sometimes work (and yes,...we never really know how he works) it is often difficult to make that committment to a person/group/committee.

So, when someone comes to you and ask you to serve as a part of their Head Staff...MC, AD, Head Dancer, Host Drum... how do you make your decision on whether to take the honor?

LSS

Zeke · 08-07-2007, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LSS

So, when someone comes to you and ask you to serve as a part of their Head Staff...MC, AD, Head Dancer, Host Drum... how do you make your decision on whether to take the honor?

I find out who is ultimately responsible for the dance. That's first, ALWAYS first.

1. If I don't like the name? "I turn them down."
2. If I like the name? "I consider it, based upon priorities."

But if you cannot tell me who is ultimately in charge, that means you don't know. That's when people wind up getting SHAFTED.

A lot of folks like to say "committee this" and "committee that," so they don't have to be accountable. At that point, I want to know who the Committee Chair is, so I can send them through the rule filter found above.

CHEROSAGE · 08-08-2007, 02:27 AM

When I'm asked I check with my family to make sure our calendar is clear for that date. If our calendar is clear I will accept. I, too, like to know about the Committee and give or ask for contact info.

Mazola · 08-09-2007, 02:37 AM

Definitely need to know the committee. It's also good to know what kind of honorarium is available before the decision is made (lest you end up in some crack HOtel in the middle of a major metropolitan area).

WhoMe · 08-23-2007, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CHEROSAGE

If our calendar is clear I will accept.

CHERO,

This is how I begin too.

I also take my job as a big consideration before I accept and invitation.

So far I am for sure going to a powwow in Cali in September and Nashville in October.

CHEROSAGE · 08-28-2007, 02:43 AM

I have been taught that if you are asked and IF you are available you should accept if at all possible. I have been taught and have passed this along to my children that you accept without asking for any accomidations or money. If you are given accomidations and a monetary gift that is icing on the cake. I was told along time ago that you do your best to honor your family(entire, whole family, even extended family) when you accept a position.

when asked I take into consideration am I able to get to the local and home on my own, am I able to get off from my job, do I have another commitment etc.. I have had to decline positions with reluctance and apologise for not being able help. I just this weekend had to decline a position in KS because I have am going to Ottawa Tribal Celebration in Miami OK over laborday weekend. My family is committed to be there each year we can.

Zeke, see you there!

**wardancer** · 08-28-2007, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CHEROSAGE

I have been taught that if you are asked and IF you are available you should accept if at all possible. I have been taught and have passed this along to my children that you accept without asking for any accomidations or money. If you are given accomidations and a monetary gift that is icing on the cake. I was told along time ago that you do your best to honor your family(entire, whole family, even extended family) when you accept a position.

when asked I take into consideration am I able to get to the local and home on my own, am I able to get off from my job, do I have another commitment etc.. I have had to decline positions with reluctance and apologise for not being able help. I just this weekend had to decline a position in KS because I have am going to Ottawa Tribal Celebration in Miami OK over laborday weekend. My family is committed to be there each year we can.

Zeke, see you there!

I was taught this way as well !

Zeke · 08-28-2007, 10:00 PM

I have a tendency to evaluate things before response.

Sure, it's an "honor" that someone thinks of you, but there are people and organizations that I would say "no" to without knowing anything beyond who is involved.

Of course, there are people and organizations that I would say "yes" to without additional analysis.

But I think we've all been made to feel foolish, before. So, I am rather careful.

**wardancer** · 08-28-2007, 10:26 PM

I agree....This is how I was taught. When I was taught this , I was pow-wowing predominately in Oklahoma.....Things are different up here , so as with many traditions and beliefs , I have adapted. A bit of research could save embarrassment.

**FluteMaker** · 08-29-2007, 12:33 AM

ive not played west of the river yet, doubt that'll happen anytime soon either, but i first make sure i can back up a commitment to be there and to an extent i also like to know who it is im dealing with. compensation is nice to help with gas money but for the most part i just like to play. and its not like my name on the bill is going to bring in a whole bunch more people

ndngirl70 · 09-24-2007, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CHEROSAGE

I have been taught that if you are asked and IF you are available you should accept if at all possible. I have been taught and have passed this along to my children that you accept without asking for any accomidations or money. If you are given accomidations and a monetary gift that is icing on the cake. I was told along time ago that you do your best to honor your family(entire, whole family, even extended family) when you accept a position.

I was also taught the same thing. My family will make sure that they are there to support me. Even if the powwow is alittle "sketchy" I will usually agree, hoping that I am able to "raise the bar". I have had friends attend powwows that they wouldn't ordinarily because I was Head Lady.

08-07-2007, 03:51 PM	#1 (permalink)
LSS Sappling! Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 871	Accepting Responsibilities... At my young age, I always worked with the college orgnaizations to help put on the annual Pow Wows. Working as a student, and with other students, it was always difficult to get people motivated to go ahead and make decisions early on about Head Staff. So, typically, it worked out well b/c on a limited budget from the university, it allowed us to go to those with free schedules and prioritize who we wanted to pay and who we wanted to invite. Getting out on the pow wow trail a bit more than just the university pow wows and working with tribes/organizations who actually do their planning an entire year ahead (if not more) is quite awesome. However, knowing what we know in how the Creator sometimes work (and yes,...we never really know how he works) it is often difficult to make that committment to a person/group/committee. So, when someone comes to you and ask you to serve as a part of their Head Staff...MC, AD, Head Dancer, Host Drum... how do you make your decision on whether to take the honor? LSS __________________ To get a true picture of your purpose in life, you only get the whole picture when you listen with your mind, your ears and your heart. This way The Creator has a direct connection with you and only you...no outside interference. When you follow the will of IT that created you, understanding that your purpose is not for you...but for IT and all that IT has created, there can be no wrong except failure to be obedient. Only then do we jeopardize the gifts we are given. Its not the final destination that defines us, rather the journey taken!

08-08-2007, 02:27 AM	#3 (permalink)
CHEROSAGE Pow Wow Committee Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: , mo Posts: 1,342	When I'm asked I check with my family to make sure our calendar is clear for that date. If our calendar is clear I will accept. I, too, like to know about the Committee and give or ask for contact info. __________________ BOB

08-09-2007, 02:37 AM	#4 (permalink)
Mazola Tiny Tot Dancer Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Dirty South Posts: 44	Definitely need to know the committee. It's also good to know what kind of honorarium is available before the decision is made (lest you end up in some crack HOtel in the middle of a major metropolitan area). __________________ Ask me why you should breastfeed for your health, your baby's health, and for the health of the next seven generations.

08-28-2007, 02:43 AM	#6 (permalink)
CHEROSAGE Pow Wow Committee Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: , mo Posts: 1,342	I have been taught that if you are asked and IF you are available you should accept if at all possible. I have been taught and have passed this along to my children that you accept without asking for any accomidations or money. If you are given accomidations and a monetary gift that is icing on the cake. I was told along time ago that you do your best to honor your family(entire, whole family, even extended family) when you accept a position. when asked I take into consideration am I able to get to the local and home on my own, am I able to get off from my job, do I have another commitment etc.. I have had to decline positions with reluctance and apologise for not being able help. I just this weekend had to decline a position in KS because I have am going to Ottawa Tribal Celebration in Miami OK over laborday weekend. My family is committed to be there each year we can. Zeke, see you there! __________________ BOB

08-28-2007, 10:26 PM	#9 (permalink)
wardancer Don't be skurred ! Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: S.E. Kansas Posts: 11,291	I agree....This is how I was taught. When I was taught this , I was pow-wowing predominately in Oklahoma.....Things are different up here , so as with many traditions and beliefs , I have adapted. A bit of research could save embarrassment. __________________ *I believe blood quantums are the governments way to breed us out of existance !* *Never wrestle with a pig....you both get dirty and the pig likes it !* Have A Stress Free Year ! The parties over...Back to work ! I'm not as good as I once was , but I'm as good once as I ever was !

08-28-2007, 10:00 PM	#8 (permalink)
Zeke Self-Righteous Injun Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 539	I have a tendency to evaluate things before response. Sure, it's an "honor" that someone thinks of you, but there are people and organizations that I would say "no" to without knowing anything beyond who is involved. Of course, there are people and organizations that I would say "yes" to without additional analysis. But I think we've all been made to feel foolish, before. So, I am rather careful.

08-29-2007, 12:33 AM	#10 (permalink)
FluteMaker PowWows.com Addicts Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: somewhere between chicago and DC, what day is it again? Posts: 2,458	ive not played west of the river yet, doubt that'll happen anytime soon either, but i first make sure i can back up a commitment to be there and to an extent i also like to know who it is im dealing with. compensation is nice to help with gas money but for the most part i just like to play. and its not like my name on the bill is going to bring in a whole bunch more people __________________ No bomb is smart enough to not kill the innocent.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Accepting Bids on Crown and Sash	Micki	Beadwork	0	01-13-2007 05:32 AM