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I'm not advocating cutting back on any activism, particularly for those who are able and have the desire to get out every week. However, I have been told privately by some chapter members that one of the reasons they are no longer involved is because the chapter was requesting too much of their time and some made them feel bad if they didn't go to every function or event. Heck, I've seen this attitude right on FR threads and it can be very destructive.

With that in mind, allow me to rephrase my point. Chapter leaders need to be aware that there are differing levels of committment among their members and need to keep it top of mind when they with they request to get out and FReep more often than their members are able. Continually pushing people to put in time they don't have is a sure way to burn them out and drive people away. They need to temper their urge to market every event as "you absolutely HAVE to be there" and save it for those times when an event is absolutely critical. Otherwise, for the serial events a good approach is "We understand if you can't make it but would love to have you!"

I'm not suggesting this is what happens in your chapter, but I do know it goes on in others.

Bob, we don't expect anyone to show up, those who can will, those who can't won't, street theater is not eveyones cup of tea. I know a lot of Mass, NH, and,Maine Freepers face to face, very nice people, but the Idea of going out and getting in somwones face is not their thing.

We, who do get out, stand in proxy for them. As RaceBannon asked me years ago, "How many FReepers did you get out?"

I said," About five."

Race said, "About average."

Bob J, and others, we had about 60 people there at the counter-demonstration. We had 2 leaders, SeenTheLight and comwatch, who helped figure out logistics; HighRoadtoChina had put together a brochure about Iraq and why we oppose Saddam so strongly; and I had put together a Fact Sheet refuting the most common protest points one by one. We all talked to reporters, since as you know they don't like being steered to 'spokespeople.' We have some PR expertise in our (nascent) chapter. so we were able to get the word out on local AM radio as well as via FR. So I think we were as organized as a truly grass-roots effort can be.