For the past six months, I worked on a political campaign.
That is NOT, however, what this post is about. I’m just letting people know that my posts were few and far between (and for awhile, locked up) simply because I didn’t want anything I had written on my personal blog to be held against my unbelievable boss, South Dakota’s 2008 Republican U.S. House candidate Chris Lien. Not that I had much to hide, other than my thoughts on why comic books aren’t just for kids and why men shouldn't have to put down the toilet seat (although I’m sure someone could probably find some way to turn that into sexism in one way or another…good thing I locked it up).
I served the campaign as the official “New Media Director,” running the campaign’s blog, social networks, mass e-mails, and other online duties, and I’m now pursuing new ventures, not necessarily politically-related.
That is NOT, however, what this post is about. I’m just letting people know that my posts were few and far between (and for awhile, locked up) simply because I didn’t want anything I had written on my personal blog to be held against my unbelievable boss, South Dakota’s 2008 Republican U.S. House candidate Chris Lien. Not that I had much to hide, other than my thoughts on why comic books aren’t just for kids and why men shouldn't have to put down the toilet seat (although I’m sure someone could probably find some way to turn that into sexism in one way or another…good thing I locked it up).
I served the campaign as the official “New Media Director,” running the campaign’s blog, social networks, mass e-mails, and other online duties, and I’m now pursuing new ventures, not necessarily politically-related.
I do, however, plan to continue a career in social media and online community-building in some way or another. One project I will be taking on (as I rashly decided in a light bulb flash of excitement last night) should be a really fun one and I would love input from anyone reading.
The plan is to create a (NOT-officially named) Young Alumni Sports Fan Organization of some sort for my alma mater, Augustana College. Augie is small and it’s in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, so don’t feel bad if you haven’t heard of it. Many people haven’t. By many people I mean millions of people. In fact, more people have probably heard of the band Augustana than the school Augustana…the band, unfortunately, is in no way related to my alma mater.
Anyway, the project will involve engaging recently graduated alumni who still have that fiery, “Augieholic” passion for its athletic teams but aren’t able to express that passion because they are sitting next to 94 year olds that don’t like when people yell things like “That’s garbage, ref!” or “Aiiirrrbaaallll!” (seriously…a woman once chastised us for yelling “airball” at an opposing player because “it’s just so mean”…I wish I could say I were kidding…).
The plan is to create a (NOT-officially named) Young Alumni Sports Fan Organization of some sort for my alma mater, Augustana College. Augie is small and it’s in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, so don’t feel bad if you haven’t heard of it. Many people haven’t. By many people I mean millions of people. In fact, more people have probably heard of the band Augustana than the school Augustana…the band, unfortunately, is in no way related to my alma mater.
Anyway, the project will involve engaging recently graduated alumni who still have that fiery, “Augieholic” passion for its athletic teams but aren’t able to express that passion because they are sitting next to 94 year olds that don’t like when people yell things like “That’s garbage, ref!” or “Aiiirrrbaaallll!” (seriously…a woman once chastised us for yelling “airball” at an opposing player because “it’s just so mean”…I wish I could say I were kidding…).
Since I'm not a student, I can no longer do things like this...
...but that doesn't mean I have to sit with people who watch games like this...
So...the plan is to get all of these “Past our Senior Year, but not quite in our senior years” students to sit in the same general location in the arena or gym rather than interspersed throughout the stands with James Naismith’s high school friends. The plan also involves creating a shirt, or various shirts, that have expressions like “Who needs class?...We’re alumni!”, potentially creating and maintaining an e-news letter, and, if we want to get really serious and it’s worthwhile, creating a social network on Ning for the group. We would also try to do real-life things like pre-game or post-game celebrations at a local sports bar on game nights (for football, pre-game tailgating, obviously).
I have every intention of making this happen and I’d be thrilled to see some comments with recommendations for which steps YOU would be sure to take if you were to create something like this. I’d also love to read your thoughts on what it would take from an organizer to get YOU involved in such an effort as a recently-graduated sports fan. Insight in both areas would be much appreciated and respected.
One great suggestion I received on Twitter came from my friend (and frequent blog-commenter) Holli, who mentioned that I should already begin discussing this opportunity with current Augustana College seniors in order to involve them next year. It was a great thought that I (hopefully) probably would have thought up on my own at some point down the line, but her input helped me rethink my approach immediately as the project, in my head, had been entirely alumni-centric until that point. While this won’t be an easy venture, I look forward to trying to make it happen and I hope you’ll be willing to share your thoughts on the matter.
I’ll be doing some more frequent posting now that I’m back in the personal blogging business, so I’m excited to get back in the rhythm of normal life. Hope you all are doing well, and don’t forget to leave your comments and thoughts!
One great suggestion I received on Twitter came from my friend (and frequent blog-commenter) Holli, who mentioned that I should already begin discussing this opportunity with current Augustana College seniors in order to involve them next year. It was a great thought that I (hopefully) probably would have thought up on my own at some point down the line, but her input helped me rethink my approach immediately as the project, in my head, had been entirely alumni-centric until that point. While this won’t be an easy venture, I look forward to trying to make it happen and I hope you’ll be willing to share your thoughts on the matter.
I’ll be doing some more frequent posting now that I’m back in the personal blogging business, so I’m excited to get back in the rhythm of normal life. Hope you all are doing well, and don’t forget to leave your comments and thoughts!
“I’m takin’ it back to the old school, cause I’m an old fool, who’s so cool…”
