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This is for Northbay Squad’s Squad Leader candidate Dee Ellington’s opening statements, and answers to member questions. Please do not post questions or comments here. It is only for Dee’s opening statements, and her answers to member questions.
Next month will be my one year anniversary as Boushh of the Golden Gate Garrison. I remember how special it was to receive my approval during a “classified” North Bay event. I was amongst most of what is now The North Bay Squad. Prior to becoming a member, I assisted primarily as a handler & photographer since 2015. I have continued to support the Garrison alongside Vince and our daughter, an Imperial officer and our son, an Imperial Cadet. Along the way I met many of you, and in some cases your significant others, and your kids. I am proud to say that the North Bay Squad is an extension of my family.
We have done so much together to establish a name for the NBS. I personally helped to establish a presence and supported community events over the years, including all of the American Canyon events, Solano County Star Wars Read Days, and the Vallejo Mad Hatter event. All of which, would not have been a success without your time and commitment. In 2018, I plan to expand our footprint in the North Bay to create more charitable opportunities, as well as more trooping opportunities for all of our squad members. In addition, maintaining relationships with our existing event requestors across the North Bay.
Supporting events, in any capacity, has given me the opportunity to connect with members from all over the Garrison. By doing so, I truly believe this helps to create stronger bonds between the squads and its members. In 2017, I managed to support 50+ events across the GGG this past year. I am so appreciative of members that are willing to support the Garrison and its squads. I plan to continue to encourage and influence others to do the same in a positive way.
My mission is not to disrupt the existing culture of the NBS, but to build upon the camaraderie we already have with one another. I will continue to be active with my squad and available to listen and provide information. I would also like to explore the possibility of having more of a social media presence to showcase what a positive force the NBS has within the Golden Gate Garrison.
I have learned a lot and look forward to learning more. I’m going to need the support of a team that is prepared to make a difference. I welcome your questions and I am interested in hearing more about what you would like to see in a leader.
Question: As it pertains to armor/costume build parties, how often do you see them happening and how will you be announcing them to new recruits and Garrison members?
Answer: This is something we have done periodically and I would like to encourage more of. We have hosted build parties and opened our own home to this many times and so have other members in the North Bay. Build parties are always beneficial for new and existing members. We have a mentorship program through the GGG that encourages members in specific areas to help with new recruits and share with them build party information. As we receive information about new recruits that would certainly be a good time to plan build parties. These events can be communicated by word-of-mouth and posted not only for the NBS but opened up to the Garrison via social media/forums by any members. I’d be happy to help with the communication and support these events.
Question: 1-If you become NBS leader, how do you plan to balance your Work, Life and NBS duties?
Answer: Work, Life, Balance is a concept that is extremely important to me in my personal and professional life. I have been working for the same organization for 20 years and in management for 15 years. I lead my team with encouragement to have a healthy WLB so that they can be present for work and happy to be there. I have been in a partnership for 24 years and have a 21 year old daughter and 15 year old son. We learned very early on that WLB creates less stress and you live a healthier and happier life. We do not commit to things that we can’t deliver on as it affects other people. I only take on what I can and I would never accept responsibility for something that would not get the attention it deserves. Being able to balance everything comes with planning, organization, time management, and being supported by the people and resources around you. Being a part of the garrison is something we decided to do as a family and since we decided together, we support one another. My work is flexible and also supportive of WLB and they love what we do for our communities. As it stands, I support my squad and my garrison which is completely voluntary. I love trooping, coordinating events, getting together just for fun, going to Disneyland with other members, and/or just getting together for a movie. All of it is fulfilling for me and is actually all part of my WLB. Creating more space in my life for the NBS would be an easy transition and I would happy to do so.
Question: 2-What plans or ideas do you have for the coming up year ?
Answer:
• Find out what ideas you all may have for 2018
• Continue to support existing events in the North Bay
• PR to add more events around the North Bay
• Develop social media platforms for NBS
• Merchandising for NBS
• Coordinate more gatherings amongst the NBSQuestion: A “Costume Mentor” program was mentioned. This is something that I have never heard of, is it new?
Answer: I’m sorry you were not aware of the mentorship program. This is something that has been in place for a few years, and is posted internally and externally on our website. It was also posted on the previous forums. Having said that, if there is ever something you are uncertain of, please know that you would be able to utilize me as a resource to help.
Q: How does this program work?
A: Information is provided to the public that allows our very own Subject Matter Experts an opportunity to help someone become a member. There are also links available for someone who has started a build or is looking to start one. If someone expresses interest in joining the 501st by way of the website, Command Staff, friends, and/or family that live in the North Bay, that information would be shared within in the North Bay that would be able to assist them with their specific build.
Q: How would you go about promoting this?
A: I would start by ensuring that the members of the NBS are familiar with the mentor program, so that any of us could help someone through the process. I would also inquire within the squad, to find out who is interested in helping in this type of role and what their skill set is. I am someone who prefers more communication, and it would be my responsibility to push that information out to our squad. While the information is available through various outlets, I would also make sure we have that information easily accessible on our GGG NBS Facebook page and pin important subjects (such as this) so that it is easily accessible.
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