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Before a performance, small groups of an orchestra practice together. An orchestra is made up not of a large organized mass of individual musicians, but is an organization of groups -- string section, horn section, etc.
Our movement, being Internet based, is more complicated than that. In an orchestra, these sections all sit together. Sure we could all simply go to local group meetings, and we should. But that would be like a violin player, a pianist, and a trumpet player getting together for practice. If they practiced the symphony, that would just mean they would each take turns performing their part, while the others stood by and watched. They could kick out some interesting abstract Jazz, and that might be good, but it doesn't help them with the symphony.
We as a movement are relying on you, the soldier in all this, to "form up". Noone in the middle knows where you are supposed to be sitting. They'll know how to conduct, once you are there, but they can't show you to your seat.
A DIALOGUE:
Ask yourself, about yourself: Who, What, Why, When, Where, How?
Who do I know better than an average Joe off the streets. Do I have any special contacts? Who else here has contacts like that? They are in my section. I should talk to them about how to use these contacts.
What do I want to achieve? Who else thinks the same things are more/less important as I do? They are in my section. I should talk to them about our mutual goals.
Why am I doing this? Who most closely shares my core values? They are in my section. I should talk to them about how to communicate those values.
When am I available? Who can I work with in real-time? They are in my section. I should talk to them, because fast interaction helps make progress more rapid. (Also, are there any ongoing things that I could do for someone who is not available when I am?)
Where am I? Who else is nearby? I should talk to them. They are in my section. Hold local meetings, even if there is nothing to do in your local community, you and your neighbors are your own support group. Even without an agenda, you can help each other on a personal level, and you'll know someone is around if and when you need some good old-fashioned neighborly help.
How can I help? Who else has the skills that I do? They are in my section. I should talk to them, to exchange tips and tricks, and to help them when something heavy needs to be lifted.
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