FRG Question

[Aquatica]

I hold a position in the FRG and was curious if anyone else had issues with the Leader not doing anything? Since joining last November, there hasn't been any functions. I've met with her multiple times, with other members, to brainstorm activities, fundraising opportunities, and to build a support system but nothing. Another member and I have offered multiple times to assist where she needs us but I haven't heard anything even when continuing to reach out.

How would you go about approaching her on this topic? I'm nervous since it's the CO's wife and I don't want the hubs to have any repercussions at work because of this.

Thanks in advance!

[amaristella]

First, it depends on how the leader was picked. Was she a willing participant, like a volunteer? Or did it fall on her shoulders and she's not really that interested? That would make a difference in how I would handle it.

The other thing is I wouldn't leave a meeting without actually setting up the activities. Usually it's just a matter of deciding, what activity, what day and time, and how to get the word out. And from there you can volunteer to handle the e-mails or whatever.

[Aquatica]

The way she talks about it, she was volunteered for the position. Before, she was Batallion treasurer, then her S/O was appointed CO of the company. Before, she seemed very enthusiastic and would talk about ideas/brainstorming for hours then when it came to hosting/doing the function, radio silence. I sent her an email to meet up and get something going, but no response.

I like your idea of not leaving without a plan, and getting the distribution set up. I'll talk to her about handling the e-mails or writing the e-mail, sending it so she can c/p to send out.

[amaristella]

If she was only the treasurer before then she might not be so hot about being more in charge now. I know I wouldn't like it too much. Treasurer is actually the only officer position I've done for an FRG and that was plenty enough for my taste. Some people like me are not great organizers in social situations so you do kind of have to nail everything down and have details decided pretty specifically. Maybe even a target date for invitations so they don't go out too early or late.

[audette]

I've been in the position of having been voluntold I'd be running an FRG. Not my choice, and I sure as hell didn't have the time/resources to do the job properly... In my case, it was a situation where there literally was no one else available (I had no one willing to step up to take on any of the other offices, even). I did the best I could, and would have welcomed the help of someone else.

What I might suggest is that you do the footwork. Figure out a location, availability, cost, etc. Basically pre-plan out the event, and bring it with you to the next meeting. If it's a done deal, she's more likely to go along with it. If she's busy/not entirely capable/not happy in the position/whatever, having someone approach with all of that together should be enough to get something going.

[Aquatica]

amaristella: That's my position currently and this is my first FRG (plus first duty station) so I'm nervous of not overstepping my bounds. I'm not great in social situations either, more of a behind-the-scenes kind of person as well. Thank you for the ideas, I'm taking notes!

audette: I believe that's the situation here as well. I was voluntold to my position too but the perks of volunteering is worth it in the long run (volunteer hours look good on a resume).

Thank you for the ideas! I'll work on getting a pre-planned event going on and see if that helps. I'm meeting with a member today so I'm sure we'll get something started to present at the next meeting!