Comments on: Dancing: It’s Just Like Social Change

By: QWOCFF

QWOCFF — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 20:02:00 +0000

Well, then I feel like our organization is doing something right, we work hard and play hard. We have so much fun that local djs donate their time to our annual event, and say it’s their favorite party to play. We have fun and a sense of humor, something that is included in our working agreements. It was great to see this video, because sometimes we do special dances in the office: “just got a grant”, “good job/go team” , “teach me how to donate” (done to the beat of teach me how to dougie by cali swag) and “met our in-kind donations goal” dances, just to name a few.

By: Amy Sample Ward

Amy Sample Ward — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 08:11:40 +0000

Hi Bob-

Thanks for joining the conversation! You make a terrific point! Working for social benefit organizations or social change projects doesn’t mean it’s all doom and gloom, stress and anxiety – we need to be having fun, too! And this dancer certainly recognized that. Further, we need to be sure we create fun ways for our community, supporters, and those new to our work to join us!

Has your organization done something truly fun that really furthered your work? Have you found a way to be sure you are having fun at work?

Thanks again for adding to the conversation

By: Bob

Bob — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 19:02:54 +0000

Aloha everyone. I’d like to also point out that the guy was obviously having fun. I believe the desire to celebrate and have fun simmers just below the surface of most of our character representations to the world around us. We must continue to seek ways to allow people to have fun while participating with us. My best to you all.
Bob Bogle
Ama, Project Coordinator
Sustainable Ag and Community Building
dragonseyelearning.org

By: Megan

Megan — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 21:52:19 +0000

Thanks for your comment, Amy! I agree – it doesn’t have to be a really strange idea to be risky, and it always takes some courage to move in a different direction than others.

By: Amy Sample Ward

Amy Sample Ward — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 21:49:27 +0000

Hi Megan-

I love your addition – taking a risk is so important. And it doesn’t have to be scary! This is a great example of that: it *is* a concert, dancing isn’t unheard of; but no one else was doing it and seemed perfectly okay not doing so. Until he decided he was just going to do it anyway. And inspired so many more to join him. Taking a risk doesn’t have to be doing something entirely crazy, just a little more ahead of the group.

Thanks for adding to the list!

By: Megan

Megan — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 20:15:57 +0000

He did something else that wasn’t mentioned here – he took a risk! He did something completely different that most people would consider too embarrassing or socially risky to attempt. I think it points to the value in taking a leap into the unknown. Sometimes you’ll fail, but other times it will set you apart to create something entirely new and exciting.

By: Amy Sample Ward

Amy Sample Ward — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 15:27:49 +0000

Thanks, Kyle – hope you guys are starting the week off on the right foot with a dance in the office! 🙂

By: Kyle Reis

Kyle Reis — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 15:20:23 +0000

Is there a link between spontaneous dance and social change? Indeed. Thanks Amy!

By: Amy Sample Ward

Amy Sample Ward — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 13:52:01 +0000

Ben –

Thanks for this terrific addition! I think empowering our communities and giving them permission go hand in hand. As a campaigner, an organization, or an individual working to create change, it’s so important to remember that when you inspire others to take part, you do so publicly and genuinely – then they can really start dancing with you and bring their friends, too!