Attention 501st Members - A thought regarding the ongoing 501st elections

[Art Andrews]

I am posting this here as I suspect 501st members are most likely to be in this forum.

Albin, founder of the 501st, recently made a fantastic post about leadership in regard to the ongoing 501st elections that 1) truly shows why Albin is held in such high regard, but 2) also touches on a point about leadership that I hold as the MOST important aspect of leading; a leader is a servant. A leader serves their community; spends a great deal of time and energy seeking out needs in the community and finding ways to meet those needs. Serving does not always mean giving a community what it claims it wants, but having the wisdom and the foresight to recognize what it truly needs and providing that to them.


Why am I bothering to mention this? I am not a 501st member. I won’t be voting in the elections. However, YOUR vote will affect not only members of the 501st, but due to the ever-expanding and overlapping nature of our communities, communities that I do serve. With that in mind, I would strongly recommend you consider the candidates carefully and choose who will best serve your community.


If I were voting, I’d be voting for Kris Kuipers as your next LCO. Why? Because Kris IS the type of service-oriented leader that Albin described. You may be asking yourself “how would you know?” While I may not be a member, I do keep up with 501st goings on and do watch to see the directions it moves. While no one is perfect and I am well aware that some people got their feathers ruffled by his approach, Kris’ approach to leading your community not only matches Albin’s description of what your LCO should be, but Kris has a long-term goal and vision for the group that is unlike anything I have seen, but that I think is absolutely necessary for the club to not only survive, but to thrive. One has to keep in mind that the landscape of our hobby is continuing to change. More and more outside groups are springing up and flourishing and do we even need to talk about the Disney buyout of LFL and the changes that are continuing to slowly trickle out from that? Again, Kris has these things firmly in mind and his vision for the future of the club is an inclusive one, which is only going to continue to become more and more important.


The charter for the 501st places the future of the club in YOUR hands. YOU are responsible for choosing who will serve you. Think carefully on that as you go to vote and again, give Kris careful consideration as I truly believe that he is the leader best suited to take you through the next year.


Art


Posted by Albin, founder of the 501st, on Facebook:

Well it's that time of year again: elections.
I had a few treatises prepared for laying out my philosophy on how Garrisons should operate and some pointers for Garrison Commanders. I will probably post those soon. In the meantime, though, I think it worth a few minutes to post about the election process and leadership.


Leadership is a big word and if you ask a thousand people what it's all about you'll probably get a thousand different answers. Some will focus on integrity, some will highlight the need for intelligence, others will go with compassion, or proactive thinking or strength or wiles or delegation of authority or good planning skills. We could go on with decisiveness, diplomacy, enduring patience, ability to stay calm in chaos, people skills, and quick thinking. And so on and so on.


Other discussions of leadership look to the trappings of authority. Bookshelves are lined with biographies of leaders with heroic poses on the cover. The media likes to talk about leaders like they're celebrities, modern day royalty. We have images of leaders on horseback, leaders holding a sword, leaders going down with the ship, leaders damning the torpedoes, leaders making a brave stand. Our pantheon of heroes is full of hero figures.


But let's cut to the real center of this nugget. Leadership is about service, plain and simple. And any of the above descriptions are added onto that like toppings on a sundae. We can dress it up any way we want, but it's about SERVING those who elected you.


Service is a far less sexy ideal. It's about spending long hours doing the dirty work no one else wants to do, making hard decisions that make you stay up at night, tweaking the last little detail of some boring, mundane work-a-day process that keeps the lights on and the engine running so the membership can do their jobs.


It's like hosting a big party, but you never get much of a chance to join in because you're so busy keeping the party going so the gang can have fun. It's about refilling the chip bowl, running to the store for more beverages, switching out the music to keep the mood light, working on the lights so there's brilliant dazzling effects, talking to the loser in the corner who has no one else to talk to but you gotta do it yourself because he's there for the party too and ****** someone's gotta keep the train rolling. It's cleaning up the sick in the bathroom after one of your guests yacked, then driving him home yourself while the hotties at the party are exchanging digits, only to come back and find out you're on clean-up detail and there's no guarantee folks are going to stick around to help.


Leadership isn't about being a winner, or about titles or any b.s. about authority. Authority is what you EARN by giving everyone five seconds of your time to consider their needs, then giving them a fair shot by working it out to make it happen. If you can show people you put in the hours and try to make the Legion stronger and better, then by god they'll look at you like you ARE authority. Oh, I don't mean make everyone happy - no, no - that's never going to happen. You are going to disappoint some people, it's inevitable. But if you can put together policies that take an hour to think about and then 10,000 hours to make good on, then at least the people you disappoint can look back at your work and consider maybe (just maybe) you had a good reason for doing what you tried to do.


What's this all about? I see it every year. People stick up their hand and volunteer for a leadership position. To me, that's just saying "clean-up on aisle four? I got this!" but instead a lot of that finery I talked about in the beginning of the post is what they act like is important. People get mad at each other, snipe at each other, resent their friends for running against them. Should we really let real-world politics trick us into acting like that? Is there really that much at stake that tempers flare and egos get bruised?


Here's all I'm saying: I see a lot of nominations being accepted. And nothing makes me more proud than to see people grabbing mops and heading to aisle four. But please consider the truth that that is what you are signing up for. If you're looking to be a Squad Leader or a Detachment Leader or a Garrison CO or a Legion Commander then go get some heavy duty work gloves on and be appreciative of the epic people standing next to you on the election podium. They are not your enemy. They are your greatest allies, people who are willing to say they have mop-experience. You are a breed apart (uh oh, I'm starting to wax inspiring about leaders, after all that) but you are a breed apart because you want to serve. You want to discuss some hard (and boring) topics about what you think could be improved in the Legion, and you want to talk about it for a long, long time with people who will frustrate you, bore you, insult your intelligence without meaning to (or meaning to!), and carry on and on and on.


Because there are thousands (THOUSANDS) of Star Wars fans out there who listened to the drum beat of the 501st Legion and joined, saying to the world 'we want to be awesome' and it's your job to keep their party going. Not your party, THEIR party. Whatever you do from this point on, do it with humility and patience and a never-ceasing urge to make their lives better. Not your vision of utopia, visions are nice but they can be dangerous if you block out everyone else's vision. You try to see their vision too. You call those members up in your Garrison (the ones who no one talks to) and just say 'hey buddy, how can I help you find your place in this family'. Don't email them, call them, pick up the phone and talk to your people. Connect. If you spend so much time on this that you miss out on actual trooping events, that's not a crime - but at least make sure your work makes THEIR trooping events better. And guess what? You'll be called a hero for it.


And to you voters out there, forget the fanfare, forget the popularity contest - if you're a 501st member reading this then expect more from your leader than a hard sell or a familiar name. Expect them to be the kind of leader you deserve. And whoever gets elected, you support the heck out of them for as long as you can.


So here is my call for all candidates to carry out the mission of leadership in the spirit of selfless service, and do so early by conducting yourselves like true leaders long _before_ you're elected. The party has been going on for over sixteen years now, getting cooler every year. Let's keep this party rolling.


Good luck and Long Live the Legion

 

[CMANavy]

501st rule about the 501st- don't talk about the 501st politics outside the 501st.

 

[R2Dan]

Lucky for Art that he's not a member and therefore not bound to any 501st rules

 

[Gphalen]

I agree with your stance on a leader. Any good leader of any decent groups is exactly that, they do the crap no one sees no one thinks of or no one wants to deal with, they handle minor or sometimes major disputes between members enforce policy and the like, however they are or at least for the most part should be selfless. there entire job as "Head" is to ensure the future of the community.

However as a so-so member of the Canadian Garrison of the 501 legion if their policy is to leave their politics in there own yard than id probly follow it!.

Not that it will effect me in any form, as I said im a so so I do nothing im given nothing I expect nothing lol. Heck if I have made more than 3 posts in the past 3 years on the 501 website id be amazed, did speak to a few of the officers in my local area about membership and such but that was forever ago I think before I even knew what the rpf was. Glad I found this site and community.

 

[ozz]

This is a very inappropriate post. Tho I feel that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, there is more than just one qualified runner.

This is really not a place for this kind of discussion. This is a prop forum. Not a place to voice personal opinions in support of canidates for any organazation you are OR not not apart of in this case. Some come here to get away from the politics that rob 501st members of the fun of being a member.

 

[Art Andrews]

501st rule about the 501st- don't talk about the 501st politics outside the 501st.

Conveniently, I am not a member, so that rule doesn't apply to me.

 

[Art Andrews]

This is a very inappropriate post. Tho I feel that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, there is more than just one qualified runner.

This is really not a place for this kind of discussion. This is a prop forum. Not a place to voice personal opinions in support of canidates for any organazation you are OR not not apart of in this case. Some come here to get away from the politics that rob 501st members of the fun of being a member.

I have no doubt there is more than one qualified runner. In fact, I believe there are 6. However, meeting the minimum qualifications is not quite the same as being fit to lead, but I am not here to knock down the other runners, only to give my opinion that Kris matches Albin's description quite well in regard to the type of leader the 501st needs and that Kris has shown before that he is willing to push the club forward in a positive direction.

In regard to this being inappropriate... LOL. Come now. The 501st is one of the biggest Star Wars prop and costume communities out there. To a greater or lesser degree, they have an impact and influence in this particular area of the hobby and the person in charge has a great deal of influence in regard to the direction that community takes. You don't necessarily have to be a 501st member to feel the ripples of decisions made within the 501st. That is why this is EXACTLY the right place for this to be posted.

Now... I will agree with you. I hate politics in our hobby and some of the very nasty politics of yerster-year are the reason I never became a member of that club. However, because of their role in this area of the hobby, as much as I hate the politics, I have come to believe that silence is equal to consent.

 

[Gatekeeper]

In regard to this being inappropriate... LOL. Come now. The 501st is one of the biggest Star Wars prop and costume communities out there. To a greater or lesser degree, they have an impact and influence in this particular area of the hobby and the person in charge has a great deal of influence in regard to the direction that community takes. You don't necessarily have to be a 501st member to feel the ripples of decisions made within the 501st. That is why this is EXACTLY the right place for this to be posted.

I'm a 501st member, and the original post came as a bit of surprise... didn't expect that anyone outside the Legion would take much interest in, or even acknowledge the elections.

So, the first question that popped up in my head was - what's in it for the RPF? Is this particular candidate more prop-friendly? Does he have a firm punitive stance on recasting?

I have been in this hobby for something like ten years, and became interested in costuming and the 501st later. Personally, I've always wanted to keep the two separated, as there are some, shall we say, "ideological" differences in opinions between the communities. For the record, I have always preferred the views generally promoted on RPF when it comes to, say, recasting, among other things. As there are powers within the Legion that will not condone copying and stealing the work of others, I wish to keep the two hobbies apart. Naturally, the both do intersect and relate to eachother, but not to such an extent that their respective policies would interfere. Unless one wants to.

Also, don't know about the LOL... in a sense, it is perhaps not too appropriate to "interfere" in the internal functions of another organization. On the other hand, we're not talking about meddling with national security. And, as has been pointed out, as a non-member you are not bound by 501st rules, and posting is free, so I don't see a particular issue with that.

Still, I wonder what the RPF community will gain if this particular candidate is elected... with all due respect, I just don't buy this sudden concern for the 501st leadership values and virtues. Unless Kris is a very, very dear personal friend of yours, and you wish to help his campaign, I believe there is another angle somewhere in all this. What gives?

 

[ozz]

The reason I say "innapropreate" is because this post could be concidered the same as "trolling". The 501st elections get pretty heated and opinionated and sometimes, down right mean. This post WILL bring up arguments, hurt feelings and the such. Like I said: I personally come here to get away from things like this because it is not allowed. I hope I am not wrong.

Art, Please reconcider this post staying up. I don't want to see such a great site turn into a mud-slinging arena.

 

[Art Andrews]

I'm a 501st member, and the original post came as a bit of surprise... didn't expect that anyone outside the Legion would take much interest in, or even acknowledge the elections.

I do take interest in it because I think it is in the best interest of what I call the "greater prop community" (basically, anyone interested in props or costumes at all) to do so.

So, the first question that popped up in my head was - what's in it for the RPF? Is this particular candidate more prop-friendly? Does he have a firm punitive stance on recasting?

It isn't so much about what is in it for the RPF specifically, but again, what is in it for the greater prop community. I have no idea of Kris' stance on recasting or even props. What I do know is that he has a strong stance of 1) inclusion and 2) pushing things forward within the 501st community and organizing it in a more professional manner. Now, some don't like that, but given what is happening with LFL/Disney, this is actually a really big deal and again, because there is so much crossover in various communities and that tenancy to crossover is only continuing to grow, this does, in numerous ways have the ability to impact outsiders. The question you should be asking isn't "what is in it for the RPF" but "who can best serve not only the Legion, but also make in-roads with other groups so that we can have greater unity?"

I have been in this hobby for something like ten years, and became interested in costuming and the 501st later. Personally, I've always wanted to keep the two separated, as there are some, shall we say, "ideological" differences in opinions between the communities. For the record, I have always preferred the views generally promoted on RPF when it comes to, say, recasting, among other things. As there are powers within the Legion that will not condone copying and stealing the work of others, I wish to keep the two hobbies apart. Naturally, the both do intersect and relate to eachother, but not to such an extent that their respective policies would interfere. Unless one wants to.

There are definitely ideological differences among various clubs and communities... of that there is no doubt. There are many issues I stand in stark contrast to when it comes to the 501st. However, those differences shouldn't make us xenophobic and we should always remember that despite our differences, at our core, we all have a passion for the same thing.

Also, don't know about the LOL... in a sense, it is perhaps not too appropriate to "interfere" in the internal functions of another organization. On the other hand, we're not talking about meddling with national security. And, as has been pointed out, as a non-member you are not bound by 501st rules, and posting is free, so I don't see a particular issue with that.

Still, I wonder what the RPF community will gain if this particular candidate is elected... with all due respect, I just don't buy this sudden concern for the 501st leadership values and virtues. Unless Kris is a very, very dear personal friend of yours, and you wish to help his campaign, I believe there is another angle somewhere in all this. What gives?

Kris and I are acquaintances. We have spent enough time for him to share his goals and visions for the community as well as to explain some of his past efforts (some that failed and some that succeeded.) I don't think either of us would consider each other "personal friends." In regard to their being something else... I don't know what to tell you aside from what I said above. This is nothing more than an extension of what I do here on a day to day basis, try to serve the community to the best of my ability because I have a passion for the community, but my passion doesn't end at the borders of the RPF. I love the greater prop community and when and where possible want to help it thrive by creating more collaboration among the various groups.

Also, for the record, I can't remember if I posted anything here or not, but this is not the first time we have endorsed a 501st member. We have endorsed Kris before as well as Bob G for a position within the 501st. I suppose my only answer back to you would be, if we feel there is someone that would serve the community well, why would we remain silent about it?

 

[Art Andrews]

The reason I say "innapropreate" is because this post could be concidered the same as "trolling". The 501st elections get pretty heated and opinionated and sometimes, down right mean. This post WILL bring up arguments, hurt feelings and the such. Like I said: I personally come here to get away from things like this because it is not allowed. I hope I am not wrong.

Art, Please reconcider this post staying up. I don't want to see such a great site turn into a mud-slinging arena.

ozz, believe it or not, this is about the 4th revision of my post, edited down considerably so it wouldn't be trolling or touch on negative subjects. Anyone who knows me, knows I have very strong feelings on this matter, but I am trying to focus on the positive.

I can assure you of this; you won't see mud-slinging here, from me or anyone else.

 

[Gatekeeper]

Art, thank you for elaborating. Guess I will have to learn to take things at face value and not reading too much into things...
As for the differences in philosophies, I'm with you on the xenophobia thing - that's exactly why I choose to keep my RPF and 501st involvements apart, to avoid possible conflocts of interest.
Cheers!

 

[Art Andrews]

Art, thank you for elaborating. Guess I will have to learn to take things at face value and not reading too much into things...
As for the differences in philosophies, I'm with you on the xenophobia thing - that's exactly why I choose to keep my RPF and 501st involvements apart, to avoid possible conflocts of interest.
Cheers!

I can't blame you. In a world where there so often are ulterior motives and private agendas, we have all become a bit more skeptical and wary (and we should be). However, "sometimes a cigar is just a cigar" and this is one of those cases.

Reading through Albin's post (which I thought was one of the best I have read in a long time), made Kris' approach and view stand out to me all the more. If Kris doesn't win, does it mean we wouldn't work with whoever does? Absolutely not. I want to see our communities continue to gel no matter who is at the head of the 501st, especially since that head changes EVERY SINGLE YEAR! But I do think Kris would be a great choice and would serve your club very well.

 

[Broilermaker]

I can't blame you. In a world where there so often are ulterior motives and private agendas, we have all become a bit more skeptical and wary (and we should be). However, "sometimes a cigar is just a cigar" and this is one well.

I am not a member of the 501st though i do have helmets etc, i humbly voice that prehaps what happens there should stay there, it is ashame when we were children we had to dress as our elders wanted, i notice in that club of grown ups they approve or not the costume the members make, it is a shame that they have to get permision to dress and play being a stormtrooper etcetera, let them do what they want, it doesnt affect me in the least, i have some clovis points to make

 

[Wes R]

The 501st is a very confusing place to me; having to vote for people to run it; the strict rules over the gear for the storm troopers which makes it seem like a very unwelcoming community but i know they're not the only ones out there with such rules about okaying costume parts. But i agree this post should stay up as it also helps us non-501st members of how the other costuming communities work.

 

[joshvanrad]

I am not a 501st member and I certainly don't want to sound like I'm bashing them. Consider me slightly naive since I have never been in the group, but as an outside observer I have always wondered about the exclusivity aspect. Would it be such a bad thing to have someone who is willing to expand the boarders a little bit?

 

[Laspector]

I am a 501st member (8 years now) and believe me, the politics can be brutal! When I joined I would have never believed a costuming club could have so much dirt that gets dug up! Personally, I stay away from it. I troop when I can, but that's about as far as I take it these days. I know people that are staff members and such and I wouldn't trade places with them for the world. If I had to deal with what they deal with, I would be gone in a heartbeat.

I understand those jobs are important and someone has to do them, but that kind of stress I do not need.... My hats off to the people who can do it.


As to the exclusivity of it, there is just a standard of costume to be upheld, simple as that. No more no less.

 

[tubachris85x]

I will say that one particular person that is running again has caused only problems, and created a "good o'l boys club," and will certainly do so again if re-elected.. Not really in line with the message of leadership he was for some reason paired with, which really disturbs me. I just hope for the sake of the Legion that anyone but this particular person is elected again.

There are a lot of good people in positions of authority in the group, but there are also just as many bad-apples who only really care only for themselves and their "buddies," doing whatever they want, ignoring the protocols and legion charter. They take command for all the wrong reasons at the expense of the legion's members.

 

[Stinkape]

I can't blame you. In a world where there so often are ulterior motives and private agendas, we have all become a bit more skeptical and wary (and we should be). However, "sometimes a cigar is just a cigar" and this is one of those cases.

Reading through Albin's post (which I thought was one of the best I have read in a long time), made Kris' approach and view stand out to me all the more. If Kris doesn't win, does it mean we wouldn't work with whoever does? Absolutely not. I want to see our communities continue to gel no matter who is at the head of the 501st, especially since that head changes EVERY SINGLE YEAR! But I do think Kris would be a great choice and would serve your club very well.

Agree ART !!
Long live the 501st. !
and the RPF !!

 

[Redboykliq69]

Great Post Art….Totally agree and will be supporting Kris again.