Regional Forums?

[Lisa Salberg]

We have some individuals who will become "HCMA Regional Reps" in the near future.
This is a quick poll -
Would you be interested in having areas of this message board dedicated to your "region"?

The purpose of these forums would be to allow communications on regional events and other regional issues.

Your input will help us make the HCMA better for YOU!

Thanks
Lisa

[cheerchicken05]

Re: Regional Forums?

I think that would be really neat. I dont know of anyone around here with HCM, and its more personal to talk to someone who you know lives by you. just my opinion!

[Burton Borrok]

Re: Regional Forums?

Dear Lisa,
If you need somebody in this area, here I be. Happyto help.
Burt

[Ronnie]

Re: Regional Forums?

Lisa,
I think it's a Great idea! Any way to offer more Support & Info, expecially to somone who is newly diagnosed or considering Surgery. I spent too many years suffering ALONE-no one should have to feel the way I did.

[Reenie]

Re: Regional Forums?

I'd be willing to talk to people in my area.

Reenie

[Lisa Salberg]

Re: Regional Forums?

Ok - Next question -
Should it be by state? by region of the country? Lets think about this...
Your input will help!!!

Lisa

[Midge Rollins]

Re: Regional Forums?

Lisa, if you want an x-hcmer I will still fight for the cause.

[Largehearted]

Re: Regional Forums?

I'm game to help in my part of the world!
Leon

[Laoshur]

Re: Regional Forums?

I think we need one for Beijing!

Rhoda

[Reenie]

Re: Regional Forums?

I say region. For instance, I am in IL, but I'm actually closer to Iowa. We could sort of feel out who is close to whom and go from there? For instance, I got to meet SheliRenee when I was in California. That was reallyl great! Her little guy is awesome.

Reenie

[swinand]

Re: Regional Forums?

Would it be possible to do a scatter diagram and see where there are population centers, then draw some sort of boundary around each expanding it a necessary to capture the membership? Rather than strictly geographic or political boundaries because some may have a large population vs. another with very few. You could do geographic or political, but the larger centers would probably require a larger amount of support that could disadvantage other centers due to limited resources. Food for thought. Steve.

[Burton Borrok]

Re: Regional Forums?

I think it would be best setting it up as ‘centers.’ That way people could pick the ‘center’ that is most convenient for their own needs. Also, if they are traveling to a different location on vacation or for treatment, or whatever, they could tap into that ‘centers’ postings while they are there.

I just hope it doesn’t detract from the overall board’s postings. I think those postings are vital, especially for the people who first come across this site. Perhaps the centers should be confined to subjects and questions pertaining to that center alone, and of no interest to anyone else. Anyway, that’s my thoughts on it.
Burt

[mtlieb]

Re: Regional Forums?

I love the idea of having Regional Reps to help coordinate in person with local HCM'ers for treatment, meetings, social gatherings, etc.

What i envision is a newly diagnosed member, who's already confused and somewhat scared... preparing for their first trip to Boston or Cleveland for tests and treatment, which can be daunting. What a great thing it would be for us to have someone there with them... pick them up at the airport, help them find their way through town, let them know what to expect, assist them in any we we can... but most of all, just to have them meet another HCM'er face to face. And for those people a little further along who are looking at surgery, a local rep could be invaluable.

Regional forums... i have mixed feelings about. I think it would be a great idea as long as it was kept as nothing more than 'announcements only'... upcoming events, who's going where and when, coordination of travel and lodging, that sort of thing. Everything else should stay on the main board. For information sharing, we want to reach as broad a population as we can, and when one of us has a question about HCM, it really doesn't matter whether the answer comes from Boston or San Diego. It's the internet... it's all the same.

Dividing up regions will be tough... i see the merit of making them center-based, but on the other hand there's lots of us 'in the middle', or without a major center at all. Perhaps for now, just give each individual rep their own forum to moderate, and add or subtract from there. There's just no way to get it right the first time, so don't worry too much about that. Take your best educated guess, and let the people fall where they may, so to speak. You can fill in the gaps as necessary.

[Lisa Salberg]

Re: Regional Forums?

Thanks for your thoughts and input. The Board of Dirctors is meeting in a few weeks and we will discuss some options, I will report back with out findings!

keep the input coming!
Lisa

[Burton Borrok]

Re: Regional Forums?

Well howdy,
Anybody visiting Las Vegas who might need my help while here is more then welcome to contact me. I would be happy to do what I can to help. I live in Henderson, but that’s only about six miles from The Strip.
Burt