[nagdu] Mentoring during convention

[Julie McGinnity]

Hi all,

NABS just started a mentoring project this year.  I suppose if this is
something we want to do, I could talk to the students in that division
who run that project and see how they are doing it.  I think it's a
great idea.

I see what Tracey and Sheila mean though.  We would have to make it
clear that the mentor's job is not to be a dog trainer or a parent to
the menty--but to offer support, answer questions, and be a friend to
the first-time convention goer.

I didn't know anyone in nagdu when I went to my first convention, but
it was very easy for me to get connected with people because I am
outgoing and don't mind throwing myself out there(especially when
there are dogs in volved), but a lot of people are shyer, and even
those of us who aren't would love the idea of coming to a new
convention with an instant friend.

On 7/14/13, Larry D. Keeler <lkeeler at comcast.net> wrote:
> I always try and mentor ahnd help those who seem to need it anyyway. During
>
> conventions I've always helped that way.
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Dmgina" <dmgina at samobile.net>
> To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users"
> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Sunday, July 14, 2013 12:37 PM
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Mentoring during convention
>
>
>> Just do what you feel is best for you and dog.
>> Then you will still be a team.
>>
>> Dar
>> Every saint has a past,
>> Every sinner has a future
>>
>>
>> On Jul 14, 2013, at 10:07 AM, Tami Jarvis <tami at poodlemutt.com> wrote:
>>
>>> Tracy,
>>>
>>> When I was having trouble with Mitzi at that now long-ago convention, I
>>> did notice that some people can be offensive as heck without really
>>> trying, and usually at just the wrong moment. It's hard to settle your
>>> dog when you want to bite someone. /lol/
>>>
>>> At the same time, others could say *exactly* the same thing in a way that
>>>
>>> was completely inoffensive and even helpful. I learned a lot from those
>>> people that I needed because I was a super new guide dog user. Well, I
>>> can still learn from people who know how to give information and tips.
>>> /smile/ Unsolicited advice given in the form of direct insult still makes
>>>
>>> me want to bite someone.
>>>
>>> I've been wondering if there is any sort of fomalized etiquette for such
>>>
>>> interactions between guide dog users? Or if one could be developed or
>>> something? I've been mulling that over since the topic came up and
>>> haven't gotten beyond a vague notion of a list of rules or something...
>>> Well, I've read my Emily Post, but you could never tell, so for me to be
>>>
>>> thinking etiquette is a little silly. But it's a thought that maybe
>>> someone can do something with?
>>>
>>> Tami
>>>
>>> On 07/14/2013 07:44 AM, Tracy Carcione wrote:
>>>> I think having mentors during convention is a good idea, but it would
>>>> have to be done thoughtfully.  As someone said, speaking of her
>>>> convention experience, there are people who think they know everything
>>>> there is to know about guide dogs, and are more than willing to share
>>>> their opinion with someone they perceive as knowing less, and that can
>>>> be obnoxious.
>>>> If my dog is acting up, and I'm trying to get him back under control,
>>>> and someone starts giving me unsolicited advice, which I probably
>>>> already know, well, I'd like to give that person a good, sharp leash
>>>> correction, too.
>>>> Tracy
>>>>
>>>>
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>>>
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>>
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-- 
Julie McG
National Association of Guide dog Users board member,  National
Federation of the Blind performing arts division secretary,
Missouri Association of Guide dog Users President,
and Guiding Eyes for the Blind graduate 2008
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that
everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal
life."
John 3:16