Interesting Experience in HP Group Today

Well, some of you know I decided to help plan an activity at church. It’s a rather large activity, and I’ve been tasked with coming up with five activity areas at the event.

I was asked to go to the HP to help. Since I’ve done a lot of work with trying to get people to do things over the years, I decided to use an “opt-in” list. I explained how the Bishopric asked me to be on teh committee, the big picture of the event, and then presented the opt-in list. I explained what needs to be done, constraints, parameters, etcetera, and then give everyone an opportunity to check off the items from the list they feel most passionate about, interested in, or just plain willing to do. The items are usually broad in description, allowing room for creativity and empowerment. They give me the sheet after the meeting, which gets around the awkwardness of asking people to do things, and then have no one raise their hands…it also gives them time to think during the lesson.

I did that today, and was given a few minutes in our HP group to explain needs. I passed out 9 opt-in lists. No one gave one back to me with their contact information or willingness to help with anything. The HPGL then asked specific people if they were going to be at the event — after my own presentation. One replied “Yes, but I don’t want to do anything to help with it.”. Two others replied they would be there, but didn’t volunteer. Two wrote down my contact information. One came up to me at the end with all kinds of ideas for me to pursue…but no willingness to do anything himself.

I told the HPGL afterwards that if no one wants to help I have backup plans. Backup is to call people I know (parents of my kids) and get them to help me. Failing that, I’ll put it back on the committee to give me suggestions about people I might call (or they might call) to help on the day of. I will get all the resources and paraphanalia there. And failing that, I’ll just do it all myself (often happens in volunteer contexts).

We’ll see what happens. Since I don’t have a long-term stake in a “calling” I’m not frustrated, like I used to be. But on the other hand, the lack of enthusiasm is also reinforcing my decision to take a break from church service for a while. I’m having flashbacks!!!

The other thing to remember is that I haven’t contributed much to this HP group, don’t usually attend that meeting, and am not a full fledged member of the Ward. Therefore, with no relationship or track record of contribution, it’s not surprising no one wanted to help. Relationships are critical, and I haven’t really worked very hard to create any. So, this may be my just reward.

Comments? I’m assessing why no one opted in. This opt-in method has worked very well in HP Group quarterly planning on hard issues like missionary work, temple, service projects. So, I am trying to figure out why it didnt’ work here.

It could be the relationship, could be lack of desire, could be they need to think about it for a couple days to decide what they will do. I thought a lot of the things could be fun to some people — setting up a nerf archery range, ping pong, a do it yourself photo scenario. There’s no asking your friends to take discussions, no home teaching visits, just sheer execution.

Maybe I’m off base, but I think its probably a lack of desire and the fact there is no relationship.