This topic contains 5 replies, has 6 voices, and was last updated by 
BeccaDay 12 years, 11 months ago.
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At the last WGA event I attended at Pike Lake State Park, it appeared that there were a number of circles of closed discussions (Some people in these discussions should be aware of the ears around them, given some of the conversations). I understand in a group of any size that cliques will form. However, I found it a bit troubling that the newer faces seemed to be literally on the outside looking into the activities.
What will you do if elected to try to make the WGA more welcoming and inclusive?
The only thing to do, I suppose, is to lead by example. Heck, I’ll talk to anyone.
It’s been my experience that to help with that issue is just to bring the outsiders into the circle (not necessarily the middle). On the forums we’re pretty good because there’s no face-to-face communication, but in person there’s a shyness factor.
“Clique-iness” doesn’t necessarily happen because we don’t like someone, a lot of the time it starts because “these are the people we know the best so that’s who we talk to” After a while you don’t notice other people inside the same group as much because “Why would you?” This type of behavior is easy to handle just by being aware that it occurs.
If a group is being intentionally “members only” and restrictive, then we might have to have a “chat” about public etiquette.
For the most part, being aware that it happens/has happened/will happen is the best defence. Being reminded of the possibility also helps. Just by bringing this question to the Candidates Corner has probably helped out quite a bit for the next couple of events.
Boy was I rambling….hope this made sense….
At the events, I usually get to meet most of the new cachers, I usually have my laptop ready to load the local caches from GSAK to anyones GPS that needs it. Most of the seasoned cachers are ready to go, but the newer cachers that are still loading by hand get a big help. I have also helped others with GSAK questions. at Pike Lake we helped members get their new TB’s logged and loaded for the race. This is a good way for me to meet the new cachers that might feel like they are on the outside of the circle.
Thanks for the question Braid Beards Gang
At WGA events, I have had the role of checking people in or selling shirts or collecting money for the chili .. that at some point, I ended up talking to most everyone attending.
From leading the various Geo 101 classes, it has opened doors where a new geocacher will the come up to me at a later event and say ” I remember you” .. so it has given them the connection.
All it takes is anyone walking up and talking .. and I have asked friends I know to make a point to “hey can you go over” because I am doing something else at the time .. just to check in on people.
I remember my first geoevent (2009 Spring Campout at High Cliff). Eventhough I was surrounded by other cachers, I had a hard time going up to anyone and starting up a converstion.
Remembering that feeling of what it felt like to not be a part of the larger group helps me to look around for people that a little uncomfotable or out of place.I’m for the idea that the “seasoned” cachers try and take along new cachers to help introduce them to our larger group and give them up a few pointers to put them at ease. This doesn’t have to be an offical event…just be open and friendly.
No one should feel like they aren’t a part of this big ol’ caching family.
At one time or another we were all standing on the outside looking in.
Following the signals from space.
I know what you’re talking about. I haven’t been geocaching that long, just shy of 3 years, so it wasn’t that long ago that I was the newbie looking around and hoping someone would talk to me. I suppose it helps that I’m a friendly person and talk a lot but I do usually spend quite a lot of time talking to people both new to me and cachers who have gotten to be very good friends in the last few years. At the last WGA picnic I sat at the registration table so I pretty much talked to everyone. I had such a blast doing that job! You can pretty much count on me to do that job (unless someone else wants a turn!) at any WGA event in the future because I had so much fun doing it.
On a somewhat related note, you have no idea how much it means to me that geocachers have not only talked to me but my family at events. Her whole life my daughter has been so shy it is almost debilitating. For whatever reason she has come out of her shell somewhat at geocaching events or during group caching and actually speaks to people that she hardly knows. That is such a huge step for her, you can’t imagine! I think that, like me, she has found a group of people that she can relate to. This really means so much to me and I appreciate the friendliness of the geocachers that have helped her feel more comfortable around people at social events. Thank you!
Not all who wander are lost. -J.R.R. Tolkien
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