Dear All:
Pres. Pagaduan is perfectly right on his estimates and time frames. It would be best to do the reunion during the dedication of Cebu Temple which could take place 2-3 years from now.
Here is my take on the matter of planning the event. We have to set long term plan (which is the ultimate goal of holding the Grand Reunion) and short term goal (which should address the ongoing logistical requirements).
1. The grand reunion should be a spiritual and productive gathering. We have to anticipate that attending the event would require a number of persons in the family (since majority have their own spouses and children already) along with the PDM RM. Unfortunately, not all PDM RMs have the resources to attend this gathering (which was earlier pointed out by Pres. Pagaduan) but do have the desire to join. To address this matter, we have to set this plan into a more organized undertaking.
a. Organize a more structured organization with its set of officers. The way of appointment is by volunteering through advertisement of vacant positions (i.e., President, Vice President, Secretary General, Finance Manager and Public Information Officer). I personally do not believe to have more officers than what I have noted to avoid chaos since more often than not, too many hands spoil the stew or to that effect. We do not want to appoint people since volunteerism would be more effective based on a self-motivated desire to make this happen.
b. To help the vital key persons (officers) in micro-coordination, we will then request for volunteers to act as Area Coordinator (i.e., West Coast-US, East Coast-US, Central-US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Island Pacific, Europe, Manila, Cebu and Davao - - which I believe are key areas where PDM Missionaries are now residing. Their primary role would be to personally call the PDM RM and establish contact, build database, update through telephone calls and/or even meeting the RM in person to discuss/update re the matter. This way, we establish a long-term contact with less effort and time. Also, they create a local circle of friends based on a common past of serving in the same mission. This is exciting.
c. We need to have a grander purpose of reuniting ourselves in this event aside from social aspect. I suggest that we make a charitable service which will be discussed later on upon establishing the organization (e.g., adopt a school, or college scholarship, etc.). In this regard, upon organizing ourselves, we could then later on become a Foundation operating worldwide based on our already existing bonds. We can call our Foundation as 99-02 PDM RM Foundation (or other name). You see, we do not only just socialize but we achieve higher purpose than meeting each other and putting our learned lessons in PDM into practice, which is to become a light to the world.
d. Thanks to Sis. Analee for that blog and I'd put a Yahoo Group where one can send an email to the group and broadcast any announcement regarding the Grand Reunion.
2. Nonetheless, we need to do something to jump start this endeavor. I have a couple of things that we could prolly start doing.
1. Set up the officers
2. Determine a tentative date.
3. design a "teaser" poster to be posted on stake centers where PDM RM might be residing.
4. invite anyone to design a website solely for this event, the web address should be easy to remember, accessible and full of information where visitors can immediately send an email or get the info in a heartbeat.
5. build a contact dbase, name, date of service, email ad, residence ad, and contact numbers.
We should be careful not to make this whole endeavor so tasking that everyone would lose the interests because it demands so much of their time but also watchful that we do not idle too much about it as well. We just chill and let things happen. The last thing we need is stress our already stressful life with unnecessary worries related to this event.
Lastly, with e-mails, what else is impossible to make this happen? hehehehe, yeah there is one thing that could make this remain just a dream, laziness and unwillingness to be a part of it.
Ciao guys!
I am volunteering to be the Vice-President.
Please feel free to forward this to everyone if needed. Thanks.
Jigs Segre
Philippines Davao Mission 2000-2002
