Loyalist New Agenda discussion

[Rover]

Originally Posted by RSLfrontrowfan

My comments aren't meant to be antagonistic (so don't take them that way), simply another perspective from someone on the "outside".

I think this is the kind of analysis that can be very helpful. It isn't always fun to hear, but it is useful in evaluating how the Loyalists are doing. In the interest of full disclosure, I'm a Loyalist (dues paid, no shirt) and care very much that RSL has top-notch supporters groups. I want us to set the standard for the league--ALL RSL fan groups should be first class.

Look, I don't pretend to know all that's going on in and around games. I'm out of state, and I've only seen RSL play in person at the HDC. So I can't comment first hand on the problems mentioned. All I know is what I read on the boards, and we have to pay attention when someone wants us to understand that we are considered elitist.

Coming into the season I thought it was inevitable that new fans would eventually want to do things their own way and would form their own supporters club(s). I think that's healthy, actually, so long as everyone can work together to create a true curva nord, where all groups coordinate on the important things while retaining their own identities and styles.

The whole Loyalist/RCB thing was really odd to watch from a distance, since I figured new groups would form anyway and couldn't figure out where all the angst was coming from on both sides. Now I see it more clearly since there were clearly a series of misperceptions on both sides. Everything became reactive. No wonder nerves are still raw about this.

I'm not about to criticize any group, since there's already been too much of that. But my unsolicited advice to everyone is to look to the future and both plan for and fully support the formation of new groups. By that I mean we should all recognize not only that groups will form around different styles and interests, but that this is as it should be since there is a limit to the number of core members you can have. Think of it as strength in diversity overall while retaining the familiarity within groups. Or maybe a loose confederation of independent groups rather than a federal state.

I am not posting this to say I have any particular insight or that the tremendous effort shown by the founders of these groups has been wasted. On the contrary, I think RSL fans have blown the league away, and I want to see us continue to lead the pack in team support. RSL has exceeded expectations of all the "experts" in attendance, passion, and quality of fans. I have nothing but respect for those who have provided the leadership for the rest of us to follow. You've built something great.

I think there's room for everyone with this club. We're fortunate to have so many who want to be a part of RSL. If we plan on a big tent, we will fill it.

[taytay33]

Originally Posted by Aerick

Weird, my wife did the same thing on the 4th. "I want one of those shirts", at which point I introduced her to the family membership of the Loyalists (was hesitant to do so before she came to a game).

Back to the topic:

I agree with Bordy's post. What suggestions do we have to make ourselves more welcoming? It's good to know we have a problem (I wasn't aware, I thought we were all one happy family). I for one, felt like an outsider for the first month or so, but realized that it was MY responsibility to get in there and socialize if I wanted to be a part of the group. Sure Deuce made me feel more welcomed at my first tailgate. And a few people said "hi" at the first Iggy's watch party I attended. But, for the most part, because this is still a new group, and we don't all know each other, it does feel a little awkward at times - sometimes even forced, if I dare say it.

The thing is, perhaps we can have a "new member" VP or Secretary or whatever you want to call it, whose responsibility is to welcome the new members, inform them what it's all about, encourage them to be involved (forum, tailgates, etc.), and introduce them to others in the group and the group culture - and we do have a culture, make no mistake. It may be a big job for one person, so perhaps two or three might be better. I can guarantee we'll have a higher "retention" rate if each person is taken "under someone's wing" at first.

However, this shouldn't absolve each person their own personal responsibility to be actively engaged in trying to fit into the group they've joined and become acquainted with it - in my opinion.

There has been something to get people involved proposed. I'm not sure who's idea it was, but they were saying we should have a booth at carnival Real and have the whole day be a "Join the loyalists day". We would invite people to come sit in out section, hand out chant sheets, have shirts there for people who sign up that day, ect. I think this would be a good way to show people that EVERYONE is perfectly welcom in section 32!!!

[bordelais7]

Originally Posted by RSLfrontrowfan

I'm not here to tell the loyalists what to do. I decided to steer clear of the whole loyalist vs RCB fiasco while it was really heated. Now that things have cooled down I just thought I'd share what other people have mentioned to me about the loyalists and what my experience has been as a section 37 "outsider".

Thanks for bringing up the subject. I was just hoping that you could help out with ideas (since you said that you feel a little "left out" yourself), or maybe even some specifics of why the Loyalists may be regarded as "elitists". You don't have to respond if you don't want to, but understand that your input would help tremendously in attempting to remedy any problems.

I'm just a little confused as to how such a group could develop that reputation in such a short time. Were people specifically told not to join? I kind of agree with Mr. Cup's comments and am a bit confused.

[montgjules]

Originally Posted by taytay33

There has been something to get people involved proposed. I'm not sure who's idea it was, but they were saying we should have a booth at carnival Real and have the whole day be a "Join the loyalists day". We would invite people to come sit in out section, hand out chant sheets, have shirts there for people who sign up that day, ect. I think this would be a good way to show people that EVERYONE is perfectly welcom in section 32!!!

The "Join the Loyalists Day" was my idea, as was the whole "committees" to delegate leadership idea, along with about a dozen other ideas. Loyal Leaders never discussed, or as far as I remember, even acknowledged those ideas, so don't get your hopes up. I guess if they want to change things, they'll tell us. :dry:

[Rover]

Originally Posted by montgjules

The "Join the Loyalists Day" was my idea, as was the whole "committees" to delegate leadership idea, along with about a dozen other ideas. Loyal Leaders never discussed, or as far as I remember, even acknowledged those ideas, so don't get your hopes up. I guess if they want to change things, they'll tell us. :dry:

Well, they happen to be very good ideas--particularly the committee concept. We could use some delegated authority as the group grows.

[bordelais7]

haha...poor jules. everyone has her on "pseudo-ignore".

...and frankly, it's probably for the best... :hah:

[Aerick]

Jules' post on the free exchange of ideas was a great one, and I still fully expect for some, if not all of those things to be implemented over the course of the next few seasons. First things first, the powers that be need to meet and/or discuss those ideas and prioritize them, and then get started. It may be that those same powers that be actually have jobs that require them to pay attention at work, though. 😉

Perhaps some of these things can be discussed at Iggy's this weekend? The way I see it, is that either the officers responsible are a) either too busy to get to these things right now, or b) don't like the ideas, and are just ignoring them. I believe it's more the former. If that's the case, it makes sense to start with the delegation of responsibilities first - if that's something they find to be agreeable. That way, the delegates can begin to work on the remaining ideas. If enough of the officers were to show up in one place at the same time, we could perhaps take 15 to 20 minutes making nominations and elections for these delegated responsibilities. As Glenn has mentioned before, perhaps it should happen at a tailgate. The only problem with that is that I'm usually there to eat, and not everyone shows up to do so. My suggestion would be for them to discuss what positions or delegations they would like, and then to do delegate nominations and elections via email.

[montgjules]

Did bordelais7 say something?

[Merrill]

I've never gotten into any of the infighting and crap that's been circling. I barely even see it, because I don't bother visiting the threads that, obviously by their titles, contain the stuff.

However, I have been trying to find a way to get things going in a positive direction. Ways to make our group better. Ways to turn our crowd into the best crowd in MLS and one of the best in Pro Sports. I want that to actually happen.

I thought the Loyalists, in particular (No slight to RCB, I still don't really know the difference between us other than who wants to belong to which), and supporters clubs in general, were the way to go.

It doesn't seem like we're going anywhere at all. Loyalists are stagnated, RCB is still trying to become completely organized. Nothing is going anywhere. I'm frustrated like crazy.

We have great ideas coming from all sides, and all we need to do is get organized and get going on them, but they're not going.

So I say this: Does anybody care anymore? Or are we all just here to snipe?

I for one want to get things going. Recruiting people, making the section rock. Involve the rest of the crowd. Will it happen? Or should I start my own supporters club too?

Can we please let it lie, and move forward with our ideas?

(I get the feeling I'm a Thread Killer. The one Bordy's been looking for. When I post about stuff, nobody else cares. We'll see what happens to this thread I guess.)

[taytay33]

I think you guys need to have an official meeting. Sit down and talk about it.