Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jana on February 10, 2012 at 11:26pm

I love the idea of a gathering Terri. Might we be bold and talk of a CANAAF gathering? Canadian Alopecians? And love the idea of linking it to a festival . . . Imagine a bunch of us at a folkfest!

Permalink Reply by Bald and Fabulous AKA Terri on February 12, 2012 at 11:00am

btflbaldgrrl... wouldnt it be wonderful. yes we should see if we could get enough interest and set up a huge canadian event annually. I love the idea of huge turn out of alopecians stepping out joining in an outdoor event with other people around, like a folkfest. Last year I did set something up in Edmonton. A Take me out to the Bald Game alopecia awareness night at the Edmonton Capitals baseball game. It went wonderful and working on right now to make it better this year. I found that I just didnt get myself enough time last year so Im starting early. I already might have sponsorship from a local radio station and tv station.

Permalink Reply by Jana on February 14, 2012 at 5:16pm

Terri . . . Thinking about this further. I am kind of fixating on bringing together, the organizers or group leaders in each community. I don't know how many of you already compare notes - or how you communicate with CANAAF - but we are just getting started here, in complement to the existing NAAF chapter.

One of the ideas that we have discussed locally is a walk at low tide, on a Vancouver beach. This could be appproached two ways. One is an action of support, in which we feel free to uncover our heads and enjoy the fresh air together. The other is an action of awareness, to which we invite the media. The latter raises some issues in terms of those who do not feel comfortable with media presence.

But what if we invited all - or as many as possible - of the leaders/organizers to Vancouver, and we did a beach walk together, and invited the media to that? We could invite someone from CANAAF, and that becomes part of the awareness element, but we could also have a meeting in which we talk about common action, and the process of setting up a local support group, so that we avoid those elements of "reinventing the wheel" over and over again?

What do you think? A simple activity that brings us together - we could find homes in which to stay, if that helped - and both promotes and allows us to strategize and support one another?

Permalink Reply by Gord Simpson on February 17, 2012 at 2:45am

Oh, loving, the folkfest idea. Imagine an Alopecian flash mob.

Permalink Reply by Gord Simpson on February 17, 2012 at 2:56am

Or have a whole bunch of us out dressed up as Mr. or Mrs. Clean to clean up a park. Motivational, environmental, community-based and it promotes awareness. Not to mention I think it's pretty funny. We could certainly get some sort of media coverage.

Permalink Reply by Jana on February 17, 2012 at 3:08am

Gord, I think we are appointing you official organizer of the summer activity! Lol. Alopecia flashmob. We have to work on that one!

Permalink Reply by Bald and Fabulous AKA Terri on February 17, 2012 at 6:54am

btflbaldgrrl - I think you should definitely do the walk on the beach and get a hold of whatever media that would be interested in showing up. From my experience last summer setting up the Take Me out to the BALD Game event, give yourself alot of time and try to get others to help. I hit the pavement and walked into tv stations and radio stations by myself. Would I do it again??? absolutely but what I found out is that most of these media spots need more notice than a couple of months to be able to help out. Also having gone to doctors offices and talking with other alopecians, which Im sure you found out already, some are nervous about stepping out. But with your passion for the event coming thru alot will step out with you. Go for it !!!! Im already working on the second annual awareness event here in Edmonton and just spoke with someone from the baseball club and a radio station. The more we do only the better
Gord - I love your energy and ideas.
I think its something definitely to try for is to get CANAAF aboard and work some folkfests across Canada and make a huge summmer events across our country.