The Program
 

This is sort of a question and I would like to hear some opinions. Our leader is annoyed that people are not bringing in calorie sheets and is tired of doing the Program part of the meeting. So, any one who doesn't bring in a sheet has their name put in a draw and if their name is pulled that have to present the program. I don't think this is right or fair. Before I say anything I want to know who is responsible for the program part? This is especially not fair to some of the older women or the people who are not used to speaking in front of others.

Thanks

The answer to your question varies with chapters. In ours as leader I am responsible for programs. But I don't have to do them all. I try to encourage people to volunteer but sometimes that is like pulling teeth. Right now I have 2 members that do 1 program each once a month. This coming month I have another lady that volunteered. But I start meeting and they do their thing and I finish up meeting. We are having a guest speaker at end of the month. As leader you have a responsibility to be sure good info is given out so it would be foolish to try to make people do a program if they don't want to. A good leader tries to lead. Not push people to do things they are not comfortable doing.
I encourage and reward those that bring in food charts. But the food charts are for their benefit and to help them. I will not try to make them do it. I am always telling my group that they will get out of TOPS what they are willing to put into TOPS.
I see no reason why you can't talk to her about it. But do it privately first. I don't know if I have helped or not. Just do what you feel best for all the chapter members

In our chapter, we have a program chairperson. She sends a calendar around and people sign up for the week that they want to do the program. Its worked out pretty good. Different people are doing the program and we are getting different views. Everyone has something to offer, but some of them don't have the confidence they need to volunteer.
Those who give the programs are doing it on a volunteer basis. We never insist that they do it, but we encourage them to do one.
Some of those that are shy and don't want to speak in front of everyone, are learning that they can do it, too. And we give them a round of applause.

Nita

Linlin,

I agree that you can't force people to do the food charts or the programs. If she forces them like that then you could see some people drop out of tops altogether because they don't want to do a program. That is a terrible way to lose people.
We try to encourage people also but we don't get anyone that is willing to do a program. Hopefully in the fall when we get things back to normal again with the meetings then we can get people to do it. But for now the leader and myself (co leader) are responsible for the programs.
You can ask someone if they want to be in charge of setting the programs up and deciding what you are going to do. But it is not right to force them. Because it won't work.

Good luck with it. Let us know what happens.

Summer,

Sounds like you had a great time at IRD. I am so happy that everything was so beautiful considering all the fires you have had out there. It sounds like the IRD went off without a hitch. And that you really enjoyed yourself. You deserved it. Did it motivate you to get back on track?
You can do this. You are a KOPS so I know it is possible. Just put your all into it and think of you again. Make time for summer during your hecktic day. You can do this. I am thinking of you.

Eleni,

That is great that you are going to take piano lessons. It is great to be able to fulfill your dreams and desires. You are right there is no sense in putting it off. Just do it then you will be happy because you did it. I have never heard of teaching a group at the same time either. I thought they always did it individually. I hope you really enjoy it. When do you start?
You can pick yourself back up again and start over. Make today your start over day. You can do this to.

I did great yesterday until I had a brownie sundea last night. That ruined everything. My scale was down now it is back up again. So today I am going to do a lot better. It doesn't seem worth eating the stupid thing now you know. I was happy with the scale going down. Now I have to work even harder to get it back down. But it was me that shoveled it into me no one else.LOL

Have a great day today everyone. My friend and her 2 kids are coming over today to swim after I get done with my cleaning job. So it should be a fun afternoon. Then I will go to curves tonight. I have been for the last 2 nights. So I am doing better at getting there more often also.

Sherri

Thanks for the ideas. I think I will talk to her on Tuesday. I like the idea of those who want to volunteering. No one should be forced. Some are talking about quiting if this happens.

:wave: Hi everyone,
this is my first post here, but I wanted to say that I agree that people shouldn't be forced to give the program because stage fright can be a terrible thing and may cause some of them to drop out if they are forced. I once dropped out of a college class because I was going to have to make a verbal report at the end of the session and that terrified me.
I am queen of my chapter and since we are travelling for the summer, my summer TOPS class leader asked me if I would do her next class and share some of my ideas with her class since I am a successful "loser". I chose the topic "portion control" since that is something I have always struggled with. I got information from the web concerning USDA recommended portion sizes and the food pyramid. There is so much information on the web for people to discuss at class.

229/150/150
TOPS chapter Queen 2001-2002

Congrats on being queen. It is always good for us to hear from those that have succeeded. Please join our group as often as you like. How long did it take for you to make goal