Ex-pat group starting

Pride over progress?

The original stated purpose of the group was to help and support Expats on everything from funerals to record keeping. It seemed like a great idea, and something that was needed in Dumaguete for Expats trying to navigate the Filipino Culture unique characteristics.

To start arguing over the location to have the start up meetings or abandoning the group because it meets at McDonalds almost seem like the people have already adapted to the Filipino culture philosophy of "every man for himself, screw your neighbor for you own benefit and pride" philosophy.

The discussion on location almost reminds me of the Vietnam War peace talks which took years to start as soldiers on both side died because they could not figure out how to have the peace talk table arranged.

I went to the first meeting and the purposed seem to be hijacked to a charity organization. I think that has changed back to a support group for Expats now. Investing a hour to see if this group could give some value to some of us seems reasonable to me, no matter where it meets.

There seems to be a group vs group philosophy here in regards to forum and McDonalds. I am not sure I understand it. But when it comes time for me to need some help, I really personally do not care if the guy eats at McDonalds, or stays home on his computer all day on the forum. I will appreciate that there is someone I can go to for help. Just a thought, lay down the swords and focus on being a better society of Expats as whole, which has a vehicle for supporting each other. This could be the vehicle. Give it a test ride.

 

Some people have a need to be part of a support group while others do not have such a need. That is okay on both sides.
I remember when the 'Camel Man' passed away about 3 yrs ago there was a lot of scrambling trying to get funds to send the body back to the US and take care of things here. I heard the McDo crowd helped out a lot.
Personally, I do not wish to or have a desire to join the group but if a helpful need arises, I am willing to try and help out.

 

Maybe you could help to define the expactations at the meeting

That is a very reasonable request for information. I hope the group can define itself in writing. At this point in time it seems like they are just establishing the expectations of the members. That is what the start up meetings purpose seem to be. Although the meetings seem to holding their own for attendance, I am not sure at the pace of organizational direction is proceeding. Remember this is a room of Expats, all with their own idea as tow what is right.

I am not advocating the group yet as it has not defined itself fully, but I do advocate the concept of a support group for Expats here. Some sort of alliance between Expats, may cause us to be recognized and respected more with in the community. I would think that if you totaled the foreign money coming into Dumaguete through pensions etc, you would be surprised at the community economic impact. It would be similar to the OFW's with the expats receiving their monthly money here.

After reading the many complaints by the foreigners of abuse of the expats seem to feel they suffer, it seems wise to have some balancing act in the form of an Expat Alliance here in Dumaguete.

 

The stabs at McD's were just jokes. Hopefully the group would have a sense of humor.

We were just asking the purpose of the group.

A group to support expats sounds like a great idea. We should all have a bat phone we can pick up to send out a distress signal. And a group which would have the info (contact numbers to family and friends) to act on that signal could be very helpful.

An alliance for more recognition and respect for expats isn't something I'm interested in. I accept that I'm a visitor and that I can leave at any time if I feel unwelcome. Right, wrong or otherwise, I'm not even interested in any discussion beyond that.

A group which hasn't fully defined itself is also something I'm not interested in. If I'm going to join a group, I want for it to solve a specific problem which I share with others.

So, this seems to be some sort of social group. As Wrye83 mentioned, a lot of us are able to get out enough that we already have our friends and places we go where we can meet new people. For expats who aren't able to get out as much or live too far out of Dumaguete to get here often, then a set meeting time with a set location might make sense for the chance to spend time with like minded people.

The point is, you can't just say "we are starting a new group, please come" and expect people here to be interested. We all have our different interests. So, post the purpose of the group.

 

i went to the first meeting 9am at McDonalds , the second was to be 9.30 am the next friday my next door walked in at 9 and walked past the McD gang no one said hi we sat there till 9.30 no one came near us we had to find by a Mcs employie that its not on a
till 10 30 am at that meeting seemed to make sure that only a few were heard , next meeting was for next friday , then i read on this forum that its tomorow Tuesday the 18th .A friend asked at McD today and was told Tuesdays meeting was committee only,but a committie has been formed yet. stuffed if i know i think ill give it a mis. McDonalds USA ex pat support group. no hard feelings to my many USA good friends

 

I posted that the meeting was a general meeting today Tuesday the 18th. i was wrong. i guess i had a senior moment. I hope you wont judge the whole group for my mistake .

That said, there will defiantly be a general meeting on Fri. at 10:30 2nd floor McDonald's. The meeting will give everyone attending the opportunity to vote on the issues of, amount of monthly dues, what the members want the expat group to offer its members in the way of services and the like. Majority will rule.

 

EXPAT latest meeting on FRI.

Today the meeting went like this , they voted that dues will be P500 mo. payable mo. quarterly or yearly.

The name chosen is the Dumaguete expat association.

Anyone can join, it is not limited to expats, "that means anyone can join" your brother in-law, father in-law etc.

They will help "anyone" that qualify's financially with a legitimate medical need, and other types of assistance.

The current steering comity was elected to head up the group until December when they will have elections for a permanent board to serve for one year.

About 26 people showed up

 

sounds like that went well. congratulations. :-)