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Note: The PDF files are scans of original print-outs, so there may be slight variations (eg, Inspire cover page).
1.
Field to Table leaflet
2.
Action Plan for employer
3.
Wonder Washer flyer
4.
Inspire
5.
CRTC letter
6.
Environmental Design essay
1. Field to Table leaflet
In spite of being a social recluse, at
the time, I wanted to help spread the word about Field to Table's great community food program. So I created a leaflet, without
realizing FoodShare / Field to Table has its own flyers. I distributed copies of this self-made leaflet throughout my building,
and to the surrounding neighbourbood. Depressed and unbalanced, I was hell-bent on promoting anything I believed in. (Note: Most of the text is FoodShare's, but I added a few points.)
Field to Table leaflet
2. Action Plan for employer.
After three years of unemployment, my
first job, in 2002, was shortlived: the company went under. Although the work being done by the company was for the non-profit
sector, the company, itself, was privately owned. As with so many jobs, I never got paid. My second job was a fluke: I landed
a waitering job. Yet, the restaurant was new and struggling to survive. I presented them with a 5-page Marketing Action Plan,
hoping they might be less inclined to fire me (*gulp*). I was the least capable of their wait staff, for one thing, and I
had also created trust issues with fellow staff because I kept taping and locking my backpack. On the other hand, some customers
seemed to like me. I'm only posting the last page of the proposal, as they are still in business. They did use many of my
ideas.
Action Plan for employer: Page 5
3. Wonder Washer flyer.
I had once used a non-electric washer,
some years ago, so I searched the internet and managed to find this one. Thinking that other laundromat-users could benefit
from this great product, I created a flyer and posted it in various locations. (Note: There are some minor misperceptions
that go along with this particular outreach effort, which stem from what I perceive as being a mindset gap between environmental
vs. social activists.)
Wonder Washer flyer
4. Inspire marketing proposal.
I managed to get hired by a funky restaurant
in the queer district, but this place was struggling. Thinking this might be a chance to 'mix things up a bit' and help generate
more business by attracting a more diverse clientele (plus, I'm not the best waitress), I put forward this 5-page marketing
proposal. [Edit: I forgot - it was actually eight pages: one page was for brainstorming, and the other two
had roughly drawn ideas on them. I didn't keep a copy of these for myself.] The former owner is a queer woman of colour. Throughout
the time she ran the place, she had never paid herself a salary. The restaurant was upscale and costly to run. It was mostly
frequented by gay men, and I was the only female server. I've written before about economic disparities across genders - both
straight and queer. My feeling is that, if the owner had heeded my recommendations, this place might still be in business.
(Note: This proposal was only intended for the owner. If it's a bit of a 'hard sell,' or biased in any way, that's why. I've
edited it slightly. And for the record, I wasn't trying to get a 'piece of the action' - that would never have happened. I
often share my ideas with people, freely and readily.)
Inspire - marketing proposal
5. Letter to CRTC.
If a new PrideVision Channel (ie, TV
station for LGBT / queer folks) were to be created, it probably wouldn't be as inclusive, as one might have hoped. Yet, I
still felt it was important to support media programming for people of alternative sexualities and genders. Rather than complete
required school assignments, I often applied myself to writing pointless, long-winded missives on topics that few people care
about. Many may see my outspoken, high-profile efforts as being self-serving grabs for power. Yet, none of the "mini marketing
campaigns" that I've initiated over the years have gained me a *position* anywhere, nor have they generated any income for
me, personally, nor have they advanced my hoped-for "career," in any way.
6. Environmental Design essay.
This is the last paper I wrote, before
getting kicked out of school - it was way overdue. (Note: I've edited this essay slightly. I keep forgetting to mention, the
inspiration for the Antonio Machado quote came from my friend M.)
[Edit: I prepared a participatory
learning exercise for almost every course I took, whenever a presentation was required of me. There are some phenomenal
educators in this field at my former faculty - and sincerest kudos to them - however, I never read any of their works. Any
presentations I created were always in response to what *I* personally needed, and they were also drawn from New Age personal
development courses I had taken some years before. Each exercise came from my own thoughts and ideas - in collaboration with
any partners I may have had, at the time. My work was my own, and very personal to me. I believe my advisors and some professors
recognized this fact. The only book I read cover-to-cover, during my entire two years in the program, was 'Man's Search for Meaning' by Viktor Frankl. My advisor had recommended it to me, perhaps sensing I was going over the edge. It's powerful stuff -
a definite must-read.
(Note: People find it hard to believe, but I don't read much - only more so in the past year-and-a-half or so, due to surveillance.
I tend to skim things briefly - usually short articles and headlines, or I randomly open a book to a certain page, and so
on. I get distracted easily, and I simply don't have patience for books. Yet, I often recommend various works to others because
I can *sense* when something's good. I have a friend who's also like this, and I know other people, who have this same propensity
- including an environmental bookseller. We had a great conversation about our different ways of learning - such honesty is
rare and refreshing. On a different, yet related note, I can feel the *doubters* camp against me growing ever stronger, yet
I will eventually do justice to any topics I may have skirted. The simple fact is I'm under surveillance, while constantly
struggling against people's entrenched prejudices. It's taken me over a year to establish any credibility about myself, much
less about anybody or anything else I may discuss. I was a pretty decent person, who's just a little different. Years of harassment
can change a person. I also self-sabotage, which doesn't help. Yet I'm willing to be judged and held accountable for my actions
- as long as they are understood within an overall context.)
Environmental Design essay
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