Wearing our hearts on our sleeves

posted 3 months ago, updated 17 minutes later

Take a minute to look around Eons and you will see passionate members at every turn. Passionate about their families, their hobbies, but especially about their politics, and sometimes their religious views. How can you show your affinity for your cause on Eons?

Let me count the ways - - I’ve seen a rainbow of awareness ribbons as Eons members show solidarity with different issues. I’ve seen military photos, symbols and flags as the families of soldiers in Iraq wait for their children to come home, or not. This week some Eons members became passionate about April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. I’ve worn my heart on my sleeve with a yellow rubber bracelet for as long as Lance Armstrong has been handing them out. These symbols say, “This is me, this is what I stand for.”

Our community has room for all of it. We want there to be room for all of it. Eons is dedicated to a community that is spirited and respectful. So, in an effort to encourage appropriate ways to show your solidarity for your cause, here are some ways that you can show us what you are passionate about.

--Put a banner on your profile page. Let your colors fly over your profile. Upload pictures into your Photo section. You can upload any .jpg file which might include pictures of things, logos, or icons too, you’re not just limited to photos.

--Tell us about your affinity in your “Status” above your profile photo. It might say, “CommunityGal supports Women’s History Month in March.” It could stay up for the whole month if you wanted.

--Blog about your cause.

--Respect other’s blogs. If you don’t have something nice to say about it, think twice about the point you really want to make. Civility should rule the day.

--Encourage your Eons friends to join you in sharing your passion. Start a group, even if only for one month, where those who want to discuss the issue have an appropriate place to do it.

I’m sure there are more ideas than this, and I know for sure there is enough passion on Eons to send a rocket to the moon. Let’s find the best ways to wear our hearts on our sleeves.

Comments

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1. 3 months ago moondancerinred wrote:

These are really good ideas. I particularly like starting a group for a period of time so everyone who chooses to can express themselve!

2. 3 months ago laughingspirits wrote:

Great ideas CommunityGal! Thank you so much!

Profile pic is now representing my cause. CHILD ABUSE, for the month, banner also reflects it, new blog in process -- AND -- for those who want to have a positive approach and effect this month in the area of CHILD ABUSE -

A GROUP: THE LITTLE KIDS has now been started. Check my profile to get to it - it is public and all are welcome! We need YOU!

Hugs. Helen

3. 3 months ago Sammig wrote:

Thank you for posting these thoughtful comments. They are constructive and supportive of what I've felt is an important aspect of EONS. Sometimes even the most sincere of us needs reminding that the cyberworld can't tell if we're wearing a smile or a frown when we're posting, and can't tell how words are being received. Respectful comments are important to keep dialogues open and, just like with that TV set blaring inane shows, I can always switch to something more to my taste. And I, too, like the idea of a limited time group.

4. 3 months ago Oma24 wrote:

What wonderful ideas and a way to reach a mass audiance. There are many creative and caring people here and I know more ideas will be forthcoming. Everyone has there own special causes and this helps create an area we can all go to and join together for these causes, whether child abuse, domestic violence, peta, cancer, heart disease, or any of the multitide of others.

5. 3 months ago lakelady53 wrote:

I agree with all you wrote. I think we should all be able to share what is meaningful to all of us. Will others share the same passion for it, maybe not. I think we have a choice to join in, or not. I do not believe anyone should be attacked for what they believe in, just because you may not believe in it. I have had friends lose friends(?) because they stood up for something they believed in, but apparently those that called themselves friends did not, so they erased the person(s) as friends, and another friend left eons because she was attacked verbally for her beliefs. I find this hard to understand. If I go to a group or a blog that is not in my value system or a passion of mine, I just do not post, I move on. I hope we can all agree to disagree. Those that do have the same passion can promote it and feel safe doing so. I got a email today to read a blog from a person who does not even have my email address, and I was glad to go read it. I may have missed it, if that notice had not come, and it is was a feature of eons that I would like to learn to use to make others aware of blogs I think they may be interested in. I am new to blogging so I am not even sure how to send one to members if I do not have members email addy, or say something about a blog in groups. I hope also this is good thing to do. If I find a good article or a piece of information that may be interesting or helpful I share it in groups, I see blogging the same way. I am still not really clear about how the booms really work, the rating system, that is. I know I am rambling, but the bottom line is, we all have something we are passionate about. It maybe not the same things, but I will also hope there is room for all of us at eons to share, and promote a passion, or raise awareness, and no one has to feel they have to leave eons for something they believe in, rather I believe in their passion or not. Thanks for letting me share here! Blessings to all!

6. 3 months ago topazgram wrote:

Thank you for your thoughts. I learned from my mother that if you don't have something nice to say, say nothing. I think that is your point too, and with that you have provided ways that we can express our views in different ways.
A thought here, I think it is good that so many who are considered seniors, seasoned or whatever name can still become passionate on a viewpoint or subject.

7. 3 months ago exedir wrote:

I agree with every said and suggestion made with the following caveat, that in the community we should be respectful and considerate in that everything we say doesn't always get received in the way we may of intended or be to everyones' tastes.

In a blog not to far back, there was a complaint of some on EONS being too prissy, maybe too sensitive and being too easily offended or angered by what some of us say or show on the site. And there is some truth, I believe in it.

However, for a free and involved exchange, things will be said and shown that are not something for everyone, so a tolerance and some latitude is required, within the TOU of course, both ways.

8. 3 months ago Akicita wrote:

Thank you for the ideas and support on what some of us are trying to do here.

9. 3 months ago hippiemama wrote:

i find it sad that respect has to be requested. i always thought it was a given. but i thank you for doing so anyway. your ideas are great.

10. 3 months ago Skye60 wrote:

these are wonderful ideas...
however it doesn't seem to apply to everyone and what their causes might be
who is going to be picking and choosing those deemed worthy of attention??
reminds me of a police state and not a community of caring adults.

people with differing opinions need to respect just that--we have a difference of opinion and power plays should not be taking away attention from any cause..
we are supposed to be mature adults and not can-you-top-this?

11. 3 months ago acatslady wrote:

I think before anyone asks folks to take on a supportive stance on an issue as sensitive as child abuse, they need to think through the ramifications of posting graphic pictures (especially with regard to triggering) and be in tune with other members' feelings on it. I am sorry we had to lose a committed member of our community over such a trivial squabble. People are entitled to their own opinions and when this site shuts down that freedom, we will be left with nothing but a bunch of "Yes Men". I, for one, think we already have too much of this type of conformity and political correctness in our country. I more admire a person who speaks up for what they believe in. I have posted a banner in support of the month and agree with the principal but cannot and will not look at graphic pictures.

12. 3 months ago javee58 wrote:

Great idea....There is so much negative going on in the world....if, at Eons, we can make people aware of something they might not have been aware of or didn't know much about....we are doing a great service...towards a better world, better communication....
No one has to feel their arm is being twisted...they can just move on....
There are quite a number of groups here that push MY buttons...so I don't go there...there have been groups that espoused "open discussion" and sank into finger pointing.....they eventually faded or will at some point....
That is the nature of open dialogue and by nature we find our niche....
THE LITTLE KIDS was a great solution to a difficult situation and a good example of what is known as compromise......
Child abuse is not the only button pusher for people.....the Iraq war is, domestic violence, Tibetan persecusion (one of mine), homosexuality, abortion, religon.......we can't avoid them all.....
Kudos to you CG &Lauhging!!!

13. 3 months ago Dee2008 wrote:

Putting your "causes" and banners is a great idea but all the banners in the world don't help if you don't actually get out and support it. That's kind of like all the people with the breast cancer decals on their vehicles. It is nice to look at, cost a couple of dollars and that's it. You pay your couple of dollars for the sticker, put it on there and then what? Feel great because it makes you think your doing something? Unless you are actually doing something, volunteering your time, help, whatever, the sticker does nothing. Kudos to all the ones who actually do something more..

14. 3 months ago ABWONTHELOOSE wrote:

Everyone has pretty much said it before me. Thank you for your words of wisdom. I have been attacked within a group for my opinion. All of a sudden a simple comment was a HUGE deal, and I was being taunted and belitted. I liked the group, am still getting something worthwhile out of it, and most of the people were good and decent in their posts - so, I stayed, but I'm not as quick to post as I was. I really like the idea of mentioning my current cause in my profile status. I hadn't thought of that one. Thank you.

15. 3 months ago sue1326 wrote:

CommunityGal I love your eons page! We share a passion for cycling too I see! Thanks for the nice comment on my eons blog! I will definitely check out the eons bike groups.

I'm going to take one of your suggestions and begin uploading more of my cycling pictures to my eons page! I really enjoyed looking at your photos! I see you work for eons too! How cool is that?!