If I had to say there was a theme for this meeting, I'd say it was discussion that revolved around missionality, and ensuring that we're promoting the mission and 5 core principles (5CP) of F3 Nation. With that in mind here's the scene; a dreary evening at the Net Friends HQ, three PAX on Teams, and five live. If you're an avid reader of the SLT backblast, you've hopefully noticed that each month I try to provide examples of how the SLT is continuing to mesh together and work truly as a team. The example from this meeting was the agenda. I had several items later in the agenda that we needed to discuss, with the Round Table Reports preceding. For each of the items I had to discuss later, the Round Table Reports from the SLT members covered nearly every topic. This tells me that we as a group are on the same page as far as our observations of issues around our region. With that being said, here are the highlights (not a comprehensive list) of what we got into.
1. 1st F Reports – Bump Draft and Maraschino
a. Welcome Cherry Baked and Bronze Squirrel as the new Qs at Tobacco Road and Thin Blue Line respectively.
b. Iron Pax 2022 numbers are down a bit from 2021, but we have 5-6 AOs running it weekly, and the combination of leadership from Bump Draft and Count Chocula has made the first two weeks go off without a hitch!
c. Quarterly Report is planned for October 1 at The Thicket. Zook is taking the lead, and each QR we've had bigger numbers that we had the previous. Let's keep that going for the last QR of 2022.
2. 2nd F Reports – Bellhop and Uzi
a. We've seen an uptick in the number of on-site coffeeterias. Bellhop extolled the virtues of the on-site, retaining more PAX for a better 2nd F experience, leading to deeper conversations, and building better relationships among PAX.
b. Based on the success of last year's event, they're planning two Hurricane tailgates this season (coming from up north, the hockey tailgate is one fantastic part of Southern Fried Hockey!), be on the lookout for more info.
c. Bellhop is going to work with Boucher and Scapula, who have good connections to UNC and Duke Athletics on additional 2nd F opportunities around olympic sports at each university, and showcasing, especially to our 2.0s what other sports are out there. Think of this being the Ocho, but live.
3. 3rd F Reports – Moore and Nickelback
a. Nickelback provided a video update on a project he's been leading related to connecting our PAX with Health Coaching, and Mental Health providers. This is ready to roll to the AOQs as a beta test, with a full roll out later this year.
4. Expansion Qs Reports – Boucher and Vice
a. With Fall around the corner the F3 Basketball AOs have started again, with Thursday morning, Thursday night, and Friday morning games on the docket. Check Slack for more details.
b. As part of the expansion of incorporating more 2nd and 3rd F into the 1st F that we do so well, the Expansion Qs are working on some ways to be more intentional about 3rd Fs, especially as we near the holiday season.
c. Boucher took his soap box to pose a great question to the group, he checked his inference asking of the SLT whether we feel there's a need for more geographic expansion. As we went around the room, we assessed how our AOs are going. None seem to be blatantly problematic (consistently over 18 PAX for a sustained period), with the exception of maybe The Battering Ram, although the PAX in the room mentioned that there are multiple ways that other regions handle Saturday AOs. I've reached out to the F3 Nation Nantans and found that Saturdays are all over the place. Some regions struggle with Saturday numbers, some treat their Friday AOs like a mini convergence (which is how I'd characterize TBR, and others agreed that their region likes the larger group on Saturdays, so they aren't going to change it. YHC is of the opinion that since our M-F AOs, and one Saturday AO stick to the smaller workout group, that can manage a more intimate approach based on their numbers, that TBR is right sized for the PAX that like the larger workout, and the fellowship that takes place. Bottom line, thank you PAX for your leadership of the AOs, the balanced attendance, and for providing so many opportunities for all three of the Fs.
5. Commz Q Report – Castaway
a. The SLT had some business cards printed to help out with EHing in the wild! We're trying these out for now, and are working to distribute them to the AOQs to start. They have a blank on the back for a PAX to put their name in so if the prospective FNG posts solo, they can show the card to the QIC at that workout and know they've had at least an intro to F3.
b. The IG page has been gaining traction, thanks to the efforts of Castaway and Bump Draft. Castaway has asked for PAX, looking at you AOQs, to take photos, videos, whatever you can and post them on the new #instagram_post_request channel. The IG gurus will take the image(s) and work them into something great.
6. Rucking Q Report- Scapula
a. Scap is working with Floyd on a rucking division for the Bull on October 29, location TBD.
b. The ruckers, with Scapula in the lead, are working on some more pop up, and small rucking events, especially with the rucking season getting ready to kick off.
7. Weasel Shaker Report – Nightshift
a. Nightshift shared info that he's observed in other regions with regards to being more intentional about discussing the F3 Mission, and 5CPs. Discussing this throughout the workout, and especially at the beginning, sets the tone for the workout to be something out of the ordinary, something different. This is really crucial with the QIC recognizes an FNG, or other relatively new PAX allowing them to better understand our culture, as well as reminding the wily veterans of what sets us apart.
b. At some point during our meeting the F3 Nation's Invigorate Grant came up, and took us down a rabbit hole of how we could use up to $2,500 to improve our region and/or community. Ideas included funding for the mental/health coach 3rd F project, improving the process for further development of leaders within Churham, and other 3rd F opportunities as the holidays approach. Nightshift is going to work with the PAX to develop a grant application for the region.
8. Nantan Report – Knope
a. Dad Camp 2022 was well attended by our PAX. We were one of the top two regions represented at Seagull! We also took the responsiblity of Qing the workout in 2023. Anyone ever Qed a workout with over 200 PAX?
b. The next Q School Quickies will be held at Conjunction Junction, and in Briar Chapel.
c. 9 year Anniversary of Rameses is happening on 9/21, Boucher, Bump Draft, Maraschino and Uzi will be there representing the SLT, with the latter two running an IR workout.
Other key items from the meeting:
9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Kenan – This is hosted annually by the UNC ROTC, and for the past several years F3 Churham has had a strong showing. YHC will lead a Warm-o-Rama at Hooker Fields beginning at 0700. We encourage PAX to join us for the warm up, then enter the field as one large group. if you cannot make it for the warm up, join us at the event start time of 0730. Registration is not required, but encouraged. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd5hSaLQ6aO_-tUwJ_VGi5jOPUxTJSQbhZBo3vIq2s6bcikAA/viewform
Durham Holiday Parade – Scheduled for 12/17, with the registration starting October 3, the SLT suggested that we get a spot in the parade for a travelling workout. This is a great opportunity to recruit new members, and encourage more diversity in our region. More details to follow, if we do this, there will likely be a convergence at the parade site for all who wish to participate.
The Bull – October 29th is The Bull. Sign up sheet is on the Epic Mega Doc, and Floyd is still looking for some PAX to help with planning and leadership day of. This is a core CSAUP for our region, and will have rucking, running, and a mosey division. Join us for a celebration of our region, with a comprehensive 1st, 2nd, and 3rd F experience in one.
We wrapped the meeting, Mary if you will, talking more about the mission of F3 to "plant, grow and serve small workout groups for men for the invigoration of male community leadership." and how we as a region can make that mission more widely known. This discussion carried over into the 5CPs: free of charge, open to all men, held outdoors, peer led, and ends in COT. During the next month, you'll hear more about this form the SLT members, and we encourage each of you to think through these items, and apply them to your daily workouts. In fact, I challenge each of you to review these and bring it up within your workouts.
Thank you to the SLT members, and each of you that post everyday, take on leadership roles (formal or otherwise), and contribute to making our community everything that it is. I appreciate the opportunity to be your Nantan, and working with and out with each of you.
SYITG!