Lessons from Mike Ferner for Iowa Progressives
by Paul DeatonWhen Iowa progressives consider parting statements issued this week, Keith Olbermann's departure from Countdown on MSNBC is probably not the most significant. No, not Senator Joe Lieberman (I-CT) or Senator Kent Conrad (D-SD) either. I am referring to outgoing President of Veterans for Peace, Mike Ferner, who decided to decline pursuit of a third year of service to pursue personal interests. Ferner's parting message, sent electronically to Veterans for Peace members this week, speaks directly to the challenges of being a political activist and deserves broader circulation.
The author met Mike Ferner last year in Dubuque and was impressed by his unrelenting pursuit of things that matter to United States Foreign Policy. Under his leadership, Veterans for Peace focused on its core message of “Exposing the Costs of War and Militarism since 1985” and formed an Iowa Chapter. Perhaps most newsworthy was his arrest (see photo), along with 130 others during a December 16 demonstration against United States participation in war in front of the the White House in Washington, DC.
But there is more to Ferner than these things. In his January 21st message to members, he laid out concerns many activists have, regardless of whether they are veterans. Quoting at length from the message:
“During my trip to Afghanistan I could step back from the day-to-day rush of VFP business and think about what I've been doing and what's ahead. After much consideration, I concluded that I would not be able to do the kind of job in year 3 as I did the first two years as president.
Part of the reason was that the time away from the bride and home whether out of town or just on another conference call was beginning to bug me. I don't think it's good to ignore that feeling. You can get burned out and resentful and that's no way to serve VFP.
Also, I've enjoyed the writing I've done for VFP but have been able to write almost nothing besides that. Writing is something I want and need to do. And as many activists understand, the need to do something with compensation attached to it does indeed raise its ugly head from time to time.”
[…]
“I think I've learned a couple important things serving as VFP president.
First is, the old saying, “Everybody has something to offer,” is true. Whether dealing with board or rank and file members, even when a late-night phone call was beginning to try my patience, I came to learn that if I was patient and listened, the person on the other end of the conversation would eventually reveal something unexpected, something wise and helpful to VFP. As this happened over and over it became an important heartening lesson.
Secondly, something less positive became obvious. Some of the debates and discussions I've observed online and in person have strayed a good bit from what our valued Statement of Purpose refers to as “…the understanding that all members are trusted to act in the best interests of the group for the larger purpose of world peace.”
At times I heard rude, uncivil comments being hurled that questioned the integrity and motivation of another member. Sometimes I interjected comments into these discussions, most times no. But whether or not I commented, these words left me sad and disappointed. In addition, I can't help but think that members who observe such unhelpful exchanges may feel the same. This negativity is a drag, individually and collectively, on our efforts to move forward and achieve VFP's mission. A cutting remark may be intended for a particular individual, but as so often happens with an attack, there is collateral damage. We have enough burdens to carry along this path of peace. We don't need to make the journey any more difficult for any of our brothers and sisters.”
Part of the reason was that the time away from the bride and home whether out of town or just on another conference call was beginning to bug me. I don't think it's good to ignore that feeling. You can get burned out and resentful and that's no way to serve VFP.
Also, I've enjoyed the writing I've done for VFP but have been able to write almost nothing besides that. Writing is something I want and need to do. And as many activists understand, the need to do something with compensation attached to it does indeed raise its ugly head from time to time.”
[…]
“I think I've learned a couple important things serving as VFP president.
First is, the old saying, “Everybody has something to offer,” is true. Whether dealing with board or rank and file members, even when a late-night phone call was beginning to try my patience, I came to learn that if I was patient and listened, the person on the other end of the conversation would eventually reveal something unexpected, something wise and helpful to VFP. As this happened over and over it became an important heartening lesson.
Secondly, something less positive became obvious. Some of the debates and discussions I've observed online and in person have strayed a good bit from what our valued Statement of Purpose refers to as “…the understanding that all members are trusted to act in the best interests of the group for the larger purpose of world peace.”
At times I heard rude, uncivil comments being hurled that questioned the integrity and motivation of another member. Sometimes I interjected comments into these discussions, most times no. But whether or not I commented, these words left me sad and disappointed. In addition, I can't help but think that members who observe such unhelpful exchanges may feel the same. This negativity is a drag, individually and collectively, on our efforts to move forward and achieve VFP's mission. A cutting remark may be intended for a particular individual, but as so often happens with an attack, there is collateral damage. We have enough burdens to carry along this path of peace. We don't need to make the journey any more difficult for any of our brothers and sisters.”
Inclusion, listening, trust and civility. Midst all of the higher profile departure messages this week, these four words stood out and they are worth noting as we continue with a progressive movement in Iowa.
~Paul Deaton is a native Iowan living in rural Johnson County and weekend editor of Blog for Iowa. E-mail Paul Deaton
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