Thankful for “More than a Workout”

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Around this time last year, Deadbolt reached out and said that SouthWake was becoming a “Real Region” in 2019 (we’d previously just been a part of F3 Raleigh); part of that process was having 1/2/3F Q’s (as well as a Nantan / Weasel Shaker / Comz) and would I be willing to step into the 3rdF leadership role.  Without a doubt I accepted.  So now, with 2019 winding down and in the process of bringing along a Co-Q for 2020, I wanted to take a minute to reflect on the year…

In December 2018, a small group of us met together to try and answer the question: “What does a healthy 3rdF look like for SouthWake”.  A year later, I feel like we’ve realized that vision in a lot of ways (and in many ways, we have a *long* way to go).

Primarily: We wanted the men of F3 to be better people (not just faster, stronger, leaner: better) because they were involved in F3.  We also wanted to see Holly Springs / Fuquay-Varina / JoCo be a different place because F3 is here.

One of the first things we did was the “Slack is Back” campaign.  For those who don’t want to hear it again, skip ahead.  But I think it’s worth saying one last time.  Facebook (aside from being a scourge on society and just the worst) is like going to a huge festival or stadium.  Yeah, *everybody’s there*, but it’s tough to see the people you really want to see unless you make a lot of effort (and tune out an epic amount of noise from all the other people).  Slack was a solution that was like going to a dorm or apartment complex — it’s a little more out of the way, but you know the people you see when you’re there are the people you *meant* to see.  I think we’re finally over it (gif wars notwithstanding) and most of the region knows that, if they want to be involved and informed, Slack is where we can find each other.

Next up, Breathtaker.  I’ve written at length on this already: (Why Breathtaker?  ) so will skip it.

We also had QSource.  This was 52 weeks of leadership training.  We started with 3 groups and 1 is still kind of limping along to the finish.  But, despite not making it all 52 weeks, I saw some awesome relationships being strengthened and I hear a lot of people using the “lingo” of QSource.  So, while we may not have finished the race, I think our region got better because of this.  (I hear it recently got released in book form — I found the content to be extremely valuable in case anyone is looking for holiday reading).

But success went beyond those — our goal was to #accelerate our region, and I think some things over the last few months have demonstrated how far we’ve come.  The organic, immediate, and significant outflow of support for food kitchens for Thanksgiving is awesome — that’s the kind of thing F3 is *meant* for:  A PAX recognized a need, reached out, and we stepped up and supported in a big way.  I know we’re going to come through for the Oakwood 24 in December as well.

Last, I want to talk about Shield Locks.  There’s another post on this coming soon (and a stupid challenge to boot!), but what makes me the most excited about looking at 2019 is the number of small groups of guys who have banded together for a common purpose.  A shield lock might start out as the guys who make sure you’re there at 5:30, but the goal goes way beyond that —- it’s the guys who call you out when you’re not #accelerating across the spectrum of your life.  #IronSharpensIron, but it takes a real commitment to let someone else have that role in your life.

Next Year

I’m very happy to announce that our very own UTI will be taking on 3rdF Q responsibilities in 2020.  We will officially change over in July, but he will be Co-Q for the first part of the year as I step away from the role.  I’ve gotten to spend a lot of time with him this year and he’s got a great perspective on who we are and who we can be (and really, you guys deserve someone who measures his meat consumption in miles).

I truly appreciate the opportunity to lead in 2019.  It’s been a growing experience for me.  I’ve learned a lot personally about leadership and believe me when I say the challenges of this year have been humbling, frustrating, but ultimately very worthwhile.  I know I’ve frustrated the hell out of some of you this year and I am very sorry that my “leadership” has been a source of irritation over the course of the year.

I can’t say it well enough, often enough, or loud enough, but: I truly thank you guys for F3.  Our group is doing great things.  I’m proud to be a part of it and can’t wait to see where we go next year.

Derek Davis Memorial Race 5K

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5th Annual DDMR 5K August 17,2019

PAX showed up to race, volunteer and support. It was overall a great showing by our brothers.  Tremendous results across the board by all PAX. All the hard work is truly coming thru in results. Thanks to all PAX that volunteered and supported us throughout the race. Special call out to Skidmark, John Deere and Shredder who are battling injuries and came out to support.

Thank you for letting me lead this mornings warm-up and COT.

Lipstick

2019 Post Challenge

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Pax:

As mentioned this morning at the Disney COT – we are going to be having a post challenge for 2019.  Many of you know that F3 nationwide has a annual challenge of making 250 posts in a calendar year.  We are going to do this in Southwake with several different goal varieties.  I have developed a tracking spreadsheet for those that want to (1) take the challenge and (2) use a tracking sheet.  You are certainly welcome to use whatever method you want or already have.

In Southwake, we will have options for those that want to go for 150, 175, 200 or 250 posts.  I have set up a tracking google spreadsheet available at the following link:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1JUqFPX36Q3Y6C0ho_eZAr-3rrFPlXmyc?usp=sharing

It’s pretty self explanatory and instructions are provided in the headers of each sheet.  A sheet is dedicated to each goal (150-250 posts).  See below for a quick “quick start guide”

lets all get after it in 2019 and make this year our bitch

Aye

Deadbolt

 

2019 Southwake – an official region with official “roles”

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F3 Southwake Pax:

Aye – as I have mentioned in a few COTs as we closed out last week, we are moving into becoming an official “Region” of F3.  In order to be an official region, we have to have a few leadership positions in place to ensure smooth operations in all three Fs and other areas.  These leadership positions are:

  • 3F Qs: We need a Q for each of the three 3F:
    • 1st F – Fitness
    • 2nd F – Fellowship
    • 3rd F – Faith
  • COMZ: We will need a COMZ person for communications, social media and a website presence.
  • Weasel Shaker: We also need a position called the Weasel Shaker – he basically makes sure everyone is doing what they are supposed to be – a rule follower.

Since we have been in the incubation stage of an official Region for over a year now. I am going to stay on as Nantan but I think these roles should be renewed with new leaders every year.  Each year, around Thanksgiving, we will nominate new positions.  I have given this a lot of thought – consulted with a few others and I would like to announce our 2019 Southwake roles.  Below is a description of the general duties of each role and the 2019 Pax that will fill the role:

Each of the #HIM below will be reaching out to Pax to form committees for all of these roles – please let one know if you are interested in helping!

1st F Q:  Pikachu

  • The 1st F guy ensures the smooth running of the AOs.
  • He makes sure that SiteQs are doing their jobs, and often will hold regular meetings to do so.
  • 1st F Q also helps to plan and execute CSAUPs
  • He works with the Nant’an and WS to look at growth of 1st F AO plants.
  • He holds regular Q Schools for new(er) Pax, for PHT.

2nd F Q:  Emeril

  • Party Pants. Whether it be happy hours, family picnics, Christmas Parties, or Coffeeteria, this is the guy who makes the donuts.
  • The ComzQ is his best friend, as he attempts to get Pax motivated and excited about Fellowshipping together.

3RD F Q:  Slide Rule

This job is one of the tougher ones… the 3rd F Q really needs to understand the needs and wants of his Pax.

  • He can plant anything from a weekly Bible Study to an open discussion group to a regular community service opportunity for Pax.
  • His role is the essence of the real mission of F3.
  • Male COMMUNITY Leadership. It’s ambiguous on purpose, but it needs to make IMPACT.

COMZ Q :  Gump

It may be obvious, but… This man is the Q for making sure the Pax stay connected to one another.

  • He understands very clearly that 2nd F does not end at the AO or at the Happy Hour. Part of what makes F3 work is a dedicated man to keep the drum beating so that Pax have community one with another.
  • He manages the content of the website
  • He can explore other opportunities for communications: Twitter, Slack, GroupMe, Newsletters, etc. are the tools he uses.
  • Should be reasonably tech-savvy.

Weasel Shaker – Skid Mark

The man which “shakes the weasels” and makes sure they are all doing what they are supposed to do.

  • He is a spreadsheet loving, rule embracing, detail-oriented sort that helps to give the Nant’an the information he needs to effectively guide and make decisions on how to empower Pax to become the leaders they have been called to be.
  • He keeps his ear to the ground, and his finger on the pulse of the Pax with the Nant’an
    • For example: Wednesday numbers are really high, might be time to split the workout; or, I’ve plotted all the Pax houses on this map and it looks like we could use an AO on the other side of town

I would like to begin these “official roles” at the beginning of the year.  I have talked this over with a few others and we feel that the ideal term for one of these positions is 1 year with new leadership coming in every January 1.

I am very excited with Southwakes growth over the past 6 months and that now we are an official region.   You #HIM have made such a positive impact on my life that it is hard to put into words.  I love you all like brothers and I look forward to 2019 and beyond.

Iron Sharpens Iron

Deadbolt