THERE IS A CRACK IN EVERYTHING

[maskormods]

WHO: ImPorts! But especially the NONAH AMBASSADOR CANDIDATES!
WHERE: The Dolley Madison Library in Nonah, North Carolina.
WHEN: Evening, Sunday November 13th.
WHAT: The Nonah Town Hall for an evening of rigorous debate about the issues that matter!
WARNINGS: N/A.

The Dolley Madison Library is a two story structure brimming with books and neoclassical architecture. Clearly a well-funded facility, this library is a bright, warm, and welcoming environment for polite (if political) conversation this evening. The main floor, near the back of the building and behind rows and rows of looming bookshelves is the slightly risen stage destined for tonight's event. It is but a darkly painted plateau nearly a foot off the ground, a little stage intended for reading events and author interviews. Nine simple wooden chairs are set upon the stage, and a microphone greets them all.

The audience portion is complete with organized, open seating and a table of non-alcoholic refreshments. There are muffins and cookies, too, for those of you who have come hungry for both IDEAS and SNACKS.

EACH CANDIDATE gets a time slot to speak about tonight's theme: THE ROLE OF IMPORTS IN RELATION TO METAHUMANS IN A HISTORICALLY NON-POWERED COMMUNITY.

Candidate imPorts may address their solutions and visions, or even drudge up more complications, in response to the thematic prompt. You can be a candidate of hope, or of fear -- it all depends on your perspective. Concerned imPort citizens are allowed to speak with the candidates about their answers, and debate them if necessary. ImPorts are also allowed to debate among each other after the candidates have all spoken.

The event begins at 7PM EST, but may last well into the night.

Comments

[shifting]

[oh, hey, it's the Back to the Future guy. Sam cocks an eyebrow.]

If someone had a unicorn to show me, I could do a unicorn. Otherwise you'd have to settle for tyin' a horn on a horse. - Which I should clarify ain't an invitation.

[But on a more serious note:]

I've actually been thinkin' about that already, and I think it comes back to how we all first get here. The way the government handles imPorts comin' in's got more to do with efficiency than anything else. Now, I don't fault them for that - government's not really equipped to deal with it in any other manner, and they do make an attempt with the pamphlet and the housin' and such - but I do think it puts an unnecessary amount of added trauma on the whole thing, steppin' out into a whole new world just to be given some papers and sent on your way. There's a lot of people who get on the Network still shell-shocked.

My thought is that while we don't have representation in Heropa, the Ambassadors of the three cities could get together and create a sort of welcome wagon there. A non-profit coalition meant to greet imPorts and reduce some of that distress - answer questions, better explain Registration, point them in the direction of imPort groups and businesses. Even give clothes and first aid if it's needed, since I've seen some people stumble out in a hell of a state. Lettin' them know about metahumans could be rolled into that.

[helpline]

[ The Doctor opens his mouth, like he's about to say "do a horse and I'll stick a horn on your head" but Sam's clarification shuts him up. Urrrrrrrrgh this guy's no fun. The Doctor gives Sam a bit of an eye roll for his troubles. Spoilsport.

But back to the question, ]

I'm sure you could get the coalition off the ground, what with ambassador funding and all. My question is, between a non-profit status and the fact that imPorts porting in and out happens on a scattershot basis, who'd staff it.

[shifting]

I don't think our temporary status here's a reason we can't staff it. ImPorts run businesses all the time - hell, I've just opened one myself. And when people leave, new people take over. I don't see the job as full-time anyhow, with the exception of someone to manage the hirin' process specifically. Plenty of places manage just fine with temp positions.

[he's getting into this, pleased as punch that the Doctor is raising such good points, giving Sam a chance to really get into his element and engage.]

As far as financial backing, I can think of three imPorts off the top of my head who specifically enjoy investin' in imPort businesses and projects. Networking's somethin' I'm good at. And ideally, once this got going, donations would also play a big part. Applyin' for a government grant's also an option, but I'd personally prefer this be an unaffiliated organization if we can manage it. And I think we can.

[helpline]

[ If there's one thing the Doctor's good at, it's debating (or, alternatively, providing methods for people to shine during debates) ]

Out of curiosity, why d'you plan to keep this unaffiliated?

[shifting]

[Sam rubs at his chin, deciding how best to word his answer.]

...Thing about investors is they tend to want a little input in their investment. S'not a bad thing in and of itself, but you could see how with this in particular it could be an issue. Specially if we'll be helpin' people navigate the choice of registration; I'd rather we be as impartial as possible there. Just give them the facts as we know them so they can make their own choices.

Havin' the government be the one to fund us would raise some issues on that point. Whether they actually tried to persuade the narrative one way or not, people'd have that question. [and Sam wouldn't blame them for it.]

[helpline]

[ There's a pause as the Doctor listens to Sam's explanation, nodding slightly as he does so. There's a bit of a pause, as if the Doctor's mulling over what sort of long, impressive speech he's going to give. Eventually, he settles with, ]

Makes sense.