ORDER ONLY: Private Message to Tonks and Lee

[alt_alice]

Frank and I have been chatting about the shape of things over the last few weeks (Charlie too -- he's been such a help), and we came up with an idea that's certainly worth trying for, and I'd like your assistance and input.

You recall Margery Birdwhistle, the former Minister? I'd like to see if we can't get her out of the camps and put her on the radio.

I think it would be a good move on a few different fronts to give a greater voice to people who would be widely recognised among Muggles as legitimate spokespeople, and from what Frank's told me, she seems like she'd be a natural. Someone the Muggles in the camps could potentially rally around. It also couldn't hurt if our Wizard listeners get exposed to Muggles who are in positions of leadership. She certainly doesn't have to be the only voice by far, but her visibility might facilitate other leaders to speak up, and it'd be nice to have someone to balance Sirius out a bit. Her history in government could be enormously useful as we move forward as well.

I realise Ms Birdwhistle may not be overly eager to take advantage of this opportunity, or leave her community. Furthermore, even if a position of greater visibility isn't daunting, she may be very skeptical about our motives, and I can see how she'd be concerned at our possibly using her for our own purposes, or editing her in some way. She will most likely need some convincing.

I'd want us to run this past Aldrich as well, as we'd want their support and permission.

Lee, I'd like you to pair up with Tonks on this one, as you've worked in Aldrich extensively. Tonks will take point on this, and you'll follow her lead. Would this be something you'd both be willing to do? Do you have any thoughts or concerns?

Comments

[alt_lee]

Me?

Thanks. Talking to Aldrich, sure. If you think I'm ready for the rest. I mean

I was going to go by Aldrich in the morning. I can see then what they think.

Just that we'd want them to find her a place, and that she'd have some skills, right? Do we know what she could help with there, besides the radio? They're real clear on everyone there having a job, and contributing.

[alt_alice]

Good. As far as the skills, beyond general consulting, I think that might be something you'd have to talk with Ms Birdwhistle about to see what she'd be willing to provide.

And yes, I believe you're ready for this sort of field work. You'll have Tonks providing support in Doncaster, and she can walk you through protocol.

[alt_lee]

Right. I can ask what kinds of things they need right now, too. Maybe that'd give us some ideas. And handy, right, anyway? For others.

Thanks, Mrs Longbottom. I'll do my best.

[alt_nymphadora]

Count on me. Lee: what do you think about the folks at Aldrich? Are they likely to need much convincing on this?

I've no idea whether many Muggles outside Doncaster camp will remember Margery Birdwhistle. I mean to say, everyone in her camp calls her The Minister, but I think Doncaster's one of those places where nearly everyone there used to live in that same area before they were herded in there. So they all knew her and probably voted for her. Or didn't. You know, she'd lost her place in the Parliament before the war. That's how she was overlooked when Voldemort murdered all the Muggle leaders. She wasn't one anymore. But she's such a natural, I think everyone just fell in behind her lead, and they all think her word is their instruction.

You might be right that she'll be slow to give that up. Having everyone follow her.

But it won't be because she's afraid. Frank's right she's a tough bird. And I'd put my wager on her thinking this is her duty, and stepping forward to accept whatever needs doing.

Unless she decides we're manipulating her. You're dead right: that's the one thing that could wreck the whole idea.

I wonder if she's heard any of the radio programming they've been putting out. That might help persuade her this is on the up and up.

[alt_alice]

I'd bet a knut she has been listening, yes.

And it is vital that she knows we're serving as facilitators, nothing more. I'm certainly willing to talk with her about our greater plans, and involve her in them if she so chooses, but she wouldn't be taking orders from me.

I also think it'd be important that Aldrich not get the idea we're supplanting their existing leadership.

[alt_lee]

Dunno about convincing them. On one hand, there's a few threw a fit about taking in the couple of women from the rescue but that settled down the last time I was there. And the radio, most of them think it's snitch, but some of them think it's giving the people on the radio airs. (I don't even. I think they're sorting it out, but it's some thing about Aldrich being a community effort and all.)

Anyway, being able to tell them skills would help. Though maybe just organising would do it.

They've got lots of people who were real used to being told what to do for so long, and not so many who were used to figuring out that you need three people on this task this week, and ten people on that one, and next week, you need something totally different. And I don't know what she's like, but maybe she could do that? Once they trusted she knew what she was doing.

About the radio, I can bring some notes - what we've got for shows (that new children's story hour is real popular, says the buttons) but there's plenty of people want more than Mr Black can do, talking about how things need to change. Someone who's been in the camps, who had suggestions about what people could do there - she could reach a lot of ears, do some real good, y'know?

[alt_nymphadora]

I think Sirius would say the same: they need different kinds of programming for his to be effective. Otherwise, it's likely get stale.

Sorry. I'm a bit distracted. We're still cleaning things up here. It was a lively time in the garden tonight. All jolly, mind you, just a bit more so than usual.


Would it help if I came along to Aldrich tomorrow? Or would it be better if we met somewhere else after you've been there? I don't want to muddle things there if you think it'll go better with just you talking to folks.

[alt_lee]

If you want, sure. Can introduce you around. Wouldn't hurt to have more people who know folks there. If you don't mind playing it as me showing you the place, and you watching while I talk to people who know me better.

Just. Some of them are still sort of touchy 'bout having control over things. I think I get further because I'm all eager but young enough not to be a threat, y'know?

If you want to meet, name your place?

[alt_nymphadora]

I have met some of the Aldrich folks. Not long after it started up, I went out, but I was only there twice, I think, and one of the times it was a giant meeting and I doubt I spoke to much of anyone.

To be honest, I think it would be best if we just had you come here tomorrow to the garden after you've been out to Aldrich. I'm not saying I don't ever want to go, but I think I could use a bit of a slow morning, if you know what I mean. And then we can decide if we need to do more work, preparing people there or whether we could go ahead and pay a visit to Ms. Birdwhistle to run the idea by her.

Come whenever you can. We'll be at Laszlo's from half-ten on.

[alt_lee]

Yeah. They sort of know there's a bunch of us, but I think they were so busy with everything most people didn't stand out.

Sure thing. I'll go there. Should be at Laszlo's by noon. If I'll be later, I'll write here, right?

[alt_nymphadora]

That'll do.

Cheers, Lee.