Cut ties or not

[tabbycat31]

I've been involved with a local organization on and off for the last 5 years (it's my county Democratic party). I'm never around during elections (I'm a campaign staffer and am always on the road then), but I've showed up at events, fundraisers (that I can afford, which is not much, and offered to work the ones I can't afford), meetings, etc. They have never once taken me seriously (I'm guessing they're seeing me as the girl attempting to break an old boys network) and once I had a male friend say the same ideas that I had (about 15 minutes apart--- they took him seriously but not me). I was gone for 6 months last year, and the county party did things that I would do under a new chair (who is 5 years younger than me but treats me like a child and talks down to me). (I am the only female under 40 who shows up for events on a regular basis).

I had all but accepted that I was dead to them when I returned back home after the election. However, being one of only two states with major elections this year, I can't burn any bridges. (I am also not one to burn bridges.) I had an epiphany when I got home that I had no future here and to give up before I let myself down, which I was prepared to do. However, a few weeks ago, a good friend of mine (we've gone beyond the boundaries of friendship) told me that he wanted to work in my state this cycle and I made a promise to do all I can to bring him here and use my ties to do so (I have better connections outside of my county. I am willing to put my own reputation on the line for him). I know of an opportunity this cycle that would be perfect for him, and I want to show up to help him out but not feel like a high school student without a clique at the same time.

Should I even bother to help my friend out or do I just disappear completely to them?

[petronius]

1. Does your friend know that these people treat you like crap? If they don't treat

you with respect, then they may not respect him either - and he may not want to have much to do with them. But if it is a valuable opportunity for your friend, and if it would support proper outcomes in your state, then I'd probably make the connection, but maintain your distance after that...

[tabbycat31]

2. I have definitely vented to my friend about them

However, he's trying to move up the ladder, and (speaking from experience) it's always hard to get your first job at a new position, particularly if the title has the word director at the end. It was hard enough for me (in a different department) and if I can get him that first director position, then it's a sacrifice I am willing to make on his behalf.

I do not normally go this type of distance for someone, and I have not let my friend know that I'm willing to sacrifice myself on his behalf (he was a major reason that I got my last position, and at the very least I want to return the favor).

[littlemissmartypants]

3. Roll

with it. Maintain your excellent intentions. Throw yourself recklessly into the group and return their disrespect with in delicate sarcasm and hard work. It is the "remember if people are trying to bring you down it just means you are above them. "
Paint your stapler pink and hang this above it...
http://ts1.mm.bing.net/th?id=H.4693674298966716&pid=1.9&w=300&h=300&p=0
Practice respect with irreverence...

http://ts2.mm.bing.net/th?id=H.4737942518760477&pid=1.7&w=97&h=138&c=7&rs=1

http://ts2.mm.bing.net/th?id=H.4747361346389069&pid=1.7&w=184&h=142&c=7&rs=1



http://ts1.mm.bing.net/th?id=H.4908993863746048&pid=1.7&w=229&h=143&c=7&rs=1

Love, Peace and Shelter. lmsp

[tabbycat31]

4. I like this line

"remember if people are trying to bring you down it just means you are above them. "

[Sekhmets Daughter]

5. It was excellent advice! n/t

[Sekhmets Daughter]

6. You give good advice littlemisssmartypants. n/t