Several weeks ago my new boss asked if I'd be interested in attending a seminar being held in Anaheim. The seminar is called "Get Motivated" and he and another manager had attended several years ago. They thought the seminar had been a good business investment, and wanted other employees to have the opportunity to attend as well.
Yesterday, was the date for our work group to attend. The event is an all day event, with the seminar booked into the same venue over several days. I had to get up at 4:30 A.M. in order to make the 8:00 A.M. start time for the seminar. My ticket came with a tear off coupon for the "Get Motivated" workbook. You are encouraged to use the workbook throughout the day, to take notes.
More below the fold:
Here is the email I sent to my boss this morning regarding what happened at the seminar. I have removed some of the specific information, related to my employeer.
"My bosses name,
I want to express concern regarding yesterdays "Get Motivated" seminar, held at the Arrowhead Pond, Anaheim California, on November 16th, which was attended by numerous company employees from California.
I work for a proudly diverse corporation, who's roots in supporting diversity extend to my, and every other executive's, Achievement and Development (A&D) quarterly/yearly appraisal form. We are a very diverse group of employees, and have been trained, encouraged, and mandated to respect that diversity.
That is why I was surprised to attend the "Get Motivated" seminar yesterday and find that, although it did have several motivational speakers, it had numerous speakers addressing and referencing fundamentalist religion (Peter Lowe, Tamara Lowe, and Zig Ziglar), creationist issues (Zig Ziglar) and political posturing regarding the "hock" countries (Tommy Franks). Jessica Lynch was interesting but certainly not a motivational speaker. She was interviewed by Peter Lowe. I did not stay for the Jerry Lewis or Rudi Giuliani, as those of us from San Diego had a long drive back, so we left at approximately 3:00 P.M. I did walk out on the Tommy Franks portion, when he misrepresented the actions taken by the previous administration. General Frank stated there was no response to previous terrorist attacks. That is General Frank's opinion, historically wrong, and has nothing to do with motivation in the context of a business environment.
My concern is this. This event was not positioned as a "Get Fundamentalist Religion" event, a "Get Conservative Politics" event, "Get Creationist Belief" event, or even as a thirty minute infomercial for selling your "Get Rich Investing in the Stock Market- Buy my $495.00 program" event. This is NOT what I expected my company to promote and I, as well as many others, felt the event had been misrepresented. The only thing I've been motivated to do, is write this email, and warn others what this event actually promotes. I am truly disheartened and surprised that the diverse company I work for is supporting this divisive event. Our yearly kickoffs and other corporate events are nothing like what I experienced yesterday. Is this corporation paying to support these kinds of events?
You know me, my work ethic, my humble place in the universe, and the make-up of my character. I felt badly for myself, and my co-workers of other faiths and world views. This was not a positive experience for many. Please remove my name, as an attendee, off any future such event lists.
Thank you,"
As I walked out at 3:00 P.M., a young man looked at my group and said "That was like Nazi propaganda". I nodded in agreement. I have never been as shocked as I was yesterday. I waited until this morning to email my boss. Here is his reply.
"I was even more disappointed than these words represent. I agree with you wholly and completely. In the past, the event was much more focused on helping people rather than selling something that people can get for free on the internet and personal opinions. Manager name and I paid for this thinking it would be like four years ago and truly would motivate and educate. It was not corporate sponsored, but Executive management agreed to let us go. Obviously, we all want to grow and learn. Unfortunately, this event was misrepresented. So sorry. At least, we tried to do something good."
Zig Ziglar actually put up creationist supporting websites and told people to write them in their workbooks and go to them later. Tommy Franks (introduced with fireworks and a red, white and blue confetti shoot) was such an arrogant ass, I had to leave. Tom Hopkins appeared to have been drinking. I was wishing I could have joined him! Jessica Lynch limped onto the stage with the help of a cane. She was clearly out of her comfort zone, and her profound motivational words? "Never give up"
Peter and Tamara Lowe are like the 21st century version of Jim and Tammy Faye Baker. They are President and Executive Vice President of this right wing money making scheme. I told my boss I felt sorry for the numerous small business owners, and their employees who spent their hard earned money on this Fundie-fest. Attendees were also STRONGLY urged to attend the once in a life time event right down the street later this week. What is this important event suggested by the "Get Motivated" president? The Billy Graham crusade.
My boss also added that someone should sue this group for the serious breach of ethics.
I hope if kossacks are asked to attend this seminar, you will share what you know regarding the true purpose of the event. Or, at the very least, refuse to attend or in any way support this day long fundie-christian-right wing love- fest.
Twenty four hours later, and I'm still pissed when I think of it!