Dear @Faith-and-Hope - firstly I have to say that I wholeheartedly agree with what @Zoe7 said regarding your CG role here on Sane. For me, when I first joined some 2 and a half years ago, you have remained one of the few 'constants'. Always around, always willing to step in and help with caring and sensitive advice or just letting me know someone was listening. That in itself is invaluable, and you always do it so well.
I saw the notice asking for expressions of interest for the next batch of Community Guides. Not being sure how the selection process actually works, I was of the assumption that they were looking for extra Guides, rather than an across the board clean out and reappointment process. I didnt know that existing guides would need to reapply and/or need to be re-chosen. I was in an equivalent role elsewhere, and guides had to resign their position if they no longer wanted to do it. New guides were appointed on an as needed basis to fill gaps. It sounds as though Sane operate a little differently.
I dont know @Faith-and-Hope ... are you feeling fatigued or jaded at all by the responsibilities of being a Guide? You have performed in this role so admirably for a long time now. Do you still enjoy the necessary interaction with members, new and old? With all your personal issues, do you still have the time to devote to the role? You have so much happening in your life with family, hubby, uni, travel, etc ... I honestly dont know how you continue to manage it all. But you do. Its oft said that if you want something done ... give it to a busy person.
I have no insight into changes within the forum structures or how it will affect any of us. Can I ask if those changes are acceptable to you, do you agree with the need for these changes? And if you dont, can you still live within those new structures without feeling you are butting your head against a brick wall? Provided you are in agreement with new changes, there is a great deal to be said for maintaining a sense of continuity and stability. I know you would fulfill that role extremely well if you were to continue in your current capacity as a Guide.
If you were to drop back to a Community Elder role, I dont really know what differences that will make when it comes to having influence over forum decisions. I think you no longer have access to the seperate Guide Forum, so that may restrict your ability to have influence or be across coming changes. Can you accept that, or do you want more influence than the Elder role may enable you to have?
I think the main issue is whether you still have the time, motivation and mental energy to continue to have the major role in the forums that you do now as a Guide. I had considered putting in an expression of interest myself, but my head is not currently in the right space, so it would be silly of me to even consider it. Besides ... I may have a few rules breeches under my belt, thus deeming me ineligible. Ouch 😕
I realise I havent offered any real insight into what I would suggest, but I hope I have put out the questions you should give some thought to in making your decision. Ultimately I really hope you do continue. However I accept that even if you dont, you will still be around ... just as you are now. Only difference being for you ... in that you will no longer feel obliged to be here. You will be here purely because you want to be.
Sherry
