Now the dust has settled after the Q & A at the Valley last week where does that leave the Spell it out in Black and White campaign?
Thanks to the hard work of many but especially
@Addickted2TheReds the campaign has had some some small, early wins.
It was given extensive coverage in the local media and on Charlton Live, a number of fans picked up on it as black and white scarves were visable during the protest and elsewhere and leaftets were distrubuted at MK Dons and at The Valley before Sheffield Wednesday.
And even the CEO noticed it and mentioned "spelling it out in black and white" during her presentation, albeit it rather dismissively. but as Gandi said, "first they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win"
It's a start and only that but Spell it out in Black and White is only a couple of weeks old and you rarely bring about significant change at the first attempt or within a few days.
The meeting didn't address our four aims fully even if it was a step forward. We're glad we got even that limited response but the fans deserve more. A lot more.
- We still want to see the proper business plan and strategy set out not just the vague objectives set out in the CEO's presentation
- We still want to see regular, constructive and two way communication between the board and fans. A one off meeting isn't enough and the format needs to change
- We still want to see the Target 20k working group set up. The CEO said this was going to happen but she also said this back in September 2014.
- And we still want to see the CEO and the staff following their own club charter and responding to letters and emails from fans within 48 hours, something very basic but which isn't happening regardless of what the CEO claims.
SO WHAT NOW?We call on fans to continue protesting in any (legal and decent) way they choose but ask that they make wearing Black and White part of those protests. Wearing black and white is a quick and easy visual message to tell the club, other fans and the media that many of us, more than just 2% for sure, aren't happy with the way the club is being run.
Wear black and white scarves, shirts or whatever and buy black and white balloons to be released during the Ipswich game. Buy a few extra scarves and balloons to give out to other fans.
We hope that other supporters' groups will lend their resources to promote the campaign.
To co-opt a slogan from a previous campaign
LET'S GO BLACK TO THE VALLEY
Comments
http://www.partypacks.co.uk/black-and-white-balloons-10andquot;-pack-of-50-pid63386.html?gclid=CjwKEAiAmqayBRDLgsfGiMmkxT0SJADHFUhPd5cvjLVVzt3g0AARrvevR5t0_0-xS-sccPoQEF4eDBoC0_zw_wcB
People can do all or any of those or none at all.
We're just calling on people to wear black and white and take black and white balloons
Today though I have been speaking to a few people and I hope to get things sorted in the near future.
I think in essence it doesn't really matter too much what the first steps are, it's about uniting the fans, then once we have a big crowd on-side you can start to march on together, if you don't start with a little step you won't go anywhere.
footyheadlines.com/2014/05/nike-queens-park-rangers-14-15-kits.html
If people don't know that is another matter. The curious will be asking "Why are Charlton fans wearing black and white and why are they using black and white balloons?" and that will include many of our own fans.
So if we get the other side of this right ie informing the fans what it means and informing the media what it means then more, but not all, people will know. And if we get people asking questions that puts more pressure on the board to take the views of fans seriously.
If people are boycotting then good for them but people can't see that. If people are not buying programmes or food then good for them but people can't see that.
If people are cancelling Valley Gold then good for them but people can't see that.
But fans and non-fans can see the scarves and balloons, if there are enough of them.
It's a quick and easy visual to raise awareness and support. Wearing a black and white scarf won't change anything by itself, we all know that.
It's one way, and there are plenty of other valid methods too, for people to show they are unhappy and want change.
You could also paint your face up it does look very spooky but is very affective.
Will try to find the photo.