Getting to “Yes”: in Belltown, Pike Place, & Pioneer Square

Our logistics officer Joshua Draskovich was brave enough to work with Izzy Marvin on our Christian Science Monitor outreach project on Friday. Another unusually hot day, they chose to go to downtown Seattle because of its close proximity to chilly Puget Sound waters and the ability to walk in the shadows of tall buildings. Sure enough, they reported that they stayed comfortable throughout the day. They covered areas where tourists frequent: Belltown, the Pike Place Market area, and Pioneer Square. 

Izzy and Josh at the Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle

Josh had his arm twisted a bit when he was recruited for this outreach day under the promise that Izzy would be the one engaging with people. It's not easy to find people willing to do this kind of outreach work, even only as a substitute for one day. Talking with Josh afterwards he shared that overall he had a pretty good experience and might even consider doing it again. At first he felt a little uncomfortable, but he was surprised at how receptive people were to taking sample copies. The big challenge, according to Josh, was not feeling pessimistic after getting so many No's to offers of Monitor gift subscriptions. Our workers hear a lot of No's trying to find a few Yes's. The No's are never easy to hear. This work requires an unstoppable perseverance. They tell me, too, that keeping momentum going is crucial, which is why our workers have gotten in the habit of taking a late lunch.    

Josh and Izzy were very successful at placing Monitor gift subscriptions on Friday. They were accepted at barber shops, beauty salons, and restaurants in throughout the downtown area. It was a very good day! 

It was especially inspiring to me to bask in the afterglow of their successful day when they returned to our U-District office. Our workers are getting really good at doing this work! It has been gratifying to witness the growth in skills and confidence.