These streets of ours can appear intimidating. As we try to promote the trend of increasing activity in the streets, opening discussions with neighboring families in this thing of ours, I think we haven't really emphasized the benefits of doing so.
Instead, I see topics and conversations with negative undertones. What we think others are doing wrong. What we think others should be doing. So on and so forth, and frankly, how does this attitude benefit each other?

It's constant attempts to cast negative shadows over certain cities and organizations, and for those who are not informed in operations in those cities, it leaves an unjust interpretation of that organization.

Instead, I would like to embrace who we appreciate. I would like explanations of why we made the decisions to work for the leaders that we work for.
I firmly believe, for this thing of ours to grow, we need to ensure that we continue to grow nationwide. We need to ensure that the new blood and fresh faces have resources to better utilize their selection as to whom to work for. 

To maximize productivity and continued business, one has to enjoy and like the organization he or she is working for. However, making that decision as to who to work for is by far one of the most important decisions one has to make.

It's an awkward process, one that I think generally results with not enough information gathered between the two parties to make accurate decisions. 

Let us share what lead us to make the selection to commit loyalty to the crew that we did.
Let us share what we appreciate from those running the organizations that we represent, as well as what we appreciate from neighboring organizations that we have observed.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Myself, I fully believe in the vision that Don Gato had shared with how he sees Detroit operating. When I first heard him speak to the people of Detroit, I knew immediately that he was the man that I needed to work for. The vision of how operations would run involved tasks that I was inexperienced and uncomfortable with, however when he spoke, it made sense to me. I knew that I needed something that would push me, that would drive me, that would force me change how I would otherwise operate. 

It has me out of my comfort zone.
It has me participating in ways that I never experienced or read about in the the memoirs kept by my great great ancestors. 
It has me reassessing everything I thought I knew. It has me second and third guessing myself, which is exactly what I need to learn and grow.

The level of effort that the Don puts into everything that he does motivates me.
That he has a vision and foundation of a structure which consists of elements that allow him to be aware of the accomplishments of his members, ensures that if you're putting in the effort, he WILL be aware of it. It will not go unnoticed and under appreciated. 

The experiences that I've had in my time here has me thinking positively about everything, not negatively. I have no doubt that the decision I made was the correct one for myself and will be for anyone else who might wish to push themselves and open their eyes to changes and new possibilities. 

What a wonderful idea. I am so glad you brought this up MavisBeacon. 

I have given some thought on the question proposed. Hopefully this will not be too long winded.

When I first arrived to these shores I had some of my ancestor's journals with me. My mother had spent a short time with Mr. Oakheart before her early death. But prior to that she wrote about her reasons for joining him. She had spoken about how he spoke to her without caring what people had said about her line. She spoke that she could actually speak to him about  numerous things as some of her ancestors had before her.. The ability to be able to speak to someone without them thinking you are worse for all the things they had heard about your family is a huge deal. So I looked around me and did some looking around. What I found was that working for Mr. Oakheart was probably going to be the best choice among the leaders that were standing at the time. This does not mean they are bad leaders by any means, just that Mr Oakheart was the better choice for me personally.

Once I was here I was pushed outside my comfort zone as well. I am not entirely the best speech speaker but I have been pushed to work on that. I have been pushed to try and draw people out with some topics that I often find myself thinking about. When I came here I had heard about changes and to be truthful I wanted to be a part of that. I feared stepping into the streets the first time. Each time I step out I get a little more comfortable.

The vision RobOakheart is something I support. Something I will do anything in my power to see continued.

Being a part of New Amsterdam allows me to work on the community by bringing up discussions and contributing whatever I possibly can. Along with working on myself. My fears that have held me back and the way I think about things. Now instead of just thinking one way, I try to take everything into account. At least everything I can think of or things others can think of as well.

I am challenged to do better than my ancestors and to be better all around, not just for myself but for the community. This is the ultimate reason why I joined RobOakheart and the reason I would choose to die for him without a second thought.

I appreciate the other organizations that allow people to question respectfully without calling for their heads. Those that push their members to be as great as they can be. It doesn't take just one organization to create change but many. I appreciate them all in their own ways.

MavisBeacon,

Great topic- but one that sadly illustrates the point that, for most street discussions, you catch more flies with salt than honey. Or something like that. If you'd instead thrown out the idea "who sucks and why?" you'd probably have dozens of people clamoring to be heard. But that doesn't make your question any less relevant or important, and I'm glad you asked it as opposed to going negative. 

To answer your hypothetical question, though, I think criticizing others can help establish community standards. When this is done respectfully, as opposed to just slinging shit, I very much support the idea. Particularly since we're in a time that seems to reward growth instead of overzealously greeting any perceived imperfection with a hail of bullets. 

But on to your topic at hand. I'm pretty picky when it comes to choosing someone to follow; in fact, I'm not much of a natural follower. But I'm willing to follow Don Gato because I believe in what he's trying to accomplish in our society. And, like Dusty, I am not saying this as a reflection on other leaders, but because this was the best fit for me. I appreciate that he's willing to mentor me because, to be frank, he knows more than I do- which is sometimes a difficult admission. I try to model the same behavior now in my own family, as I'll do my best to help people reach their potential. I don't want to repeat things you've already said, so I'll leave it at that for now.

Dusty , literally everything you've said in the streets has been perfect up until you said the phrase "I am not entirely the best speech speaker". Kind of ironic, no?

She winks at the redheaded woman, teasing her.

I fer one don' know much o' shite around here yet, but it seems ta me that I got mixed in wit' a great leader from what everyone seems ta tell me. I'll be honest, what made me decide ta get with Don Gato, Mr. Beacon, an' Ms. Logan, before she was granted her own crew, was tha way they reached out wit' me.

Mr. Raoh an' a few others did tha same, but even Mr. Raoh spoke highly of Mr. Gato. If other crew's leaders be suggestin' if I had tha chance ta werk wit' 'im, that I should... Then who tha fock would I be ta na listen, hi? Mr. Gato spoke wit' me here on tha streets. His man, Mr. Beacon, jumped on tha take an' quickly invited me ta look around Detroit. Work came quick, an' tha pay been good, lads.

So, it be tha respect that everyone be showin' fer Mr. Gato that be keepin' me 'round. Reminds me o' someone, someone who been a real inspiration ta meself. So tha be it fer me.

He tipped his hat and dipped back into the crowd to listen.

When I arived in this world I didnt know anybody and fast I had to make a decision on who to join in order to start doing my petty crimes and grow my way up.

SoI decided to join AnomanderRake has he was the first to propose me a job in his family andfor that Iwill always be grateful because I had the opportunity to meet great people who gave me all the ropes to do my job properly and especially to improve my natural skills.

But then something happened, a new born gangster decided to set up in New York - Bronx, this man is called Bjorn_Ironside.

My ancestor Psykotik knew Bjorn_Ironside 's ancestor Tyrael quite well, they were made from the same blood and so are Bjorn and I.

So naturally I came to Bjorn_Ironside , told him who was my ancestor and that I was willing to work on the same path with him that did Tyrael and Psykotik. Bjorn was very enthusiastic about this idea and accepted my proposition to join his new family.

Then I decided to leave AnomanderRake with his approval and then my new life with Bjorn_Ironside.

I would like to pay again my respect to AnomanderRake, RIP my friend and show my deepest respect to Bjorn_Ironside who has given me the biggest opportunity ever in this world, he gives me daily advices, helps me on many ways and trains me like a beast. Thanks boss ! I owe you much.

I appreciate the kind words, though I do feel like I've died and am reading an obituary. 

I don't think I need to explain the reasons why my grandfather and I followed Rob Oakheart and those of his line. Louis Gato was welcomed as an unknown street urchin into an ancestor of Rob's operation, and soon made left hand. A nobody went from nothing to a significant member of his upper structure, with no previous affiliation or understanding of what he was capable of. 

When I moved to New York with Rob, I knew that if anyone wanted to put a bullet in him, they'd have to put one in me, too. His selfless ambition and perspective of the way the country should be run, his ideals for change, all gave me a cause larger than ourselves to embark on. 

You don't get many people who walk these streets for everyone but themselves. 

Sees Torak nervous walking down, and starts to tremble as well.

Great topic.

There's to much negativity going on in the streets in my opinion. Just like Torak said with the gasoline thing. I didn't wanted to post in the streets because it was a bit 'edgy'. So I'm glad that this post came up. We do have to embrace who we appreciate.

I don't have any ancestors who guided me through this world and I'm glad that I fell in the hands of a loving and great family, who supported me and guided me in this insane world we are all living in. I had no clue what to do, and without Tellurium and AurelianoBuendia I maybe would still be a wondering soul in the streets. Who knows? 
One thing I know is that I'm very grateful about it. And also all the support and love that I've gotten from everyone, it's amazing!

I'm very happy to be in this life right now and will continue on enjoying it as long as I can.

Walks down relieved 

Angelo Stands amidst the crowd of people gathered listening to these gentlemen speak their minds. Some of them he recognizes, other's only by name from the crowds whispers. His hands fidgeting in his coat pockets. The tone is genuine and sincere and given the topic he feels compelled to speak up given the opportunity. He Steps forward to the edge of the circle, swallowing the lump in his throat before opening his lips to speak as eyes turn to him and suddenly he's on the spot. Raising one hand with a finger in the air, as if asking for permission to speak.

"Excuse me, If I may.." 

He starts, his voice a little hoarse from the cold weather. 

"My name is Angelo Scaletta, and I would like to speak, If that's alright."

He clears his throat before continuing. 

"I will say this, these streets can be a hard place to grow, I'm sure we all know that. Though it always helps to find a place to call home, a place where you can be among trusted individuals who you know will be there for you should anything ever go wrong. 
Not everyone finds a place before they end up.. well we all know how the nobodies turn up when they think they can do it on their own. When I first came to these fine streets of this great city, I was alone, cold and hungry. I did what I needed to to get by, 
odd jobs here and there for strangers just to get some food and a place to stay. I eventually made my way into the trust of this group of people and things were going good. Worry had left me about not making in these streets." 

He looks down at the ground for a moment, the brim of his hat hiding his eyes before he picks his head back up and continues.

"We all know what we're getting into when we choose to live this life, when we choose to stray to this side of the law. One of our friends was taken from us too soon and as luck would have it the group fell apart. Once again I was alone in the streets, save the few friends I made along the way. 
Luckily though, I quickly found acceptance into a new group.. nay a new family, because that's what it feels like. I was astonished at how welcoming everyone was and how safe and accepted I felt. Especially to have found such an organization in my late relatives home city none the less."

He pauses for just a moment.

"I must say, I am very happy to see this issue brought up. With everything that has been happening lately that I've watched from the sidelines with my stomach churning, it is good to have an opportunity to share what we ENJOY about this life. With that said, I look forward to continuing 
to work in this great city, despite any hardships we may come across and contribute what I can to make it a better place for those who are new to these streets. Too many times have I seen our city slandered and I want others to know that these streets are just fine. I hope I am here for 
many years to watch my city grow and prosper with new and old blood. Listen to me, like an old man rambling.." 

He stammers for a moment realizing he's spoken enough on the matter.

"Thank you, thank you everyone for indulging me for this moment. In short, I am more than honored to be on these streets, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Much respect to all of you, and may we all live to see tomorrow."

He raises his hand to bid farewell as he closes his mouth and steps back into the edge of the circle, a smile on his face, happy to finally have spoken up on a pleasant topic. 

Well now....my family tree shows we nearly all came from Philly, grew up here, learnt this way of life here...I read it in my family journals.

Why do I work here with a crew in Philly? I am passionate about my roots, I am passionate about staying loyal to family and where possible city too. I am loving being part of an open city - something my ancestors never knew - and learning how to develop and grow in that environment. It makes communication the single thing we all have in common - words - exceptionally valuable and you learn how to use them and also who is deserving of hearing them too.

I came from Rake, a man who will in my view always be a compete legend. If I am half what he was I am immensely proud. The gods decreed containers crews and I stepped up in what was something this world has never really known a great deal. The journey was interesting, Rake was keen to have me back but I feel blessed that he saw something in me during my time with him and gave his blessing for me to come and set up here in OCD for which I will be forever grateful. His wise words and council and steady voice in those early days were stunning and will never be forgotten.

So I work here because I love Philly, I hold much respect for who put me here, I love my crew and would do absolutely anything for them.

Cassidy sat an listened to all the heart felt testaments an heart felt speeches. His mind drift off to an Old journal passed down to him from his father Quick. Who was a loyal Man to Rory Rourke Moonshine Co.  Cassidy clenched his lips tightly, as he remember reading about his fathers undying Loyalty an qualities, yet he retired to earlier... Guess he couldn`t handle thing of ours, as it`s not truely for everyone. 

Snapping outta his haze, Cassidy focused on Don Tellurium as she spoke. once she was finished an step down, cassidy decided to step up an speak...

Hello everyone.  I would like to speak on this topic a little if i may.  I am a native of PH, an i love my city enough to start my career there/make my bones there.  Like my father, i was blessed to find a home, with a leader who`s patient an experienced enough to guide me an help perfect my craft.  I am striving HARD to surpass my father`s understanding, an outlook on this thing of ours.

Working in PH with Don Tellurium an the entire Entangled Elements family, is what drives me to push hard an want to go further. the wisdom, the understanding, an family feel in PH  is quality that pulls you in, an just make you want more of it. 

like my father before me, i crave the knowledge. But, i am more eager to learn "ALL"  i can from Don Tellurium. 

Why i work were i work? 

Because  i`m happy here in PH...  Because i was accepted with open arms...  because i see a bright future for me to accomplish things for my bloodline that my father didn`t  or  couldn`t  for what ever reason.

In conclusion...

I stand here today a "Made Man" so i must be on the right path.  An with Don Tellurium`s guidance, i`m sure to make PH proud of me as well as the Upperstructures.  This is why i work were i work!

Thank you all for listening <3

Cassidy salutes the crowd, an makes his way to Don Tellurium as he stands beside her.

Camilla approached MavisBeacon after he had finished speaking.  She offered a hand in greeting before introducing herself.

“Your topic has inspired me to examine the reasons why I chose the family to whom I give my life and loyalty.”

A new place.  A new beginning.

“As soon as I set foot on these shores, I ventured around the streets some, checking out what was going on in a few cities.  I began searching for work.  Once I got into a rhythm of sorts, trying out various tasks, well that’s when the inquiries came rolling in. People introducing themselves, asking questions as well.  It’s natural to want to know who people are I guess.”

Camilla shrugged lightly.

“Myself?  I searched around until I spoke to the right person.  Someone who took a serious interest in the potential that I was showing.  Me.  Not my bloodline, not my neighbor, not my friend.  Just me.”

“After the initial communications began, there were a few invitations to become a permanent resident, yet I knew nothing of those attempting to lure me in.  Promises of money, work, shelter.”

She waved her hands through the air as she spoke.

“I wanted something more though.  I wanted to belong, not just exist, nor fill an empty space. I would imagine that a leader’s bloodline helps determine how people decide where to settle down, and to whom to swear their loyalty.  My ancestors had never worked directly with my leader’s bloodline, and that was one of many reasons I chose to join there.  Speaking with Artus for a while was another reason why it was a clear decision for me.  The time and effort made, it mattered to me.”

“Before I joined my family, I made inquiries as much as possible about how his family operated and whatnot, learning as much information as possible.  The information that I was privy to allowed me to choose, and determine this was the right family for me.  A place I could feel welcome, thrive and explore my potential to the fullest.”

“Recently there had been a change for my life.  Trust was earned, a commitment was made, and loyalty was earned.  Things are a two-way street, though.  It isn’t one sided regarding loyalty and trust.  Our leaders have to trust their members, and they take a chance on each person by allowing them into their family.”

“Slash blindly took me into his family, and I say blindly because my bloodline was not revealed before an invitation was offered. That is how I know I am valued for me.  I am appreciated for what I contribute to the family.  It is my dedication and hard work rewarded.”

Camilla stopped speaking for the moment, needing a short break to collect her thoughts.  She was certain she missed a few things, but that is all she has to say at the moment.

Slash smiles hearing Camilla's comments

Well, I was coming out here to say why I am where I am.. but to be honest CamillaBalistreri has already done that for me. I'll continue on anyway and give my own thoughts and reasons I guess.

I was growing up in Chicago, under someone that I consider a very dear friend. I loved the family. Absolutely loved it in fact. I met some great new friends there like SophiaRivers and yet all the time I was there, I had this feeling I was missing something. I took stock of what I had in my life, and it was clear that all that I was lacking was the ability to help teach people. Our family was filled already and we had no room at the inn, with no expectation of expansion on the horizon I got to thinking that I may have to step out on my own to do what I wanted. I looked across at Green in Vegas and realised that I wanted what he had. A chance to simply break out and start from scratch, bring in people I dont know. Train them in our way of life and watch them grow, or even connect with people already well versed in this life that I've never had the chance to get to know before. CamillaBalistreri is a fine example of the later, my ancestors have never worked with hers, not to my knowledge anyway. Artus brought her into the family and Camila and I quickly bonded after a few chats. It was a while down the road in our relationship before we got to discussing the past and Camila mentioned to me which bloodline she came from. I can't say it was a shock she hailed from such a well known bloodline, it was clear from day one she was a special person that knew this world well, but it was that situation that just made me so glad I took the decision to move.

Leaving your family, especially when you enjoy being there, is never easy. I know because it tore me apart a little to even ask Kurgan for the chance to move out on my own, but I must admit I couldn't be happier for it now.