This is the sixth teammate/mascot of Team Southeast, Mr. Bear. He wrote the blog post & can be a little wordy.

After riding along with team Southeast for the past 6 weeks, I’ve grown to LEARN a lot about them. First off, they have an identity crisis. I’ve heard their name change from Soufbeast, to Southeats (so true), to Cheesebeast, to Southnest, to Nestbeast, and new ones are popping up all of the time.

They’ve also taught me that the key to being a roadie is choosing to view each day as being worthy of everything you have to give. Whether it’s taking the extra time you don’t have to make your teammate smile, cherishing the people you meet as your friends, or digging hard to revive that deep rooted energy that drew you to this position in the first place, it’s all about a choice, and this team knows how to make
the right decision.

With this wild team I’ve also LAUGHed more than I thought possible. Between the fluent language of sass and threats, outbreaks of song and dance — both in the van and in public — and talking in weird voices almost as often as normal ones, this team knows how to keep laughing even through the tough times. This laughter is a gift because it brings the joy that re-centers them with each other and fuels them to move forward.

One thing I’m repeatedly impressed with is how ridiculously strong this team is due to all of the heavy LIFTing they take on with ease. I greatly admire that they realize that every menial task, like lifting the boxes multiple times each day, is what keeps this movement going and is making all the difference. But it’s not just boxes they’re lifting, oh no, they are also constantly lifting each other up, and those around them. With their spirit and those muscles, nothing is too heavy for these Soufbeasters.

While all of these qualities are invaluable on a team, this group would be nothing without the deep LOVE that they share. It is by far the most essential aspect of their endeavor. They’ve transformed from beloved friends into committed family, and it is clear that their love spreads to those they meet and flourishes in this mission for social justice.

With all of that said, I couldn’t be more honored to have been carefully selected for this obnoxiously magical team. They truly are what I like to call, Insanity At Its Finest, and I can’t wait to continue this adventure of taking on the 4 L’s of being a roadie (Learning, Laughing, Lifting, and Loving) with them.

With love from the dashboard,

Mr. Bear

Stop At Nothing (except Cracker Barrel)

Beachin' it

Savannah