Thanks to everyone who attended and gave such valuable feedback on the Federation and the next steps. Below is a synopsis of the points discussed during the meeting. Please feel free to share with your guild members, perhaps in your newsletter, to let them know what’s being discussed.
Meeting held via ZOOM at 1:30- 3:30 on Sat Nov 20, 2021
TRAVELING TEACHER PROGRAM The majority of the guilds value the traveling teacher program as a great benefit of the Federation. in person vs virtual teacher options were discussed, with good points for both. A ‘hybrid’ approach was discussed, where the decision of in-person or virtual would be decided based on the subject to be taught and the availability of the teacher. The timing of the planning for a traveling teacher was brought up – most guilds would be able to work best with at least a one-year lead time, up to 2 years out, so that there is sufficient time for the guilds to plan and schedule. The current program would be expanded to include the contracting of a virtual teacher for either a presentation or a workshop, of which the Federation would pay a percentage to cover the guild costs. Any costs above that would be the individual guild’s responsibility. For example, if a teacher is contracted to provide 10 guilds a presentation, at $200 per session, then the Federation would pay the $2,000 to contract that instructor. If one of those guilds wanted a more extensive presentation from that instructor, then that guild would be responsible for the additional amount charged. There would be the same requirement that the guild would need to commit to the teacher and arrange dates, times, attendance requirements, etc. The Federation would set an upper limit of how much would be allocated to the virtual contract. There was a suggestion that there is a designated ”host’ guild for the traveling teacher, who coordinates and controls the arrangements. This could rotate among the guilds, providing for a more diverse selection of instructors and valuable help in administering the program.
WEEKEND RETREAT/CONFERENCE A discussion was held that the state guilds would benefit from a ”reinstatement’ of either a one-day or multi-day conference within the state. The Federation has in the past hosted Fibers through Time, both as a multi-day event and a one-day event. The cost and logistics of that became too difficult to continue with the board at that time, and with the pandemic, it has not been feasible. Suggestions were made for possible a regional one-day event (northern, central, and southern) or a state-wide location. Points brought up were the cost, which is a concern for a large number of members, travel and accommodations, and location.
GRANTS The guilds were somewhat aware that the Federation does issue grants to guilds for presentations/events/workshops. Each guild has a Federation handbook, and the grant criteria and submission rules are in it, so the reps are urged to share that with their program coordinators and members.
WEBSITE There was a lengthy discussion about the Federation website. Several people have expressed that it is difficult to use, mostly historical, and not timely as a communication tool to the guilds and the public about fiber happenings in the state. While the Forum was originally set up to be used as an area to provide information and assistance, it has evolved into more of a marketplace for buying and selling. The re-organization/redesign of the website was considered a high priority item, with the services of a professional web designer being used. Items that should be included/expanded within the website include a page for each guild that the guild itself would be responsible for updating (calendar, events, etc), a marketplace, a forum for discussion, and overall calendar with links to the individual events, and a resource page. The primary purpose of the website should be to communicate and inform the member guilds, with a secondary purpose of informing the public about fiber arts in the state.
MENTORSHIP A suggestion was made that the federation establish a mentorship program for the member guilds to provide resources on various aspects of fiber arts and also of guild operations.
NEWSLETTER a sample format of a newsletter that the Federation is considering was presented. This was suggested to be put on the website as a communication tool and to be sent out for distribution to members.
MISSION STATEMENT A suggestion was made that the Federation provide a ‘mission statement’ to all the guilds to include in their newsletters that describe briefly what the Federation does and the various programs. Additionally, there would be a ‘request for help’ issued to the guilds for members to participate in various functions such as helping with traveling teachers or events.
This was a great starting point for the Federation to formulate plans for the next steps in the evolving Arizona fiber arts scene, and we want to thank all who participated and gave valuable feedback.
Please be sure to share these points with your guild members, talk about it at your meetings, include it in your newsletter, and post it on your website.
If there are other suggestions or ideas, please let one of the board know.
THANK YOU!!!
Mary Humme, Vice President, AZ Federation of Weavers and HandSpinners, INC
Meeting Recording:
https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/n2H4eWjzoU3gzpO1boqlRbUwHOyqbeIV_rm5itCIBiexeqzj1V-T3HTCxhDQARR_.k3oVLeO_lO39SZlt
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