I am currently the keeper of the Hug List and based upon discussions initiated in another thread.... I offer the following:
1) I see my role as a coordinator (liason of communications) of the many, many ANONYMOUS individuals out there who choose to participate when someone feels the need to offer a HUG QUILT ... and a block request goes out. I forward the original HUGGER's request to me to the HUG list participants (I try to avoid editing their message as much as possible).2) I do include the the HUG requester's email address (her snail mail is included in order to receive the blocks). That way any questions/concerns etc can be done privately between the 2 individuals. I am a firm proponent that when disagreements or misunderstandings occur (and they do and they will) -- they should be handled off group. If someone knows FOR A FACT that someone has misrepresented information or taken $$$ or materials dishonestly -- it should be taken up initially between the two individuals... and then contact the HUG LIST COORDINATOR who hopefully can gather information and help bring a quiet resolution. Allegations should NOT EVER be made on the list publicly (in my opinion) but should be handled discreetly in private email messages. That said, this is not a recommendation or invitation for a private flame war or gossip revolution.
3) I have NO INTENTIONS of becoming a HUG QUILT POLICEMAN -- if you want to do a hug quilt, it is my opinion that you have the right to put out the request through this list. Whether it be an immediate family member, a neighbor, more distant family member or a QI -- the request specifies who the intended recipient is and their relationship to the HUG maker if not an active RCTQ participant. At that point, each person who receives the HUG block request has an opportunity to either hit delete... or make a block(s). Each member of the HUG list has the right to anonymously participate ... or not participate. I receive no "record" of who sends blocks or who does not... nor do I want one. If you -- as a HUG list participant -- choose to make a "person rule" that you want to personally know the recipient through the list before you'll make a block... go for it. If you want to send to every HUG that comes across -- go for it. If you make a block only when the urge strikes you or you have the time... go for it. I don't keep track and have no intentions of EVER doing so. We participate in the requests to the degree we choose to -- with no expectations from me or anyone else.4) If you volunteer to host a HUG, completion should be timely. If for whatever reason you find yourself in a position where you can't finish a HUG (especially for a fellow RCTQ member) in a timely manner -- contact the HUG coordinator and I'm confident that in most cases -- someone will happily take up where you left off. If it is for a family member thus you don't want to "pass it over to someone else" - then keep the lines of communication open. Keep the Hug List coordinator informed about what's happening.
5) As a HUG block donor, you need to understand that as in all volunteer organizations, once you have made your contribution, you must let go and trust in the system. Sadly, there may be on occasion, a time where your donation is for naught. If it happens repeatedly -- then the system needs help. But once in a blue moon -- things happen or someone lets the process down. Do not condemn the process because on occasion it fails. The world would be a pretty crummy place if we focused upon the few failings rather than the multiple successes of our accomplishments.6) Since taking on this role, I have been keeping a simple spreadsheet to help myself keep track of the Hugs. If things go quiet for a while -- I have sent out an email message asking "where are we in the process?" I have had good communication with HUG makers. In my short (less than 1 year) experience, I have been pleased with the timeliness of the HUG quilt process.
7) A deadline is published to inform participants when the HUG maker intends to begin assembly of the quilt top. If you want a block to be included... get yours there in time. While we all hope the quilt is finished in a timely manner... to set a "FINISH DEADLINE" would not make sense. We have no power of enforcement and thus setting such a deadline would be futile. When someone volunteers to make a HUG -- their intentions are good. Sometimes life interferes. What we can do is offer support or to find someone to help out. But I don't think requiring a "Delivery" deadline by a HUG quilt maker would really make a difference.This is the way I approach my role as HUG List coordinator. If you think I am off base -- please let me know. I welcome CONSTRUCTIVE criticism.
In the meantime, I hope we will actively continue to offer our love-filled HUGS to those in need.
And again...... THANKS and more THANKS and MORE THANKS to those who give to the HUG QUILT PROCESS ... through blocks, financial support, sewing, quilting, binding, delivering or whatever way you have chosen to contribute.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Kate in MI