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Guild Meeting

I went to my first guild meeting on Wed night. They look like a great bunch of people. They have 161 members, not a small guild. They were quite organized. They have a welcoming committee for the new members. Most guests come with a friend, not knowing anyone I went by myself. A tad intimidating. I never know where to sit. I am not a shy person but that night I felt overwhelmed. Fortunately for me, the welcoming committee had me sit at their table. One of the ladies even brought me a drink and a cookie at intermission. They were truly a wonderful welcoming committee.

Show and tell was great. Quite a variety of talented people. I enjoy listening to quilter's stories that go with their accomplishments. Oh, they also have an entertaining committee. Well, the special project committee seem to always put on a show to remind people to participate and get their projects done. It was hilarious. Lots of laughter!

They had a guess speaker, a nun, after the meeting (the speaker had booked the wrong date and came sort of unprepared and late). The guild donates some quilts to this project that she runs in Nicaragua. Unfortunately, her presentation sounded more like an infomercial for money than "a look at where your quilts go". She chose to portray the horror of the situation and mentioned a few times what the Americans had done to these people....blah...blah....blah. I am not one to turn a blind eye to the horrors of the world and I do pray for inner peace every day (I figure inner peace guarantees outer peace) but I quilt to create and escape. I do not need to go to a guild meeting to be reminded verbally and visually of the horrors and atrocities that go on in this world. I did not watch the slide show nor did I pay much attention to what she said. Some guild members left, one was crying. I stayed as I wanted to talk to the committee that handle charity projects and get their requirements. So I took the opportunity to read the by-laws.

The ladies at the table did assure me that this was not their usual as guest speakers. They went on to say that this was quite unusual and they did not expect this. I joined anyway as I do want to be more involved and get out more. Now that I am taking a much needed break from school, I want to get more involved with the quilting community.

Thanks for your time.

Reply to
Ceridwen
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Reply to
Sharon Gates

Yes, the Plattsburgh guild.

Reply to
Ceridwen

I know Bev Stellges and Pat Flath - they are friends of mine. I also have met Heidi, the Rabbi from Plattsburgh. I also know several of the women who belong to that guild who go to Quilt Camp. Have you ever been to Quilt camp at Paul Smith's? This year it is moving to Saranac lake at the Community College. I'll be going again - it will be my

Reply to
Sharon Gates

I'll have to make sure to look for them the next time I'm there. Rabbi Heidi and I have met. I don't think she's a member of the guild yet, I could be wrong.

I'm originally from Mtl. My family still lives in Montreal (surrounding). I will have to check out the Quilt Camp this summer. Sounds like it could be a good time.

Reply to
C & S

Glad you had a good time Carole. It sounds a good, warm group. I've noticed that sometimes when we have a speaker who is not 'of the quilting community' the lecture is not appropriate. (In my case, I am thinking of a lecture by a Chiropractor.) I think part of the problem is that the guild chairman does not give specific instruction as to what is expected. (Time limit and topic.) In the case you mentioned, the Sister should have just been invited to say hello and thanks for the quilts. Maybe have a few brochures, but not a lecture. That is what we do when we have a charity representative come to meeting.

PAT

Ceridwen wrote: CUT CUT!

Reply to
Pat in Virginia

Sounds like an interesting group, Carole! I'm sure you'll enjoy your membership, and will be an asset to the guild.

As to the guest speaker--maybe not the best introduction (and like you, I don't turn a blind eye to the horrors)--it's people like us who can make a difference. Look how attitudes have changed in the past century! And I honestly think that things have changed because so many of us are more aware of how our tax money works and how our national politics affect the rest of the world.

You're right, though. Not the best possible presentation for a quilt guild meeting. I'm sure that most presentations and guest speakers will be more suitable and more appropriate to the subject. It must be terribly hard to get a good speaker for every meeting. Wouldn't want that job!!!

The thing that would get me to join a guild is a welcoming committee like the one you experienced, and the thought of information exchanges--which is why I think of RCTQ as my equivalent of a quilt guild. Everyone here is so willing to share their little tips and tricks of the trade.

Reply to
Carolyn McCarty

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