[Seattle Luthiers Group Notice] See you tonight with Stew-Mac

[jeremy vreeland]

Greetings Luthiers and Friends,



Time sure flies.  Already we are nearly half way through 2008.  The
meetings, so far, have been outstanding; everyone that has been fortunate to
show up would certainly agree. Whether we have been postulating the future
of Seattle Luthiers, visiting a local luthier to check out his machine that
cost twice as much as the home we bought fifteen years ago, bending wood, or
just hanging out at a potluck on a barge, all of these activities have had
their moments of excitement and fun.



With the months passing so quickly it has become increasingly important to
address some issues that have been on the forefront our minds and
consequently the discussions at our meetings.  The first is DUES. AHH – No
one seems to like the sound of it but practically there have been many
reasons why dues are necessary.  There are costs for maintaining the website
and we have also proposed the idea of a $200 gratuity to guest
speakers.  Ultimately,
a nominal due would ensure that those speakers and substantial volunteers of
our organization feel desired and minimally compensated for their efforts.



Secondly, people are also proposing that we construct roles of
leadership.  Whether
these positions have any power or are merely nomenclature will be the
decision of this organization.  But these positions do need to exist so that
members can have peace of mind when we finally collect dues.



In our April meeting the present members unanimously voted that annual dues
would total $35 per member.  But there are a few things that need to take
place before collecting these dues.  First the Seattle Luthiers must begin
rethinking the organization's role.  While disorganization may seem suitable
for our group, there are people that have had to organize events and put
more effort and money into events than others.   Until recently, these
efforts were done without compensation and, more often than not,
recognition.  It would help greatly if everyone be able to put something
towards this organization.  Dues, coupled with extra time for event planning
and a willingness to help in other areas of this organization would help
ease the burden that a few members currently carry single-handedly.



A good step to sharing this burden is to have every member work together
brainstorming ways to get involved.  In our last meeting those in attendance
wrote down what they thought was unique about Seattle Luthier's and also how
they thought the club could further develop. These notes were collected and
made into a logical list of goals.  These observations are quite inspiring
and serve as a reminder of the qualities that our organization innately
pursues.  Now- may be the time to pursue these things intentionally. I
believe that this list will help to give the Seattle Luthiers a vision and
purpose that everyone could refer to when making decisions about the purpose
of dues and a few volunteered hours.











Some of the qualities and goals of Seattle Luthiers include:



-Networking

-Guest Lectures

-Workshops

-Presentations

-Community Outreach- Teaching Clinics

-Creating a stronger Luthiere Community/Tradition in Seattle

-Discounts on tools and wood supplies for members





With all this said,, what makes you attend each month?
With everyone's input we can formulate a clear goal and purpose for the
club.  And with everyone's participation we can "share the load" and work
together to achieve these goals.  Please be considering your suggestions and
answers in order to bring them up at our next meeting.  See you tonight.







Cheers,

Jeremy
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