Guest Column: A Successful Knitting Guild

Running things: Share the work. If you need help, ask for it. Let those who criticize take on a job, for example, contact person (for ads, flyers), phone/email coordinator, moderator, host, committee chair, greeter.

Other tips: Keep in touch. Especially when the group is new, reminder phone calls or mailings are a good idea. As the group becomes more established, this may not be necessary. This is something that can be delegated to those who value the personal touch. As a group becomes larger, twenty to thirty phone calls may be too many for one person. Email is a good way to keep in touch.

Be flexible. I like structure, so I had an agenda for the meetings. The group turned out to be more interested in holding a discussion and starting and finishing "on time" than I anticipated. We quit having food or taking a break during the meetings in order to end on time. You might find that over time the group needs to split into two groups because of too many members or a difference in philosophy. Try to let the split happen with tolerance and friendship.

I recommend taking a group inventory at a six- to twelve-month interval. You may have a highly verbal group that gives you feedback, or you may only hear from the critics. If you seem to be losing people over time or are uncomfortable with the turnover in the group, ask why.

I would suggest reading the book, Creating Community, by Carolyn Shaffer & Kristin Anundsen; contacting or attending similar groups; and joining a national association.

Revised 7/00; copyright Michelle Strange

You can reach Michelle at Michelle64@hotmail.com.

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