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Farmgirl Chapter Chatter:  Need some chapter advise :) for Suburbia  |
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GoddessintheGroove
True Blue Farmgirl
265 Posts
Heike
Sacramento
CA
265 Posts |
 Posted - Sep 04 2012 : 12:09:47 PM
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So....I started the chapter a while back, dreaming of monthly meetings, potlucks, swaps, doing work projects together....
I am a busy girl, and found, after a while, that we would meet and do things if I organized it all. I realize that is what a chapter leader should do, but I also anticipated some divine participation.
I began organizing public meets, since we live in the city and you just don't publicize your address here. I thought getting to know each other over coffee would be good...and go from there.
Am I to needy? I expected others to embrace the chapter and take some ownership. I started a FB for us so we could post our achievements, meetings, etc. Pretty much, whatever you see or is planned, is ME.
Any other suburbian chapter leaders out there? Can you give me some advise? Maybe meet only 4x a year and make it more of a Meet & Greet instead of a monthly bonded group?
Gratefully,
Heike
FarmGirl Sister #2245
"A journey back to the roots..."
http://www.herbmagik.com
"Women with opinions, pendants, & KitchenWitches...all in one."
http://www.goddessinthegroove.com
Find me on FB: http://www.facebook.com/theGoddessintheGroove |
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texdane
Farmgirl Legend Chapter Leader Chapter Guru
4658 Posts
Nicole
Sandy Hook
CT
USA
4658 Posts |
Posted - Sep 04 2012 : 3:34:56 PM
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Hi Heike,
I'm Chapter Leader for a chapter I started. We are in our second or third year now. There are "regulars" and some "occasional" girls. We meet about once a month or so, and I often remind the other members to let me know if they have any ideas, etc. A couple of times, the girls have come up with ideas, and we have done some great things. I don't think of it as only "me" coming up with ideas, although I am the main idea person as well as hostess, but I enjoy it! We do rely on me to be the "central" person for communication, because we are all kind of spread out. I am also the contact person through the web, so from that aspect it makes it simpler, as well. It doesn't bother me in the least. If someone else has an idea, I am still the one who collects the rsvp's and then relays that to the other hostess. Most of the time we meet at my house as well, because it is a central location and we don't have to email each other addresses. I do feel a bit guilty if we go a long time between meetings, but we are all busy and have no problem coming back together when we see each other. I would say we don't always meet monthly, but do meet no less than four times a year. I think keeping it more casual keeps people from dropping out and not feeling pressured, like in other groups, say for instance, a book club.
Some things we have done are potlucks, recipe swaps, goodie bag swaps (our Christmas one must be homemade, it is fun and sometimes hilarious!), taken canning classes and homesteading classes together, and gone to tea rooms and museums, and crafts. I think we got to really know each other through simple potlucks or dessert and coffee.
Hope this helps.
Farmgirl hugs,
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE
Chapter Leader, Connecticut Simpler Life Sisters
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/ |
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aeminasian
True Blue Farmgirl
89 Posts
Alice
Danbury
Connecticut
USA
89 Posts |
Posted - Sep 04 2012 : 6:46:59 PM
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Hi Heike,
I have the opposite situation in that I feel guilty for not contributing more ideas to my group (I belong to Nicole's group, and I see she has replied already - Hi Nicole!!) I try to attend as many get togethers as I can and I fully enjoy the time we spend together whether it be a potluck or a fun venture, but I have to admit, I feel like I should be more active in suggesting new ideas and/or projects. I work full time and don't get to have enough play time for myself much less time to look into new, fun ideas for the group, so I'm very appreciative that Nicole is willing to be the central person that keeps us all together and informed. I live in a townhouse where the parking is inadequate for a large number of people. If I had a house, I would most definitely love to host a get together sometime. So again, I feel guilty about not being a more active participant - sort of like I'm enjoying all the benefits but not participating as much as I should. Maybe that's what's going on with the girls in your chapter, who knows? Have you asked them to make suggestions? What do they say when you ask? No, I don't think you're being too needy and I think your feelings are justified. It just seems that you have a bunch of girls that are maybe not quite in sync with the direction you want to take with your chapter. I know everyone is busy, but out of fairness to you, the other members should at least be willing to share a little more of their time and not place all the burden on you. BTW, I just subscribed to your blog - looks neat! Good luck with your chapter!
Farmgirl #12
http://aliceswonderfullife.blogspot.com/ |
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GoddessintheGroove
True Blue Farmgirl
265 Posts
Heike
Sacramento
CA
265 Posts |
Posted - Sep 04 2012 : 7:07:42 PM
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Thank you both for your input :), that is valuable input for me.
I think I need to definitely "outline" my vision more. I have asked for input & ideas, putting things into reality is where we lack:). I think the upcoming Fall is the perfect time to get re-aquainted, and hash out a plan.
Thanks for subscribing, and welcome :).
Greetings,
Heike
FarmGirl Sister #2245
"A journey back to the roots..."
http://www.herbmagik.com
"Women with opinions, pendants, & KitchenWitches...all in one."
http://www.goddessinthegroove.com
Find me on FB: http://www.facebook.com/theGoddessintheGroove |
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Farmgirl Chapter Chatter: Need some chapter advise :) for Suburbia |
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Need some chapter advise :) for Suburbia
