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Originally posted by texdane

Sorry, Tamara. I haven't been on in awhile and am just seeing this now.

My advice first for anyone thinking of starting a chapter is to go for it. Start a chapter. There were not any active ones in my area when I started. I sent for the kit and then told my friends about it, and "Connecticut Simpler Sisters" was born. We are going on three or four years now.

Here's how we do it. I try to hostess or plan something once a month, weather permitting. I have been chapter leader the whole time, and no one else has wanted to be leader, so that's fine. Keeps it simple. I welcome ideas and if someone has an idea for an activity/trip together, they become the organizer, but I still keep track of the RSVPs for them, so that there aren't emails and phone calls bumping all over. We have members from all over, so we usually meet at my house as a central place and don't have to pass directions out all the time. Our meetings are supposed to be easy and fun. I have found that it is best that members have some connection to MaryJane, either a sisterhood number, magazine subscription, or involved on the chatroom. The only rule at the meetings is no discussion of religion or politics. Our get-togethers are meant for fun, not stress.

We do not always work toward badges. Not everyone goes for badges, but there have been activities where we can and have earned badges. We went to a local farm and all learned to milk a cow, grind up grain, and other steps to make a pie from scratch from beginning to end. We took a canning class together. We visited a tea room and went antiquing. Sometimes, we just get-together at my house for "lap work", where we have dessert and coffee and everyone brings their hobby: knitting, jewelry-making, or just come to chat. We share ideas for going green, swap natural remedy ideas and recipes, and sometimes do crafts. We discuss the current issue of MJF magazine. We did a stamping night, made garden fairies from an idea in MaryJanes magazine, and I once hosted a "Soup Swap".

I've got a thread on the forum where I list what we have upcoming, as well as email "members" directly for an RSVP. This month we had our Spring brunch and goodie bag swap, similar to the swaps on the forum. At Christmas, we do an annual Pot Luck and Christmas Swap, but that swap has to be something homemade. This has become a fun and treasured swap.

Here's a couple of links to blogs I have written about activities my chapter and I have done:

http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/default.asp?Display=45
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/default.asp?Display=53

Membership has grown, and we are always open to new members. This summer we will have a big picnic, with families. Usually it is just us "hens". We may also adopt a row at the town's Victory Garden. And when we get together, we always wear our aprons!

Hope this helps.

Farmgirl Hugs,
Nicole

Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE
Chapter Leader, Connecticut Simpler Life Sisters
Farmgirl of the Month, January 2013

Suburban Farmgirl Blogger
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/

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