Hi Organizers,
We in Philadelphia are working through some dissatisfaction with how we
compensate our volunteers. We have the question on the table of
compensation vs. recognition.
We are a little bit stuck, so I'm looking for other ideas to get us out of
our stuckness, to see if there's something that's working really well.
A core issue with the dissatisfaction is a feeling that callers are valued
more than other kinds of less-public but still-essential volunteers.
I'm looking forward to hearing how it works in your communities. (Or if
this has been covered before ad nauseam, please feel free to reach out to
me off-list and tell me how to search the archives, thanks.)
Thanks,
*Karey Bacon*
she/her/hers
*267-437-5641*
Hi fellow Shared Weight organizers.
I think some of you might be interested in CDSS's next web chat .. all
details below!
Thanks,
Emily Addison
Writing from Ottawa Ontario
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Let’s Talk About Reentry: Recommendations and Q&A for Organizers
Wednesday, July 8, 7:30-9:00 p.m. EDT
Don’t miss this pivotal Web Chat! We’ll address the BIG questions on
organizers’ minds: How can we keep our communities safe in a pandemic? When
can we dance and sing in the same place again? What does it mean to be a
dance/music/song organizer when we can’t be together?
We’ll be joined by several guests providing their perspectives, including a
dancing MD, a COVID contact tracer, and music, dance, and song organizers
from far and wide. After hearing from these folks, we’ll open it up for
questions, comments, and discussion with participants. And we’ll be ready
with breakout rooms for smaller chats among organizers of like traditions.
REGISTER online by July 6.
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMvceirrj8vG93vJNlBhHT5YtVTc3aESU…
Soon after you register, you’ll receive a confirmation email from Zoom with
your personal link for joining the Web Chat. To keep track of this info, w
e recommend saving the email and/or creating a calendar event.
Please spread the word about this crucial Web Chat!
Questions? Contact resources(a)cdss.org.
Hello organizers,
I’m curious to hear if you are starting to book callers for your fall and winter dances… Are you booking in hopes that COVID-19 has somehow been resolved? Are you waiting longer?
It seems to me that it is going to be a while before we can safely have contra dances, given the close proximity to every one and the heavy breathing. Do we have to wait for a vaccine?
Thanks for your input…
Seth
Fiddlers Green Contra Dance, Amherst, MA
Hi organizers.
The Rochester NY Contra Dancers FB page is getting a few join requests per week from people in other countries, from accounts that have very recently been created and have only a very few, if any, friends or other groups joined.
We are leery of trolls who intend to disrupt the group, and have been rejecting them.
I was wondering if other group pages are receiving similar requests, and what they have done about it.
Thanks,
Bob Fabinski
If you're into using the social dance shutdown time to improve your game as
an organizer, this ought to interest you.
Dela Murphy, my wife and co-founder of both Portland Intown Contra Dance
and Form the Ocean, is a total whiz-bang organizer. She's been a leader in
shaping the community we're so proud of and has expertise in leadership and
group development. Despite many challenges in the North American contra
dance community, PICD had been growing steadily for years prior to the
pandemic and Form the Ocean has been a weekend meeting a need not
previously met. Now, Dela's been codifying why that is.
Here's an opportunity for organizers of contra/social dances to tap into
that knowledge and share it with your community!
Dela is hosting the following workshops for organizers in June. I encourage
you to sign up if you're interested, as these workshops are limited to 10
people each:
*Cultivating an Outstanding Culture*:
June 10 & 16
http://portlandintowncontradance.com/workshops-info/organizer-class-culture
*Attracting, Managing & Retaining Volunteers*:
June 13 & 17
http://portlandintowncontradance.com/workshops-info/organizer-class-attract…
*Attracting & Retaining Dancers*:
June 9 & 20
http://portlandintowncontradance.com/workshops-info/organizer-class-attract…
You'll find them all listed here:
http://portlandintowncontradance.com/workshops
Dela would have posted about this herself, but she isn't subscribed to this
listserv. If you have any questions, you can reach her at
dela-at-delahere-dot-com.
Dugan Murphy
(he/him)
Portland, Maine
dugan at duganmurphy dot com
One tool that we use for Portland Intown Contra Dance's Facebook group is
"Membership Questions" that pop up when someone requests membership in our
group. Asking people to answer 3 questions and select that they agree with
the group rules helps make the decision to approve someone or not. I
recommend this tool to others.
Our questions are:
"Hi! Just want to make sure you're not a robot. Are you a robot?"
"Are you joining this group so you can post in here about an event you're
organizing? Please do that in this group instead: Portland, Maine Friends
of Old-Time Music & Dance."
"You know we're in Maine, right? If you're looking for contra dancers in
Oregon, you're in the wrong place."
People often leave cute answers to these questions, so that's fun.
Dugan Murphy
(he/him)
Portland, Maine
dugan at duganmurphy dot com
>
> Date: Sun, 31 May 2020 19:15:36 +0000 (UTC)
> From: bobfab(a)aol.com
> Subject: [Organizers] Facebook join requests
> To: organizers(a)sharedweight.net
>
> Hi organizers.
>
> The Rochester NY Contra Dancers FB page is getting a few join requests per
> week from people in other countries, from accounts that have very recently
> been created and have only a very few, if any, friends or other groups
> joined.
>
> We are leery of trolls who intend to disrupt the group, and have been
> rejecting them.
>
> I was wondering if other group pages are receiving similar requests, and
> what they have done about it.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bob Fabinski
Hello all,
As many of you know, I've been working on putting together a guide to Zoom
security based on our experiences with the Toronto dances, and with input
from other organizers/communities.
The security guide is now published - you can find it here:
http://drewdelaware.com/virtual-contra-dance-security-guide/
I should have the organizers and callers guides completed over the next
week.
Feedback and suggestions are very warmly welcomed - you can reach me at
drew(a)delaware.ca or via the Facebook Messenger integration on my website.
I'm also available to volunteer with one or two communities over the next
month if you are starting a Zoom dance and would like support for your
first event. Happy to help where I can.
Many thanks,
Drew
Hi fellow organizers,
Is your group interested in working specifically with children/youth? If
so, you might be interested in the following:
The English Folk Dance and Song Society is holding a free online event for
Folk Educators and it's open to those of us in North America. Details and
registration info is below.
I asked the organizer whether it would be relevant to those of us across
the pond. Kerry said
*There will be some practical sessions, as well as presentations, on the
day. And although it will be focused on projects in the North West and
Yorkshire, I should think it would be appealing to folk educators from all
over. It's about the rationale, approach to the material and the positive
impact on the participants/communities, and often the educators too, that
is usually the most interesting. *
Maybe see you at the event?!
:) Emily in Ottawa
*******************************************
*Invitation to the next EFDSS ONLINE: Folk Education Development Day*
Our Folk Educators Group
<https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.efdss.org%2flearnin…>
national
network will be holding its first ever online informal conference day.
*Friday 19 June 2020,* 10:30am-4:30pm (10.30am-11am Arrivals in the Zoom
Room)
You are warmly welcomed to attend this free informal conference and CPD
event, organised by EFDSS’ Folk Educators Group. Folk Education Development
Days are typically attended by 30 – 40 people: a mixture of people working
in folk arts education and related sectors such as music, dance, arts,
heritage and education. As ever, this will be an action-packed day of
presentations, practical sessions and discussions, designed to be
thought-provoking, informative and enjoyable, and to encourage
knowledge-sharing, discussion and networking.
The theme for the day is: Celebrating folk education in the North West
We’ll be focusing on folk education initiatives in the Greater Manchester
area and will be presenting the day in partnership with our friends at
English Folk Expo who are based in Rochdale, as well as other friends and
partners in the North West and Yorkshire.
*More details and to book a free place*
<https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.efdss.org%2fwhats-o…>
Read on for more details…
*Outline of the Day*
The theme for the day: Celebrating folk education in the North West
Join us for an action-packed day of presentations, practical sessions and
discussions. The day will be thought provoking, informative and enjoyable,
and will encourage knowledge-sharing, discussion and networking.
*Speakers include:*
· Rachel Elliott, Education Director and Sarah Jones, Programme
Manager, National Youth Folk Ensemble - an update from the EFDSS Education
Department on current work and future plans.
· Tom Besford, Chief Executive, English Folk Expo - a presentation
about EFEx, covering their response during COVID 19, an overview of their
Artist Development Programme and their Promoter Training Programme,
including Rochdale Folk Festival.
· Georgia Woodhead, clog dance teacher with Oakenhoof Folk Arts – an
overview of their work, including a practical session.
· Kath Becker and Sorrel Harty, Bolton Music Service - setting up and
running the Greater Manchester Folk Ensemble, and more widely about Bolton
Music Service and the Greater Manchester Music Hub.
· Rebecca Denniff, Flash Company Arts - a presentation of their
Plough Stots project in Yorkshire, including a practical session.
· Bella Hardy, Learning Programme Manager*, *Band on the Wall – an
overview of their work, including a practical session.
Having been enthused by the speakers' presentations, there will
be the opportunity for discussion and sharing of ideas in breakout rooms.
The agenda will be available soon and you can *book your free place here
now!*
<https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.efdss.org%2fwhats-o…>
*****************************************
*Here's a bit more information about EFDSS' Folk Educators Group...*
The Folk Educators Group
<https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.efdss.org%2flearnin…>
is a national networking group of folk arts educators from across England
and beyond, run by the English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS). Our
membership encompasses all forms of the folk arts and we currently have
over 360 members.
Established in March 2011 the Group has become a rapidly growing network
committed to promoting high quality folk arts education and supporting the
practitioners who deliver it.
It exists to provide peer information and support, and to encourage
dialogue with the wider worlds of culture, learning and participation. The
Folk Educators Group also offers other organisations a platform through
which to consult, or inform, a committed group of folk arts educators.
Hi fellow organizers
Is your group interested in working specifically with children/youth? If
so, you might be interested in the following:
The English Folk Dance and Song Society is holding a free online event for
Folk Educators and it's open to those of us in North America. Details and
registration info is below.
I asked the organizer whether it would be relevant to those of us across
the pond. Kerry said
*There will be some practical sessions, as well as presentations, on the
day. And although it will be focused on projects in the North West and
Yorkshire, I should think it would be appealing to folk educators from all
over. It's about the rationale, approach to the material and the positive
impact on the participants/communities, and often the educators too, that
is usually the most interesting. *
Maybe see you at the event?!
:) Emily in Ottawa
*******************************************
*Invitation to the next EFDSS ONLINE: Folk Education Development Day*
Our Folk Educators Group
<https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.efdss.org%2flearnin…>
national
network will be holding its first ever online informal conference day.
*Friday 19 June 2020,* 10:30am-4:30pm (10.30am-11am Arrivals in the Zoom
Room)
You are warmly welcomed to attend this free informal conference and CPD
event, organised by EFDSS’ Folk Educators Group. Folk Education Development
Days are typically attended by 30 – 40 people: a mixture of people working
in folk arts education and related sectors such as music, dance, arts,
heritage and education. As ever, this will be an action-packed day of
presentations, practical sessions and discussions, designed to be
thought-provoking, informative and enjoyable, and to encourage
knowledge-sharing, discussion and networking.
The theme for the day is: Celebrating folk education in the North West
We’ll be focusing on folk education initiatives in the Greater Manchester
area and will be presenting the day in partnership with our friends at
English Folk Expo who are based in Rochdale, as well as other friends and
partners in the North West and Yorkshire.
*More details and to book a free place*
<https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.efdss.org%2fwhats-o…>
Read on for more details…
*Outline of the Day*
The theme for the day: Celebrating folk education in the North West
Join us for an action-packed day of presentations, practical sessions and
discussions. The day will be thought provoking, informative and enjoyable,
and will encourage knowledge-sharing, discussion and networking.
*Speakers include:*
· Rachel Elliott, Education Director and Sarah Jones, Programme
Manager, National Youth Folk Ensemble - an update from the EFDSS Education
Department on current work and future plans.
· Tom Besford, Chief Executive, English Folk Expo - a presentation
about EFEx, covering their response during COVID 19, an overview of their
Artist Development Programme and their Promoter Training Programme,
including Rochdale Folk Festival.
· Georgia Woodhead, clog dance teacher with Oakenhoof Folk Arts – an
overview of their work, including a practical session.
· Kath Becker and Sorrel Harty, Bolton Music Service - setting up and
running the Greater Manchester Folk Ensemble, and more widely about Bolton
Music Service and the Greater Manchester Music Hub.
· Rebecca Denniff, Flash Company Arts - a presentation of their
Plough Stots project in Yorkshire, including a practical session.
· Bella Hardy, Learning Programme Manager*, *Band on the Wall – an
overview of their work, including a practical session.
Having been enthused by the speakers' presentations, there will
be the opportunity for discussion and sharing of ideas in breakout rooms.
The agenda will be available soon and you can *book your free place here
now!*
<https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.efdss.org%2fwhats-o…>
*****************************************
*Here's a bit more information about EFDSS' Folk Educators Group...*
The Folk Educators Group
<https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.efdss.org%2flearnin…>
is a national networking group of folk arts educators from across England
and beyond, run by the English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS). Our
membership encompasses all forms of the folk arts and we currently have
over 360 members.
Established in March 2011 the Group has become a rapidly growing network
committed to promoting high quality folk arts education and supporting the
practitioners who deliver it.
It exists to provide peer information and support, and to encourage
dialogue with the wider worlds of culture, learning and participation. The
Folk Educators Group also offers other organisations a platform through
which to consult, or inform, a committed group of folk arts educators.
CDMR has some news since my last announcement. Please share this far and wide…
————————————————————
Country Dance Music Radio is now playing at
https://radio.contracorner.com <https://radio.contracorner.com/>
CDMR’s first purpose is to provide a two-way support between musicians and dancers. Dancers can get some of that missing musical uplift any time day or night, and musicians can get your donations and purchases to help support them. Zoom concerts are just once (unless I can record them!) but CDMR is always there for you. Please listen in sometime soon!
✦ The North Bay Country Dance Society is hosting a Zoom concert featuring Rodney Miller, and Country Dance Music Radio will simulcast it! In this way lots more people can hear the concert. It will be recorded and repeated thereafter on CDMR.
The concert is Saturday, May 9
—Pacific time: 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
—Eastern US time: 10:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Details are here: https://radio.contracorner.com/news/rodney-miller-live-and-a.html <https://radio.contracorner.com/news/rodney-miller-live-and-a.html>
✦ CDMR’s schedule has been renovated. Now you will find segments focused on song, dance, waltzing, calm time, and short musician spotlights.
You can reach the DJ at bob(a)contracorner.com <mailto:bob@contracorner.com>.
Staying safe but missing our dancing,
\Bob Peterson
Country Dance Music Radio https://radio.contracorner.com <https://radio.contracorner.com/>
