Suggestions for volunteering for VWS

A few Suggestions to Consider when Volunteering for Vermont Watercolor Society

Please think about these things as well as adding your own ideas as to what you can do, and how you would do it. What are the most important things to you about VWS, and how can you help make them happen?

Exhibition Committee

1.Approaching local galleries for possible venues.
Skills: knowledge of our membership and who we are. Slides need to be sent or taken personally, and a packet of information about our artists. Good communication skills. Willingness to follow through and perhaps become the show coordinator. Need good organization skills and willingness to visit gallery a number of times, see that all goes smoothly, and also check with the Board/President about final arrangements. For instance, what commission do they expect, reception, post cards, jury procedure, understanding and co-operation with our system- i.e. signature membership. All this has to be coordinated with any other shows or events going on during the year.

Clerical Help
2. Computer skills: data entry, basic word/excel/ type skills
This has become a requirement for participating as president or Treasurer, and would be useful for Secretary and Vice President. FileMaker Pro (our database) can be learned if basic skills are there. However, someone with such skills could also assist the officers.

Advanced computer skills- layout-Quark-photoshop-useful for publications and information compilation.

3.Activities/Programs Committee

Networking- organizing events, checking on members who might be feeling left out, welcoming new members, arranging local events such as painting days and pot-lucks, which, in the past, have not worked out very well-

Serving on the events or exhibition committees…. Talk to members who are already doing this.

Publicity- contact appropriate newspapers, journals, on-line organizations for specific events. Distribute brochures, look for opportunities to make people aware of who we are and what we do.

4. Nominating Committee- making sure there are candidates for the next election and looking for people who might be willing to serve further into the future.

5.Serving on the Board.

President: orchestrates the events and functions, runs meetings, sends out newsletters, checks on all aspects of Society- establishes some policies, resolves questions and disputes, keeps records of shows, events and membership. 5-20 hrs/week depending on what is going on at the time.

Vice President:
Can do much the same thing as the president although the by-laws do not specify anything but acting as back-up for the president. We have been trying to ensure that the V.P. will be elected with the intention of becoming president.

Treasurer: takes in all dues and fees, keeps records of same, sends out packets to new members, works closely with president and board on budget, balances bank account. Data entry in FileMaker Pro. Book-keeping skills.

Secretary: Does mailings, takes notes at meetings- could take on new member welcome packet, possibly, and assist with publications.

All officers attend several meetings per year to discuss policies, etc. Officers should stay informed and support the overall structure of the society.

Question: Should there be a work requirement that goes with becoming a member? New Hampshire Art Association, for instance, requires 1-3 hours per year- not a big burden, but helpful for big events .