[TheForge] Questions regarding group leadership

[Jeffrey Polaski]

I've decided that I'll be running to be a board member in our states
local blacksmithing organization, the California Blacksmiths Association
(CBA). It's a good group of people, and I think I have some skills that
can really help out. 

I'm curious, though, about what sort of things people expect and need
from their local blacksmithing organizations. I think following the
purpose statement* from the charter is the most important thing. After
all, that's why the group was founded. Personally, I think the CBA has
been run very well. Sometimes they may be a bit disorganized but I think
that would be true of any non-profit "hobby" group. (The web site needs
work -- but that is in the process of getting fixed). 

The main thing for me is I've only had experience with the CBA, so I
could easily be missing a lot. That's why I wanted to ask others:  what
do you expect from your groups leadership? Do you want them to just put
on a few meet-ups every year, publish a newsletter, and otherwise stay
out of the way? Or do people want more public outreach, or more support
for people who are doing blacksmithing as a business, or people trying
to get a job at a shop? 

I'm not talking specifically about the CBA, but does anyone have any
suggestions? What do they expect from their board members? Has anyone
done something that is especially worthwhile, but that might not be
obvious? Any tips for stuff to be avoided?




*CBA purpose statement: "The Association is organized solely for
educational purposes, accomplish by the encouragement of training
programs and conferences for higher standards of craftsmanship;
disseminating information on sources of equipment, literature and
material; and bringing the art of the smith to the public through craft
fairs and publications."


Jeff Polaski