JanMade

We just had our second meeting on Saturday…1 person came.  It was pretty disappointing.  We had 7 ladies at the first meeting who all seemed very enthusiastic about getting together to sew – and quilt a few new people sign up on the website, so I’m not really sure what happened.  I’ve never organized a group before so I am unsure what I am really doing wrong or if this is to be expected.  I don’t know what I need to do to keep people interested and active in the group.  I am not an entertainer.  I cannot sustain interest in this group on my own.   When I started this thing, I figured having the forum would be enough to maintain some sort of connection between the group members and a running dialog going with an active message board…I mean, from what I’ve seen in other cities’ guilds that is what is happening.  It’s been frustrating.

I found an awesome space in downtown Indianapolis to hold our meetings at the Harrison Center for the Arts – the Harrison Center was very exciting about having us as a group.  They are interested in displaying our work in one of their galleries for a First Friday.  I was super pumped about this!  But at this point I don’t know if we can keep meeting there.  It’s 25/hr to rent the space and I can’t keep paying out of pocket hoping people will show up.   I didn’t force dues on anyone since it was a new group – I agreed on a pay as you go type of membership so if you come to the meeting, you pay 5 dollars, and your first meeting is free.  So our second meeting – one person showed up besides me!  We had a good time talking and sewing together, but its a waste to reserve that space every month when no one shows up.

So for April, I am not sure what I am going to do for the next meeting.  I’m not doing the Harrison Center.  Anyone who runs a group or knows how to get this project back on track please share your ideas with me.  I want this group to succeed!