Request for RAAM Feedback

Recently, the Reimbursement for Active Membership (RAAM) Ad Hoc Committee was set up due to questions posed by Guild members.

The committee members are Susan Conover, Chair, Mo Doerner, Joan Horwich, and Laramie McEnaney. We were asked to consult with the RAAM Committee Chair (Ellen Morrison), the Show Committee Chair (Joan Horwich), and the Treasurer (Nora Eason), to understand current participation, points statuses, estimated show/demo calendars, and the budget for RAAM reimbursement.   The RAAM program is funded through the proceeds of Guild sponsored workshops (which were not held in 2020 and thereafter due to COVID) and the use of Uarda’s bequest to the SIGs.  It is estimated that the RAAM program is funded through and including 2025.

The following is verbatim from the minutes of the August 22, 2017 WRSW Guild meeting when the proposed Reimbursement Award for Active Membership (“RAAM”) was discussed, voted upon, and approved by Guild
members.

The RAAM committee, consisting of Nancy Curtiss, chair, and Nora Eason and Rebecca Steinbeck gave a thorough presentation regarding the updates required for program.  The essence of the program remains the same – that guild members are encouraged to take classes and workshops in order to add to their education in their individual fiber interest, and that this program will give the recipient the opportunity to give back to the guild for the privilege of utilizing the award.

The RAAM will replace the Anniversary Reimbursement Award program beginning in January 2018. The purpose of the update is so that this program more closely reflects the needs and desires of WRSW, as stated by the Executive Committee. 

These needs are as follows:

1. Members are encouraged to pay their yearly dues in a timely manner so that a proper budget can be determined before the start of each new year.
2.   Members are encouraged to attend the monthly general meeting and program.
3.   Members are encouraged to participate at a Farm Park/guild  event.
4.   Members are encouraged to actively serve on a committee.

Explanations of the RAAM program can be found in the following locations:

WRSW Guild Bylaws  Section 10 on page 3

The March/April 2022 Newsletter  pages 2-3

The WRSW Jobs and Responsibilities Handbook  pages 14-15 and 21-25

This is the full list of activities available to members to earn RAAM points.  Note: Fractional point(s) are given for demonstrating at Lake Farmpark if the full 4-hour segment is not met and by the SIGs when appropriate in apportioning the 8 points.

• Paying dues or postmarked by the last day of September (no later than)                         1
• Attending General Guild meetings (per meeting)                                                                  1
• Demonstrating at a Farmpark/Guild event (per 4 hour segment)                                       1
• Publishing a 250 word article in the Guild newsletter (not as Award requirement)          1
• Serving actively on a Guild committee                                                                                   3
• Presenting a Guild program (not as Award requirement)                                                     3
• Chairing a committee (doesn’t include VP as chair of Programs)                                        5
• Facilitating a SIG (in the case of co-chairs…split points)                                                      4
• Holding an elected office (Executive Committee not counting VP)                                     6
• *VP as elected office, and fulfilling Year 1 of Programs, development                              *6
• *Fulfilling Year 2 of Programs, chairing implementation of plan)                                      *5
• Instructing for a SIG (total of 8 points available per year per SIG awarded by facilitators to instructors)

Below are questions we are putting forth for all 2023 Western Reserve Spinners and Weavers Guild members.
We wish to have as many members respond as possible.

1.       Do you understand the purpose of the RAAM program and how the current point system works?  
  
2.       Are there any changes or additions you would like to see made to the current RAAM points award program?  If yes, please explain and tell us why.
 
3.       What are your concerns, if any, about the cost or sustainability of the RAAM awards program?
 
4.       Please include any other comments or thoughts you may have on the RAAM awards program.

 Your comments and/or questions may be directed to the Guild’s President, Flora Daniels at daniels.flora@gmail.com by Monday, January 16, 2023.

Thank you for your responses to these questions,

 The 2022 Ad Hoc RAAM Committee