The chapter is the basic unit of the International Friendship Quilters (IFQ). Chapters often interact with other chapters on specific projects and work as a group among themselves. Chapters can consist of members local to a specific area or members spread across the globe who function as a virtual chapter through the wonder of the internet.
We require a minimum structure from our chapters since we know that we are dealing with different cultures and want to allow those differences to flourish. There is a small amount of structure required however to allow the organization to achieve its goals.
Since we are spanning such a large area, communication is key. Therefore, each chapter must have a Chapter Leader who is the link between the IFQ administration and the chapter's members. The IFQ essentially works as the hub for communication between the various chapters. The Chapter Leader has direct communication with James & Suzy and other Chapter Leaders. The members of this special group have the opportunity to meet regularly in IFQ's chat room to brainstorm, trade ideas and have fun!
The Chapter Leader also appoints a Deputy to assist her and fill in for her should she go out of town, take a vacation or be unavailable for any reason. Again, this is to keep the lines of communication open. Both of these people must have internet access. The members of your group need not all be on the internet, but the adminstrators must. That Chapter Leaders decide how the local group functions, whether it be with regular meetings or frequent emails.
A Chapter Leader is entitled to an email address at friendshipquilters.com. This is a handy tool for sorting your email. The Chapter Leader also has an area in the forum set up for their individual chapter. This is a great place to post information specific to your chapter. There is an administrators forum that is only visible to Chapter Leaders to help with their communication with other leaders.
The forum also provides an easy way for Chapter Leaders to send out emails to all of their members in one simple step. A definite time saver!
The Chapter Leaders have access to an upload area on the site to facilite sending pictures or text, documenting their chapter's activities.
Chapter Leaders may set up on line meetings in the IFQ chat area. This is a fun way to get to know people across the world. Don't worry if you have never had any experience in a chat room. Most of our members start out as beginners and it's amazing how quickly they take to it! It's a wonderful way to meet other quilters and share. Before you know it, you'll be addicted!
Each chapter may choose their own name. The naming convention is [country] - [individual name] Friendship Quilters. Some examples are: UK - Devon Coast Friendship Quilters, FR - Folie du Patchwork Friendship Quilters and V - LadyBugs Friendship Quilters, a virtual chapter that interacts through the web.
Being a Chapter Leader is a fun and rewarding adventure. Our Chapter Leaders are a creative and dynamic group who enjoy having input in the direction that the International Friendship Quilters heads.
We would love to have you join us in this group. If you are interested, please contact us and we can send you further information.
