What keeps you interested in your bonsai club meetings?

[lordy]

Well, this morning I sent an email to most if not all the members of the club asking for input and suggestions on what keeps them interested. The ONLY reply I got was from the club treasurer (about 7 years in office). In the email I urged members to attend tonight's planning meeting, knowing that there would not likely be any takers. Damned if one guy didnt show up. He and his wife now live in a seniors only place like Leisure World, so not much space, or energy to do much. He and I have always connected. I respect his experience, his attitude, his humor. I think he likes me because I bring a little levity and humor to the club while getting things done.
We had the meeting (the 4 of us) and tossed around ideas. The most outspoken one seems to want to line up speakers most months, and I echoed to him what I feel, and what I got from many of the responses here, that I thought more people would prefer to do hands-on activities, with perhaps one big name demo or workshop, and possibly lesser-known local-ish people to head up some other discussions/workshops. We loosely formed a plan but still have many holes to fill, details to work out, materials to line up. I really dont feel like this is much closer to a great calendar but at least I got the idea out there that we needed to work hard at grabbing and then holding onto club members attention. I need to figure out what brings people out to the meetings and then participate. Am I trying to make bonsai interesting to people who dont really want to be interested in it???>

 

[monza]

Sounds like you need some sort of membership drive, new blood, some younger spirited people.
Tough one seemingly banging your head against the tree .

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Our challenge isn't unique; getting people involved, and appealing to the broad spectrum of experience. Some are great about jumping in, some are active learners, many have "their thing" that they do each year, whether its food, handling the sales tables, etc., and others just want to be entertained for an hour.

After serving as show chair twice, and being on the board for several years, and VP for the last two, feedback is rare, but usually comes in the form of a criticism rather than an offer to help. Although I have never been in a club with a senpai instead of our board/committee clubs, I can see why the senpai approach is good for an art like bonsai.

I have pondered the question in the OP each year, then made a conscious decision to get involved in those areas that do keep me interested. For the last few years, it has been: to teach, book artists I want to meet and work with, and to source soil components in bulk volume to reduce the cost for us all. Obviously, these can also have very positive effects for the club as well, so its a win-win.

a few topics that have been well-received include:
-tree critique (we used club-owned trees and a judging sheet). Break into small groups, critique the tree, and share the critique with the full group at the end. Highlights trees' features, flaws, and is a good discussion without hurting anyone's feelings.
-repotting demo.
-club tree project: purchased a bunch of 1-gal shimpakus, let members take them home and work on them, bring them back every 6 months and line them up to illustrate the differences in siting, feeding, training. Later, they're returned to the club to sell as a fundraiser, or purchased by the adopting member.
-virtual yard tours: members sent photos, which were incorporated into a ppt, so people could see how others set up bonsai display areas.
-photographing trees.
-each month we do an evening show, where members bring trees for show & tell, in various states of training.

we can do this because, as Ron stated, we can get hands dirty on the following Saturday workshops in the gardens' potting shed.

swap and shop is just that...bring what you want to sell, price it right, and place it on the side table for sale. Trees, pots, books, tools...

here is our 2013 calendar, still a work in progress.

 

[Paradox]

I've been reading tnis thread with interest. I've not joined a local club, mainly because the closest one to me seems very small and made up of people quite a bit older than myself. The other larger, more active club is an hour or more away from my house.

It seems many clubs view new members as potential people to take on club jobs so I'm also afraid of being pushed into some type of club related job. I don't have the time to do that kind of thing.

 

[lordy]

I've been reading tnis thread with interest. I've not joined a local club, mainly because the closest one to me seems very small and made up of people quite a bit older than myself. The other larger, more active club is an hour or more away from my house.

It seems many clubs view new members as potential people to take on club jobs so I'm also afraid of being pushed into some type of club related job. I don't have the time to do that kind of thing.

You may be missing out on a lot of experience by not going to the group that is older than you. Besides, why should you care? Are you in it for the socializing, or the shared interest in bonsai? If the latter, I'd be looking to the members as a library of info from their experiences.
I drive about 50 minutes to get to my meeting. I think I go the farthest of those in my club. I think there is another in the opposite direction about the same distance, so it should come down to which provides a more robust program, but so far I'm sticking with where I started and did pick the brains of the veterans.

 

[Paradox]

Just because they are older does not mean they have a lot of bonsai experience.

Its the "looking for new blood" to take over club activities thing I want to avoid because I simply do not have the time.
If the group is lanquishing because of a lack of people to take up jobs then it probably wouldn't be the best place anyway.

I already have a long commute to work so using half a tank or more of gas to go to a meeting isn't always within my budget.

 

[lordy]

Just because they are older does not mean they have a lot of bonsai experience.

Its the "looking for new blood" to take over club activities thing I want to avoid because I simply do not have the time.
If the group is lanquishing because of a lack of people to take up jobs then it probably wouldn't be the best place anyway.

I already have a long commute to work so using half a tank or more of gas to go to a meeting isn't always within my budget.

the club I belong to is near my office, so I just work late, get dinner, then go to the meeting while I'm nearby. But around DC/Baltimore are quite a few clubs that all belong to the Potomac Bonsai Association. Being a member in any of them affords you the opportunity to go to all meetings of all clubs. I know people who regularly attend several club's meetings. I suppose from that aspect we are spoiled around here.

 

[QuintinBonsai]

I just went to my first bonsai club meeting in Balboa Park of San Diego today. Got to meet Big Dave, Martha Choy, Fred Miyahara, and other nice people. While I was amazed at the friendly nature of the people, their enthusiasm, and knowledge, I felt it more of a social gathering. Now there is nothing at all wrong with that, but I really wanted to view some good quality trees like I see on the internet and such.

Now it was explained to me that this was just a Christmas party, and this is not normally how their clubs are. I want some hands on experience from the pros, I want to learn what I should be doing, what not to be doing, how each tool is used, and the list goes on. If my work schedule permitted it, I would take the JBP class with Fred Miyahara.

I loved the raffle table, and it's a good way to snag some good material. I donated a large pot to the raffle from a tree that I lost over the summer. I was an impressive Japanese Holly that I purchased, but to learn bonsai, many trees will die. Aside from that, I got seed grown JBP whip, a Chikugo-En Nursery bonsai 2013 calender, and a tool pouch.

It was a nice interaction with people since the internet, books, and such have really been my only guide, but I won't judge it unfairly until I've at least been to more meetings.

 

[Vance Wood]

You really can't judge a bonsai club by its Christmas party. After all, when it is considered that the majority, not all, but the majority, of bonsai growers grow their bonsai outdoors, when December rolls around most enthusiasts have a period of inactivity on their hands. Things wont start to roll into "doing bonsai stuff" again till around March and April, Southern California, and the South West maybe February.

I can understand your point of view; being new you are looking for emersion therapy, for lack of a better term, and you got donuts and coffee.

 

[BigDave]

Got to meet Big Dave,

Nice to Meet you too Quentin.

If you join the club you will given Tons of opportunities ! It does come in installments though, not all the first month! LOL

We had a little more than coffee and doughnuts yesterday wouldn't you say?

 

[bougie nights]

I spent four years on our club board and we dealt with the same issues. Our goal was to always plan engaging activities for the members that were within our budget. Workshops are always a big hit, especially those that involve the availability of fresh stock. Demonstrations are good too as long as the artist explains what is being done and is available for q&a.
Critiques were always popular, especially if the guest has a sense of humor and really enjoys being at the meeting. During the summer, we have a picnic and an auction/sale which is usually well attended.
It is a challenge to keep the energy level and interest high enough for an entire year. For those months where we did not have an event planned, we usually fell back on a discussion led by a club member that dealt with an issue relevant to the season (overwintering, soils, fertilizing, etc.).
In my experience as a volunteer in many endeavors throughout my life, every organization usually has a small core of people that do the heavy lifting and keep things afloat. There is always a bit of frustration over the apparent apathy of others to get involved. I have never taken it personally as others tend to do. I believe it primarily comes down to a lack of leisure time and competing obligations. That was why I eventually had to step down.
Other than planning quality, events, be sure to warmly greet new faces; you don't want your club to come off as a clique. Always encourage members to bring in their work - It is a source of curiosity for others and some of the more experienced members are usually happy to provide some gentle assessments and guidance. Finally, never chastise your group for not getting involved even if you feel justified. It never gets the results you want. The best you can do is to cultivate the members and eventually invite them to take on a bigger role.

 

[Ron Dennis]

I spent four years on our club board and we dealt with the same issues. Our goal was to always plan engaging activities for the members that were within our budget. Workshops are always a big hit, especially those that involve the availability of fresh stock. Demonstrations are good too as long as the artist explains what is being done and is available for q&a.
Critiques were always popular, especially if the guest has a sense of humor and really enjoys being at the meeting. During the summer, we have a picnic and an auction/sale which is usually well attended.
It is a challenge to keep the energy level and interest high enough for an entire year. For those months where we did not have an event planned, we usually fell back on a discussion led by a club member that dealt with an issue relevant to the season (overwintering, soils, fertilizing, etc.).
In my experience as a volunteer in many endeavors throughout my life, every organization usually has a small core of people that do the heavy lifting and keep things afloat. There is always a bit of frustration over the apparent apathy of others to get involved. I have never taken it personally as others tend to do. I believe it primarily comes down to a lack of leisure time and competing obligations. That was why I eventually had to step down.
Other than planning quality, events, be sure to warmly greet new faces; you don't want your club to come off as a clique. Always encourage members to bring in their work - It is a source of curiosity for others and some of the more experienced members are usually happy to provide some gentle assessments and guidance. Finally, never chastise your group for not getting involved even if you feel justified. It never gets the results you want. The best you can do is to cultivate the members and eventually invite them to take on a bigger role.

Very well said.

One thought on the apathy of people may be some people are simply not comfortable taking on a leadership role voluntarily or even speaking out voluntarily. It has been my experience in work and in organizations I have been involved with that if you ask someone to do something they usually will and do an outstanding job.Also, have you not found that many do not trust their own ability and viewpoints?

 

[QuintinBonsai]

Nice to Meet you too Quentin.

If you join the club you will given Tons of opportunities ! It does come in installments though, not all the first month! LOL

We had a little more than coffee and doughnuts yesterday wouldn't you say?

Now that I can agree with lol. More like a buffet yesterday.

 

[Bill S]

Get some club trees

And style one at each meeting, or all at a few meetings. When done raffle off the caretaker position, everyone required to participate. Having the caretaker do the actuall work on the tree and taking it home for care instills confidence, the tree they work on didn't come out of thier pocket per se, so the scardy cat syndrome somewhat dissapears.

Places like Plant City have nice $100 Junipers, order 1 for each member, and make trees, many club members wouldn't spend much on prebonsai for some years, so get a good start early. My club, no Not yet, entertaining the thought now, hoping I can get the club going on this though. Cost doesn't have to be a 100, but I think you get the idea.

 

[ghues]

Club Projects

Same as Bill's suggestion in the above post.
Our club is lucky that we have a Forest seedling Nursery owner as a member and they agreed to grow the club a few hundred Jap. Larch, Trident/Japanese maples, mugo/Jap. Black pines back in 2010. As a club event we put them in one gallon pots (spring 2011) and this fall we put them into a fallow grow bed to fatten them up. A winter project now is to study the concept of forest plantings, select the pots/slabs, preferred arrangements, trees....etc and come March/April 2013 we'll have a forest planting party. Like other clubs we also have an annual auction that’s always lots of fun.
Cheers

 

[Yosemite Goat]

Ok..... this thread is old but it is the best fit for what I am trying to get to the point of. I just went to my 4th bonsai club meeting.

They have been at 2 different clubs.

I show up excited to work on my trees!
Why do I sit and watch and listen to someone else, why are these meetings structured this way? Everyone wants to work on trees!

Want my opinion on why people don't care about clubs (or bonsai perhaps), because the meetings are fucking boring! Let's sit and watch someone else, that sounds fun, NOT. That only works for watchers and listeners. Doers, thinkers and feelers all need an interaction

Make the club meetings about working on trees! If someone wants to watch how to repot, that is fine, watch someone repot. I have to admit after 4 try's I feel it is a waste of my time. And I am no pro, but I want to improve. But I cant stand sitting and listening to someone for 2 hrs when I want to chat with other while we both improve our skills.

So to all of you that lead these groups, make them better or you'll continue with the lack of participants.

.

 

[Vance Wood]

Ok..... this thread is old but it is the best fit for what I am trying to get to the point of. I just went to my 4th bonsai club meeting.

They have been at 2 different clubs.

I show up excited to work on my trees!
Why do I sit and watch and listen to someone else, why are these meetings structured this way? Everyone wants to work on trees!

Want my opinion on why people don't care about clubs (or bonsai perhaps), because the meetings are fucking boring! Let's sit and watch someone else, that sounds fun, NOT. That only works for watchers and listeners. Doers, thinkers and feelers all need an interaction

Make the club meetings about working on trees! If someone wants to watch how to repot, that is fine, watch someone repot. I have to admit after 4 try's I feel it is a waste of my time. And I am no pro, but I want to improve. But I cant stand sitting and listening to someone for 2 hrs when I want to chat with other while we both improve our skills.

So to all of you that lead these groups, make them better or you'll continue with the lack of participants.

.

What have you done to make the club meeting better? You want to work on trees well why don't you bring your trees to work on to your club meetings? Unless someone tell you not to work on a tree I am sure they will be glad to have your services. Start a work shop, locate some nice trees recomend the club buy trees and set up a workshop and make a royal mess. Do you participate, can you help someone learn how to wire? Do you have design skills, the major reason people will come to watch someone else work on a tree. I personally think you should rethink what you are doing and see what you can do to make the club better. If you can't maybe you should leave before your negative attitude drives other people away. Every body sits back waiting for someone to start a program that they might be interested in. Start one yourself.

 

[Cable]

Ok..... this thread is old but it is the best fit for what I am trying to get to the point of. I just went to my 4th bonsai club meeting.

They have been at 2 different clubs.

I show up excited to work on my trees!
Why do I sit and watch and listen to someone else, why are these meetings structured this way? Everyone wants to work on trees!

Want my opinion on why people don't care about clubs (or bonsai perhaps), because the meetings are fucking boring! Let's sit and watch someone else, that sounds fun, NOT. That only works for watchers and listeners. Doers, thinkers and feelers all need an interaction

Make the club meetings about working on trees! If someone wants to watch how to repot, that is fine, watch someone repot. I have to admit after 4 try's I feel it is a waste of my time. And I am no pro, but I want to improve. But I cant stand sitting and listening to someone for 2 hrs when I want to chat with other while we both improve our skills.

So to all of you that lead these groups, make them better or you'll continue with the lack of participants.

That’s an awful lot of you talking about yourself and what you want. Ever stop to think that maybe not everyone wants the same thing? Maybe some people enjoy watching demonstrations.

That said, there should be some variety and there is at my club. Some meetings are “bring your own tree”, others are watching presentations or demonstrationa. Could it be that you never stayed at a club long enough to see if they had variety? Or did you bail as soon as you realized it’s not all about you?

 

[just.wing.it]

Man....wish I had time for bonsai clubs....
Maybe some day.

 

[sorce]

work on my trees!

IMO, there are optimal times to be working on trees, seasonally. Wouldn't be more than a handful of meetings that actually line up with these times seasonally.

The best thing about a club iMO is the unified resources.

80% of meetings and time should be dedicated to the final display, since that's the end all.
Then work back from there.

A clubs goal should be to put on a decent show.

Working on trees is best done at home.

Sorce