Join Our Volunteer Team – Philadelphia Guild of Handweavers

The Philadelphia Guild of Handweavers is a volunteer-driven organization, and member participation is crucial to our success. Our Guild thrives thanks to the dedication and enthusiasm of volunteers like you. Volunteering is a fantastic opportunity to engage deeply with our community, meet new people, forge lasting friendships, and connect with others who share your passion for fiber arts.

Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of various committees you can join to lend your skills and enthusiasm.

EDUCATION

Classes
Workshops
Field Trips

PROGRAMS

Programs / Lectures
Workshops

TECHNOLOGY

Website
Management of web development contractor
Oversight of Google drive, including PGHW email management
Phone lines / Google Voice

COMMUNITY + OUTREACH

Outreach / community events
MAFA Liaison
Community partnerships
Work with Development and Hospitality for Membership Drive

GUILD + ASSETS

Guild maintenance
Library
Equipment maintenance
Equipment rental
Equipment purchase and sales

DEVELOPMENT

Grant applications
Fundraising / Donor relations
Membership Drive
Explore other revenue sources, like fundraising events, corporate sponsorship, advertising, etc.

EVENTS + EHXIBITIONS

Holiday Sale
Celebration of Fibers
Fiberpalooza

COMMUNICATION

Weekly eBlast
Guild Gazette
Social media
Works with Education, Development, and other committees as needed

FINANCE

Oversee and review accounting firm
Annual 990 filing
Annual PA registration
Annual budget
Risk management / insurance
Board reporting and annual report

HOSPITALITY

Community building
Member relations and feedback collection
Refreshments and setup at member meetings
New member integration

Education

Members of the Education Committee work with the Education Director to plan and facilitate classes, workshops, field trips, skill shares, and other educational opportunities.

Programs

Members of the Programs Committee identify, schedule, and facilitate lectures and other events with speakers and work with the Education Committee to identify and schedule multi-day workshops with out-of-town speakers.

Guild and Assets

Equipment Rental – Members of the Equipment Rental team facilitate rentals to members and monitor the health of the equipment.

Equipment Donations – The Equipment Donation manager fields queries from prospective donors and collects items as appropriate.

Library – Member (s) help maintain our extensive book collection.

Guild Maintenance – Member(s) help maintain our Guild House by managing repairs, landscaping, supplies, and general oversight of the guild house. Our house costs approximately $10,000 – $15,000 annually to maintain, not including repairs. We also have supplies that need refilling and closets to keep organized!

Events and Exhibitions

We hold several events throughout the year. Members of the Events and Exhibitions Committee organize and run Fiberpalooza, our fiber swap and sale; the Holiday Sale; and various exhibitions, including Celebration of Fibers and the Member Gallery. These roles may entail finding suitable locations, moving displays and objects, and working with others and members of the public.

Technology

Members of the Technology Committee help us maintain our website, online information system, mailing program, and advise on general technology issues.

Community and Outreach

Members of the Community and Outreach Committee plan and coordinate demonstrations and other public events in and around the Philadelphia area. We also always looking for new people to demo! These roles may involve traveling to various locations, lifting objects and displays, and interacting with the public.

Communication

The Communication Team coordinates our various communications with both members and members of the public. At the moment, these include a weekly email blast, the monthly Gazette, various social media accounts, and a Discord server.

Development

The Development Committee seeks funding opportunities for the Guild, whether in the form of grants, individual giving, or other possibilities for generating revenue.

Hospitality

The Hospitality Committee makes sure that our Guild is a welcoming place for all members, whether they’ve been a member for 20 years or joined last week! The Committee oversees member relations, welcomes new members, and provides refreshments at Guild events.