What does the Guild have in common with Independence Day?
“Happy 4th of July…this is when we celebrate Independence Day, better known to some people as the Fourth of July,
This federal holiday commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence of the United States on July 4, 1776. It’s historically significant because the Continental Congress declared the 13 American colonies no longer were subject to the British monarch.
Let that sink in. In 1776, Britain was a global superpower, and to declare INDEPENDENCE took a lot of spunk, to put it lightly. So, although Independence Day celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Americans’ quest for freedom went way beyond that act.
Americans have been celebrating Independence Day for years, and, like Christmas, sometimes the true meaning gets lost in all the hoopla. Independence Day means more than sparklers, just as Christmas means more than presents under the tree. It represents people’s efforts to earn and keep freedom, and that’s a struggle that continues to this day. We love a fireworks display and a July 4 parade, with its decorated floats, marching bands and U.S. flags but people should remember all the sacrifices that went into the celebration, and those sacrifices, in some way or another, continue today…that is what should be celebrated.
Now particularly after such an crazy year or more, let’s also think about the competing concept of INTERDEPENDENCE and why that is so important.
Our Guild is made up of many independent members who have joined together just like those 13 American colonies in what is now known as the Pacific NW Glass Guild – a collective where the members are interdependent on each other in order for the Guild to succeed.
We have multiple challenges to overcome in our quest to broaden the geographic reach of our glass guild, learn new ways to communicate and share with each other and to keep our members engaged and active.
We have members who have done glass for many, many years including some who have made names for themselves in the glass world who and enjoy selling their work and have even been able to make a good living at it. We also have hobbyists who just love learning about the experience of making glass art. And…we have people who are new to glass and just starting to grasp all the many possibilities before them!
Over the course of the next number of months, we will be asking you to answer these questions to determine what will make this a strong, active and dynamic guild.
- Do our members understand what we collectively want to accomplish? (By-laws Article 1: Purpose)The primary purpose of the Guild is to promote education about all types of glass and related arts.)
- Do our members want to be social – how do we know each other?
- Do we have a strong teamwork culture?
- Do we make it easy and ask our members to involved – how do they get involved?
- How can each member contribute to the success of the Guild?
John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address inspired children and adults to see the importance of civic action and public service. His historic words, “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country,” challenged every American to contribute in some way to the public good.
Currently the Nomination Committee is looking for members who will allow their names to stand for election for the following positions: President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. Interested members can contact Carlyne Lynch to discuss what is entailed in each position and to express their interest.
“Ask not what the Guild can do for you – ask what you can do for the Guild“…then both members and Guild thrive and benefit – this is our INTERDEPENDENCY – our success.
