Seeing if anyone would be interested in this:
So, on another thread, I brought up that I think it’d be useful if different areas had lists posted of folks/contacts that are willing to answer questions, mentor projects, happen to be subject matter experts on something, or just general go-to person that’d be a good contact for a new person until they get to know folks. And it’d be a resource for existing members expanding into areas that are new to them or particularly enjoy mentoring if asked.
As I mentioned in the other thread, as an example, the Dallas Handweavers Guild had a directory where members could opt in to have code letters (key in front) below their contact info that corresponded with various mediums they had experience in and willing to help others. Completely optional and voluntary. That way, for example, I have a bobbin lace question, I could scan until I found someone to ask. Very handy resource. It could be something pointed out on tours.
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Soooo…if there is interest in trying this out, I’m volunteering to research/create/manage it.
My rough ideas (feel free to comment):
–What I am thinking is a separate specific sheet for each committee area so the list doesn’t get huge and can be more specific with special skills without a zillion categories of everything at dms crowding the form. I figure usage, folks will be in that area and just need that info anyway. Less to wade through, cleaner.
–use either code letters or columns/Xs with special skill categories
–determine skills listed by conferring with that committee or chair because I sooo don’t know some of the groups that thoroughly, so it’ll be specific to them and actually useful
–maybe an area with special skills (i.e. someone’s particularly skilled at Widgets)
–re contact info, person’s name and preferred contact method (and I’ll put my contact on there somewhere in the tiny print so if anyone wants off, just get hold of me and I’ll delete/reprint the list, no biggie)
–an area with blanks so people can manually add info and then I’ll periodically scoop all those up and enter/reprint. Or I can be contacted directly
–will periodically reprint/update and randomize the order so that it’s not always the first person with whatever skill always getting contacted, mix it around
My idea is for this to be a resource for when folks have a question or need help but not sure who is the best person to ask yet. And also for our members that particularly like mentoring and are happy to put themselves out for that.
I plan on keeping this REALLY simple so that I can keep it updated once I’ve got it set up so that it can stay pretty current and relevant. Resisting the Rube Goldberg system. We’re talking some initial research and then probably something spreadsheet based.
I’m cool doing all the work if y’all think it’d be useful, have committee buy-in, and not a waste of time.
Any comments, thoughts, suggestions?
