Organizers April 2020

organizers@lists.sharedweight.net

23 participants
33 discussions

by Dugan Murphy

Offering online caller classes on Zoom while sheltering in place has been going pretty well. So far I've offered 6 different classes 20 times and 62 people have registered 124 times. I have scheduled a new round of classes between May 2 and May 17, including 2 new topics ("Applause-Worthy Beginner Lessons" and "Walk-Through Techniques for Mixed Crowds") that I haven't offered before, as well as an intro class for dancers with no calling experience. Unlike most caller workshops at dance weekends, these are highly structured sessions with interactive activities and visuals. I've received lots of great feedback so far, some of which I've incorporated into improvements for classes I'm repeating. They are all listed together on a calendar here: http://portlandintowncontradance.com/workshops Here are the individual topics: Walk-Through Techniques for Mixed Crowds (May 3 & May 13): Please experienced dancers with brief walk-throughs that get newer dancers up to speed quickly http://portlandintowncontradance.com/workshops-info/caller-class-walk-throu… Applause-Worthy Beginner Lessons (May 2 & May 12): Get newer dancers feeling capable and included quickly in smaller or larger crowds http://portlandintowncontradance.com/workshops-info/online-caller-class-beg… Picking Good Dances (May 4 & May 16): Advanced skills in recognizing bad contra choreography and honing in on collecting good dances for your repertoire http://portlandintowncontradance.com/workshops-info/caller-class-good-dance… Utilizing Variety (May 5 & May 16): Learn how to design an experiential journey for contra dancers through choreographic and musical variety http://portlandintowncontradance.com/workshops-info/caller-class-variety-on… Challenging Dancers Just Enough (May 3 & May 15): Learn exactly what makes a dance too complex or just right for your crowd http://portlandintowncontradance.com/workshops-info/caller-class-complexity… Programming and Reading Dancers (May 6 & May 17): Build a great program of dances in advance and recognize signals on the fly to help you choose the right dances in the moment http://portlandintowncontradance.com/workshops-info/caller-class-programmin… Leading Great Community Dances (May 7 & May 17): Succeed at calling gigs with very few or no participants who regularly attend contra dance events, such as community dances, weddings, and family dances http://portlandintowncontradance.com/workshops-info/online-caller-class-com… Calling 101 (May 2 and May 11): An intro to calling for contra dancers with zero experience as callers: http://portlandintowncontradance.com/workshops-info/calling-101-online Are there topics not listed here that folks would be interested in seeing in the future? Please share with others who may be interested. I hope to see some of you online soon! Dugan Murphy (he/him) Portland, Maine dugan at duganmurphy.com www.DuganMurphy.com <http://www.duganmurphy.com/> www.PortlandIntownContraDance.com <http://www.portlandintowncontradance.com/>

3 years, 12 months

CDSS Shop Talk for organizers

by Brent & Emily

Hi Folks, Quick heads up that the most recent CDSS's quarterly e-newsletter for dance, music and song organizers came out last Friday. See below! And if you don't already receive it but would like to, you can sign up here: https://www.cdss.org/programs/cdss-news-publications/shop-talk :) Emily Addison Writing from Ottawa, ON ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Country Dance and Song Society <news(a)cdss.org> Date: Fri, Apr 17, 2020 at 11:30 AM Subject: Spring 2020 Shop Talk: Working together at this critical time for our communities! To: <emilyladdison(a)gmail.com> Click here to view this email as a web page. <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014ltZ1Wa8G-0Ya4HomBsmJDr8JHRr8Qm4XQ5LXVsBwzY0…> Dear dance, music, and song organizers, We hope that you’re doing as well as possible given these unprecedented times. CDSS is HERE FOR YOU! Our team is working hard to support CDSS Affiliate groups and the broader community. Our hope is that by working together, we will all emerge from the pandemic in a strong position to move forward. This issue of Shop Talk focuses primarily on resources that are helpful during this time of COVID-19 physical distancing. We will send occasional Shop Talk updates in the weeks to come as we have new resources that we think would be helpful to you and your communities. <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014ltZ1Wa8G-0Ya4HomBsmJDr8JHRr8Qm4XQ5LXVsBwzY0…> Quick Recap on Current CDSS Covid-Related Resources Cancelling events: As cases of COVID-19 began to emerge in North America, CDSS responded quickly to provide a series of updated statements <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014ltZ1Wa8G-0Ya4HomBsmJDr8JHRr8Qm4XQ5LXVsBwzY0…> to help local groups make decisions on cancelling events. We are also maintaining a list of cancellations <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014ltZ1Wa8G-0Ya4HomBsmJDr8JHRr8Qm4XQ5LXVsBwzY0…>. Add your cancelled events here <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014ltZ1Wa8G-0Ya4HomBsmJDr8JHRr8Qm4XQ5LXVsBwzY0…> . Online events: We are hosting a North American-wide list of online events <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014ltZ1Wa8G-0Ya4HomBsmJDr8JHRr8Qm4XQ5LXVsBwzY0…> such as concerts, workshops, sings, etc. These events are fun and meaningful ways to connect with other members of the traditional song, dance, and music community. Enjoy and share with your local communities. Add your online events here <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014ltZ1Wa8G-0Ya4HomBsmJDr8JHRr8Qm4XQ5LXVsBwzY0…> . Resources and Support for Freelancers: We are compiling a variety of resources for freelancers <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014ltZ1Wa8G-0Ya4HomBsmJDr8JHRr8Qm4XQ5LXVsBwzY0…> in our community, along with a list of those folks who could use our support. Check out our directory of gigging artists <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014ltZ1Wa8G-0Ya4HomBsmJDr8JHRr8Qm4XQ5LXVsBwzY0…> to send some kindness, business, or funds to the callers, musicians, singers, and sound technicians who make our lives so sweet. <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014ltZ1Wa8G-0Ya4HomBsmJDr8JHRr8Qm4XQ5LXVsBwzY0…> Upcoming CDSS Web Chat! As we navigate the impacts of COVID-19, CDSS is hosting a web chat for supporting ALL communities: Yes We CAN Keep in Touch! Connecting Our Communities During the Pandemic Wednesday, April 29, 7:00-8:00 p.m. EDT Amidst this period of physical distancing, many music, dance, and song groups are finding creative ways to keep their community members connected. We’d love to help you hear from many organizers far and wide about inspiring experiences that are working in their local communities. So we’re hosting a special web chat using a new format to bring you innovative ideas for ALL communities—song, music, dance (ECD, contra, Morris, square, dancing with kids, etc.). We welcome your ideas! Register online <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ekNcYFQ0VLdyWXQKtTNAmDsvB_yjl3WzYSsvPrpxreHm…> by 4/24 to share your group’s experience (provide brief description in registration form) by 4/28 to join as a listener Please share this message with friends and help us spread this virtual quilt of ideas over the entire continent and beyond! Questions? Contact resources(a)cdss.org Take Your Organizer Meetings Online We’ve heard that many groups that have taken their meetings online -- this is a great way to keep conversations and planning moving forward! If you haven’t yet held meetings online, here’s some information to get you started: CDSS is holding effective meetings of 15+ people using both Zoom <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014ltZ1Wa8G-0Ya4HomBsmJDr8JHRr8Qm4XQ5LXVsBwzY0…> and GoToMeeting <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014ltZ1Wa8G-0Ya4HomBsmJDr8JHRr8Qm4XQ5LXVsBwzY0…>. We have also heard of groups using Skype <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014ltZ1Wa8G-0Ya4HomBsmJDr8JHRr8Qm4XQ5LXVsBwzY0…> and Google Hangouts <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014ltZ1Wa8G-0Ya4HomBsmJDr8JHRr8Qm4XQ5LXVsBwzY0…> . Zoom seems to be a commonly used tool for a variety of reasons: - Meetings are free for up to 40 minutes and can immediately be relaunched after the first meeting expires. Another option is to pay a monthly fee and for unlimited time. - Individuals can participate via phone, computer audio online, or by computer video. We highly recommend computer video if possible! - There are lots of how-to videos on YouTube to you get started. Here is a good one <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014ltZ1Wa8G-0Ya4HomBsmJDr8JHRr8Qm4XQ5LXVsBwzY0…> . <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014ltZ1Wa8G-0Ya4HomBsmJDr8JHRr8Qm4XQ5LXVsBwzY0…> - There have been some recent concerns about internet trolls disrupting Zoom meetings. To address this issue, Zoom put into place some new security features <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014ltZ1Wa8G-0Ya4HomBsmJDr8JHRr8Qm4XQ5LXVsBwzY0…> last week. You may also want to consider using Google Docs <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014ltZ1Wa8G-0Ya4HomBsmJDr8JHRr8Qm4XQ5LXVsBwzY0…> to work on documents together (live!) or share meeting agendas. Here is one <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014ltZ1Wa8G-0Ya4HomBsmJDr8JHRr8Qm4XQ5LXVsBwzY0…> of the many how-to videos on YouTube. There are lots of other other programs to help people connect during this time. Many online articles <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014ltZ1Wa8G-0Ya4HomBsmJDr8JHRr8Qm4XQ5LXVsBwzY0…> that compare the pros and cons of each, so take a close look to learn which online tools work best for your needs. <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014ltZ1Wa8G-0Ya4HomBsmJDr8JHRr8Qm4XQ5LXVsBwzY0…> Connect with Other Organizers NOW Through Online Groups Wondering what other organizers are thinking and doing through this unusual time? Join one or more of these groups to connect with organizers in North America and beyond. Great conversations are happening in these groups, and they will be enriched by your questions and ideas! - Shared Weight email list for dance organizers <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014ltZ1Wa8G-0Ya4HomBsmJDr8JHRr8Qm4XQ5LXVsBwzY0…> - Brand new Shared Weight email list for song organizers <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014ltZ1Wa8G-0Ya4HomBsmJDr8JHRr8Qm4XQ5LXVsBwzY0…>. (More info here <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014ltZ1Wa8G-0Ya4HomBsmJDr8JHRr8Qm4XQ5LXVsBwzY0…> .) - Shared Weight email list for English country dance <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014ltZ1Wa8G-0Ya4HomBsmJDr8JHRr8Qm4XQ5LXVsBwzY0…> (including some organizer discussion) - Facebook group for organizers of contra dances <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014ltZ1Wa8G-0Ya4HomBsmJDr8JHRr8Qm4XQ5LXVsBwzY0…> - Facebook group for song session organizers <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014ltZ1Wa8G-0Ya4HomBsmJDr8JHRr8Qm4XQ5LXVsBwzY0…> - Facebook group for organizers of English country dances <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014ltZ1Wa8G-0Ya4HomBsmJDr8JHRr8Qm4XQ5LXVsBwzY0…> JOIN US as a CDSS Affiliate! Our shared network of traditional dance, music, and song communities is strengthened with every group that joins as an Affiliate. If you’re not already an Affiliate, you can make a huge difference right now by adding your wisdom and experience and bringing that of over 300 other Affiliates to your community. Here’s some recent news: - Just this month, we updated the <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014ltZ1Wa8G-0Ya4HomBsmJDr8JHRr8Qm4XQ5LXVsBwzY0…>Affiliate joining process <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014ltZ1Wa8G-0Ya4HomBsmJDr8JHRr8Qm4XQ5LXVsBwzY0…> so that membership, 501c3 status, and insurance can all be signed up for at once, on the same form! - The renewal date for all Affiliates is now May 1st. Join now to get your full year of Affiliate membership. - We understand that this is an uncertain time for many groups. If your group’s finances don’t make it possible to pay the full fee, please email us at sales(a)cdss.org so we can discuss your options. These times are challenging for CDSS as well as local groups. Let’s work together to strengthen our network across North America and beyond! Launching Annual Affiliate Survey in May! This is a quick heads-up that the annual CDSS Affiliate survey will open May 15th. We will be asking Affiliates for input about their groups, their thoughts on our services/resources, AND the impacts of COVID-19. The survey results will guide our future efforts to better support organizers throughout North America. If your group is an Affiliate, your CDSS contact will be receiving notification about the survey in early May, so watch for that! Stay tuned for Shop Talk updates with more information. In the meantime, we’re sending well wishes to all! Emily Addison (Consultant) & Linda Henry (CDSS Community Resources Manager) For specific requests or advice, email Linda at resources(a)cdss.org. If you have suggestions for the next Shop Talk, email emily(a)cdss.org. We appreciate feedback! Please email your comments to emily(a)cdss.org. <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014ltZ1Wa8G-0Ya4HomBsmJDr8JHRr8Qm4XQ5LXVsBwzY0…> During this time of uncertainty, we are committed to continuing our work fostering connection. Your financial support would mean a lot, and will help to ensure that we emerge from this crisis as strong as ever. Make a gift <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014ltZ1Wa8G-0Ya4HomBsmJDr8JHRr8Qm4XQ5LXVsBwzY0…>, or become a member <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014ltZ1Wa8G-0Ya4HomBsmJDr8JHRr8Qm4XQ5LXVsBwzY0…> . [image: Facebook] ‌ <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014ltZ1Wa8G-0Ya4HomBsmJDr8JHRr8Qm4XQ5LXVsBwzY0…> [image: Instagram] ‌ <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014ltZ1Wa8G-0Ya4HomBsmJDr8JHRr8Qm4XQ5LXVsBwzY0…> [image: YouTube] ‌ <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014ltZ1Wa8G-0Ya4HomBsmJDr8JHRr8Qm4XQ5LXVsBwzY0…> Country Dance and Song Society | 116 Pleasant Street, Suite 345, Easthampton, MA 01027 Unsubscribe emilyladdison(a)gmail.com <https://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=un&m=001g52r9x0WYQtYLhUDSEpeZA%3D&…> Update Profile <https://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=oo&m=001g52r9x0WYQtYLhUDSEpeZA%3D&…> | About Constant Contact <http://www.constantcontact.com/legal/about-constant-contact> Sent by news(a)cdss.org in collaboration with [image: Trusted Email from Constant Contact - Try it FREE today.] <http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp?cc=nge&rmc=VF19_3GE> Try email marketing for free today! <http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp?cc=nge&rmc=VF19_3GE> <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> Virus-free. www.avg.com <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> <#m_3844741250836112681_DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

4 years

Maintaining contact with our communities

by Orin Nisenson

Several weeks ago there was a thread labeled “Maintaining contact with our communities” Last week I organized a Contra Dance Community Virtual Open Mic Coffee House. Using Zoom, 18 joined in sharing songs, playing music, sharing a joke, telling a story and just sitting back and talking with each other. It was a lot of fun and I plan on doing it again next month. Take care and be safe. Orin Pioneer Valley of Western Mass. ______________________________________ U.S. Virgin Islands Snow Plowing Service Serving St. Croix, St. Thomas & St. John Fast reliable service Driveways and parking lots / No job too small or large

4 years

Re: Request for all when you respond to the Shared Weight organizers list

by Jeff Kaufman

On Fri, Apr 10, 2020 at 1:07 PM Emily Addison via Organizers <organizers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: > remember to either (1) make sure to delete the past discussion OR (2) respond by creating a NEW email using the same subject line. On the other hand, for members who subscribe using gmail and other email clients that normally thread messages, (2) is really inconvenient because you can't follow the thread of existing messages. You also can't mute individual threads that you're not interested in. Jeff

4 years

Special upcoming CDSS web chat - Connecting our communities during the pandemic

by Emily Addison

Hi fellow Shared Weight organizers, HOT OFF THE PRESS....! CDSS is hosting an upcoming web chat on the same topic we were discussing late last week - how to connect our community members during the pandemic. (The web chat has been in the works for a few weeks but we had to finalize the details.) More information is below including a link to register. (The web chat is free.) I'm really hoping that some of us will share our ideas with those on the call... it would be great to hear more about your ideas AND see some of your faces! :) Emily Addison Writing from Ottawa, Ontario NEW! Web Chat for All Communities Yes We CAN Keep in Touch! Connecting Our Communities During the Pandemic We’re saving our previously announced Web Chat for song organizers for a later date. Tune in for this special Web Chat later this month! Wednesday, April 29, 7:00-8:00 p.m. EDT Amidst this period of physical distancing, many music, dance, and song groups are finding creative ways to keep their community members connected. We’d love to help you hear from many organizers far and wide about inspiring experiences that are working in their local communities. So we’re hosting a special web chat using a new format to bring you innovative ideas for ALL communities—song, music, dance (ECD, contra, Morris, square, dancing with kids, etc.). We welcome your ideas! Register online <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ekNcYFQ0VLdyWXQKtTNAmDsvB_yjl3WzYSsvPrpxreHm…> by 4/24 to share your group’s experience (provide brief description in registration form) by 4/28 to join as a listener Please share this message with friends <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ekNcYFQ0VLdyWXQKtTNAmDsvB_yjl3WzYSsvPrpxreHm…> and help us spread this virtual quilt of ideas over the entire continent and beyond! Questions? Contact resources(a)cdss.org <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> Virus-free. www.avg.com <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

4 years

Re: It might be a long time until we dance again

by Heitzso

4 years

Re: Organizers Digest, Vol 57, Issue 5

by Paul Rosenberg

Hi Liz Yes, when that email was sent about trimming old replies, I will admit, I was planning on writing back to ask how one can follow an ongoing thread when trimming all of the content. I will trim whatever I can in this email that is not vital to the coherence of the thread. As another great example, if I replied to this email, how can people figure out what I am responding to? Again, if you receive only a handful of emails per day, it would be less of a challenge to figure this out. I do agree that facebook would not be a good substitute for email list, for precisely the same reason. Paul Rosenberg Albany, NY www.homespun.biz 518-482-9255 On Sat, Apr 11, 2020 at 9:55 AM Liz Burkhart via Organizers < organizers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: > Anyone who disagrees or doesn't understand about the need for trimming old > replies should refer to the welcome email. The subject is "Official welcome > to the new SharedWeight." Seth Seeger & Chris Weiler worked hard on this > project; don't you think they thought of the best way to do things? In that > email it clearly states: > > * IMPORTANT: When you respond to a post on the list, please remember to > trim off old replies. It will make it much easier for others to use our > list, especially those that receive the digest version. > > I believe the listserv is superior to Facebook because it's more inclusive > and more easily searchable. People tend to stay on topic better on the > email, as well. > _______________________________________________ > Organizers mailing list -- organizers(a)lists.sharedweight.net > To unsubscribe send an email to organizers-leave(a)lists.sharedweight.net >

4 years

Re: Organizers Digest, Vol 57, Issue 5

by Jonathan Roveto

Yes, the three dots mean that all the stuff shown when you click the dots will show up in replies. With that said, I would disagree that this system is superior to Facebook. Having multiple new threads pop up in Gmail for what is in reality a single thread isn't by itself a good enough reason for me to want to unsubscribe, but having to go back and delete old replies seems a bit much. Was Google Groups considered, as it sounds like this behavior is not an issue with that medium? Facebook's organizer group also seems much more active and more conducive to replies that are anything less than a multi-paragraph reply, and the group can also be searched, similar to email. Jonathan Roveto Owner/Member Fair Oaks Holdings, LLC Cell: (559) 961-7497 PO Box 684492 Marietta, GA 30068

4 years

Re: Organizers Digest, Vol 57, Issue 5

by Liz Burkhart

Anyone who disagrees or doesn't understand about the need for trimming old replies should refer to the welcome email. The subject is "Official welcome to the new SharedWeight." Seth Seeger & Chris Weiler worked hard on this project; don't you think they thought of the best way to do things? In that email it clearly states: * IMPORTANT: When you respond to a post on the list, please remember to trim off old replies. It will make it much easier for others to use our list, especially those that receive the digest version. I'd recommend re-reading it for other handy info as well. I don't use email for work so I've had to learn certain things about gmail and other google applications through trial and error; can anyone tell me for google if the 3 dots are at the bottom of my draft, does that mean all the previous replies will be visible once I send the email? What I did is expand the dots to show the previous replies, then select all and delete. I believe the listserv is superior to Facebook because it's more inclusive and more easily searchable. People tend to stay on topic better on the email, as well.

4 years

Re: Request for all when you respond to the Shared Weight organizers list

by Emily Addison

Good point! Maybe the solution is to delete the previous content then rather than start a new thread. Would that work? Or maybe there are other solutions to address the interests of those with gmail threads vs digest versions? Emily

4 years

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Organizers April 2020