Reading-Berks operates about the same way the state operates. The Board of directors consists of a President, V.P., Secretary, Treasure, Chapter Representative, Spring show Chairman, Holiday Show Chairman, Program Chair, Membership Chair, Newsletter Editor, Publicity Chair and Standards Chair. The executives committee, consisting of five elected positions, President, V,P., Secretary, Treasurer and State Rep. meet one week prior to our General Meeting which is held the first Tuesday of the month at the GPU building on Rt. 183 in Bern township.

  Becoming the largest chapter requires work. Having interesting programs ranging from "in-house" artisans talking about their creations to outside speakers which we will pay a small "thank you fro giving us your time" stipend, which they usually decline.

  One of our programs in the "Student Awards" which is held at our June meeting after the area high school seniors have graduated. Invitations to all the area high school art teachers are mailed out asking them to select a senior student show has been exceptional in either Industrial Arts, Fine Arts, or Crafts. Every student who participates receives a cash award and a certificate with first, second, third place winners in each category. this program has been very successful in several ways. The students, most of whom will move on to Art School or a University majoring in art, have an opportunity to be exposed to the Guild which we hope will some day make them want to be members.

  This is also a good community relations avenue with the school districts and the art teachers singing high praises for the program. This is one way to give back to the community which supports us at our shows. An annual picnic at a local park where the chapter furnishes "dogs & burgers" and drinks in held in August. the rest is all great pot luck from the group. Trust me, no one straves. This is PA Dutch Country. Lots of "Schleck!"

  The December meeting is our Christmas party which varies from either a dinner-dance to a casual social gathering with just cookies. Several years ago the practice of donating either a product, food stuff or money to area agencies in need rather than exchanging Christmas gifts among ourselves was started. This year the local Red Cross Chapter received $500 from individual contributions. There is no meeting in July and the rest of the programs vary. to quote the famous line from Field of Dreams, "If you build it they will come!" Make it interesting and they will stay and keep coming.

  The policy on membership has broadened in the last few years. Members are now taken from outside our immediate area. So come one, come all. to join you must attend a meeting. No membership applications are mailed. Participation is encouraged and this is a good way to start. I don't believe, in the 15 years I've been a member, there has been a meeting we did not take in at least one new member. A six month waiting period before new members may be juried is called for. Our standards are handled similarly to those at the state level.

  The Standards Committee is usually eight or more folks with others called in for specific reasons. Juring is twice a year in March and October. The newsletter is mailed every month and contains chapter and state news, local things of interest to our group, information of note on our members and applications for our shows to name a few.

  Our reputation as a state organization, and in our case the chapter's reputation, has given us a very high standing in the community. A terrific working relationship with Penn State University's Berks/Lehigh Campus staff where we hold our Holiday show, the staff at Albright College where we have our Spring show and the folks at GPU where they allow us to hold our meetings in their cafeteria is sound and rewarding. This does not happen overnight. These relationships have been nurtured for years. but this sure is the way to start.

  The Spring Show is "No Admission Fee" to the public. We continue to have the show to allow exposure for our craftsmen and the chapter. This show is run on a "break even" premise and is a great jump off spot for our new members.

  The Holiday Show is a roaring success and always has been. I will try to name a few of the reason why: 1. A great facility with good location, ample parking and food service. The food service is very important in this neck of the woods, it really keeps folks around a lot longer. 2. Three sided booth displays. 3. Holiday decorations of some sort (prizes go to the best). 4. Holiday music. The entrance hallway looks like a Holiday decorators delight. all this, plus an array of fine crafts makes the show look terrific. 5. Good working relations with our local newspapers; (Go to your local newspaper), the radio stations, billboard company and the folkd\s who do the printing. Find the right folks in your organization to make these connections. Especially if you come from a one newspaper town like Reading-Berks. That's a must relationship. Tap the strengths within your group. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that if one of your members wives is working for a radio station that is the member who's help you should seek.

  Of course there's the advertising committee which involves getting quotes on newspaper, billboards, radio, fliers and posters and someone to send out PSA's to pertinent magazines, newspapers, radio and alike all in a timely fashion. But the bulk of the responsibility is within membership. Each participant distributes fliers and posters, mails postcards to their own mailing list along with the chapter's mailing list, and reminds everyone this is the best show in the area and "Here's why you should come."

  Everyone who is a true participating member in Reading-Berks really works at it. There is no such thing as luck. The members have made it work for many years. Changes are made when they need to be made, what works is preserved and like every other organization on earth we try not to let personalities and personal agendas muck up the waters.

  We are fortunate there is a community TV station in Reading where we produce a TV program once a month featuring chapter and state juried members. The craftsmen are taped in their studios then air live at the station where viewers may call in and ask questions. the relationship with Berks Community TV is tremendous. The program promotes our organization, our shows and our outstanding members while educating our viewers. This program has won several local and state awards. This certainly is a perk but not necessary to have a successful chapter.

  Chapter membership can be a very rewarding experience both socially and economically. But again, everyone must work at it. If we didn't have that at Reading-Berks we'd "be down the tubes," "up the creek" or "lost in space". Take your pick. I have a few personal suggestions for programs...come visit Tyler Craft Center. Rent a van, charter a bus, come in cars. Come for the Spring show. Talk to long time members. Nothing will make you feel more at home then knowing the home...get a gang to do a workshop together, travel in groups. The Bruce Baker Workshops would be a terrific place to start...come to a Reading-Berks meeting. Visitors are welcome. Send PSAs to your local newspaper about meeting times and places calling for members...okay enough! Basically you know what you have to do. Just get a "few good folks" and do it. Yes, Reading-Berks has money in the bank, a lot of members, a great holiday show, interesting programs, a good newsletter and all that, but we stated with nothing like everyone. This year will be Reading-Berks' 50th Holiday Show. I wonder what we will do to top our self? I'm sure there is a committee knee deep in ideas already.