Hello SAM Members and Stakeholders,
Brrr… it is hard to believe the spooks and goblins just visited and we are quickly on our way to the winter holidays. The SAM board is working hard and I am writing to highlight a few things that are happening in the SAM community. As SAM president, I will be sending out bi-monthly membership letters. If you have something that you would like highlighted or know of a member doing interesting storytelling related activities please let us know so we can give that person a shout out to the community.
Story Connections: SAM Meet and Greet
November 14th, 7:30- 9:30, Lynnhall, 2640 Lyndale Ave South, Minneapolis, MN 55408.
You asked for ways to get to know fellow storytellers better, so we are committed to organizing quarterly social events. Our first will be at The Lynnhall, 2640 Lyndale Ave South, Minneapolis, MN 55408. Please stop in for as long as you can. Lynnhall has food and drink available for purchase.
Member Focus:
Dorothy Cleveland’s Wonderful New Adventure
After 40 years of working in administration, Dorothy Cleveland was looking for an opportunity that would allow her to work part-time, set her own schedule, work in her pajamas, and, best case scenario, include storytelling. She got her wish when she was hired to take on the job of Administrator/ Conference Coordinator for the Northlands Storytelling Network. Her new job will allow her to combine her love of spreadsheets with her passion for stories. Dorothy started September first, and is thankful for a year long transition period where Karen Wollscheid will coach her through all the many demands of managing membership, serving the board, maintaining the website, and coordinating the popular Northlands Conference. She asks for patience as she learns the timing of different tasks and becomes comfortable with conference details. Dorothy is excited to be taking on this new position and looks forward to seeing you all at the April 27-29, Confabulation! 2018 conference being held in Madison, Wisconsin at the Pyle Center.
Not one to sit still during retirement, Dorothy has also just published a new book with Barbara G. Schutzgruber called Beyond the Sword Maiden: A Storyteller’s Introduction to the Heroine’s Journey. This project started years ago as a thesis for a master's program. As they developed the book Dorothy and Barbara held workshops across the United States to identify questions people had about the heroine’s journey and what readers and storytellers needed from a book. Beyond the Sword Maiden is a working manual with outlines and examples storytellers can use when writing and telling stories of the heroine’s journey. Dorothy will be having a book signing party later this year or early 2018. Books are available for pre-order right now. For more information www.beyondswordmaiden.com
(We have a very diverse membership, all doing exciting things. If you would like to be highlighted or think another member should be highlighted, please bring them to my attention. I plan to highlight a different member each letter.)
How Can You Help?
1. Member Bios on the website: Regarding the website, we're already working on expanding the directory of storytellers (the "Hire a Storyteller" page) and making the calendar a comprehensive guide to upcoming storytelling programs, classes, workshops, and more. Please submit content for profiles and/or calendar entries directly to Sue Searing (suesearing@gmail.com) or Taylor Dobson (taylor.dobson@gmail.com) or use the form on the website (https://www.storyartsmn.org/new-page/).
2. Serve on the Board: We are currently looking for members who are interested in serving on the board. If you would like to put your name in for consideration please contact Khary Jackson at shazzalives@gmail.com.
3. A new Website and Social Media Committee is being formed to run down the list of recommendations from the membership and implement them. If you have some skills with social media or websites we can use you. The commitment can vary depending upon your interests and availability.
4. Social Events Committee
Do you enjoy organizing social events? Have a great place for people to gather? We would like to hold 4 social events in 2017-2018 for SAM members to meet and greet and draw support from one another.
If you are interested in helping with either of these two committees, please contact Pam Schweitzer at pls2009@live.com .
The board has set a goal of having 50% of non board members help make SAM run and operate. Many of the ideas that came out of the listening sessions were outstanding and with your energy and skills we will be able to make many of them happen.
Yours in Story,
Pam Schweitzer
SAM President
pls2009@live.com
651-724-4723