1 - It is obvious no one profits in any way from the public appearances and outreach the group does. In fact, many members and the officers are donating more time and resources to the group than we take in through membership dues. Members donate gourds for the outreach programs [an example is the 400 egg gourds that are going to a Kidz Fest gourd program at The Gathering at the end of October]. Tents, banners, tables, and printed materials are stored at officers' homes. Printing of postcards and promotion posters is done by the husband of one member on his antique letterpress equipment. All in all, we are a volunteer organization. We manage our dollars very carefully.
2 - Political support. OH MY! The officers and members come together for the enthusiasm of gourd we all have. We are a diverse political set of folks and purposefully resist talk or reference to anything political, especially in the current climate of the country. So, actively supporting or opposing anyone would only serve as a wedge between us. If a political figure had gourd skills we valued, then that would be another story but we would encourage his/her presence from the art/gourd point of view.
3 - Legislative actions....this could be a slippery slope if the right situations came along. What if gourds became a taxable item, different from the agricultural area? What gourd farms came under unfair scrutiny for business purposes? What if gourds were found to be medicinal and therefore controlled somehow? These are ludicrous from today's point of view, but things happen. Could we maintain a neutral stand when the core of our existence is challenged?
If we stay true to our core mission of education, encouragement, and support, we should be fine.
| It would be a challenge, but we would maintain an honest system. |
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