November 2, 2021

Dear fellow Washington Conservation Guild member:

Did you know that our membership year starts on June 1 and runs to the end of May? But most people don’t think to renew until the Fall, when our monthly programs start. Renewals start to trickle in between September and November, usually prodded by email reminders sent out by our Membership Secretary.In this current era of Covid and upheaval, of returning to work and ramping up delayed projects, it seems to be even harder to cut through the noise. What I am saying is- our renewals seem to be lagging even further than usual this year.

I just wanted to remind you why it is important to support WCG through your membership:

Monthly meetings with interesting and thought provoking speakers. While we chose to make our virtual meetings open to everyone, we still need member support to continue to provide
these.

Our annual 3-Ring Circus! We are planning to be back in person at the Ripley Center this year. Attendance is free to members but nonmembers will be asked to pay a $10 cover charge.

Workshops! At this moment, the Board is busy planning workshops and webinars that will give priority to members. In the works are webinars on various aspects of setting up a private practice; a disaster recovery workshop and some fun crafting workshops similar to our popular ring making workshops of previous years.

Support for emerging professionals. Remember when you were new to the field? I remember how helpful and generous older conservators were with their time and expertise. WCG has an active committee devoted to creating social and professional experiences for the emerging professionals in our area. Your membership dues and donations to the Williston Fund directly support these efforts.

In one of my first jobs as a technician, my boss closed the studio early so we could all attend WCG. There are many senior conservators in the DC area who pay for membership for their staff because they believe so strongly in supporting our community.

WCG is an all volunteer nonprofit that exists solely to support you and your colleagues. We rely on your support to continue offering our terrific programs.

I look forward to seeing you at our events this year,

Jayne Girod Holt
President, Washington Conservation Guild
President@washingtonconservationguild.org