NCWCA PODS
Pods are loosely formed social groups within small geographic areas and their purpose is to promote social opportunities for members living near each other. It is particularly useful for members who live too far away to physically participate in NCWCA activities. Pods fall under the oversight of NCWCA.
Guidelines for Pods
To Start a Pod
Pod Restrictions
NCWCA is pleased to offer geographically-based Pods that encourage community among members who are isolated and are seeking social opportunities. Pods are a part of NCWCA and we are happy to promote their formation and activities.
Guidelines for Pods
- Pod members must be current NCWCA members.
- Someone must be the leader of a Pod.
- The Pod should have continuity: it must meet at least quarterly.
- Pods are geographically-based. More than one Pod may exist in close geographic proximity, but such Pods are expected to coordinate their activities.
- The purpose of the Pod is social: to get together with other members. Pod activities can include, but are not limited to viewing an exhibition, having a meal or coffee together, getting together just to socialize, visiting a studio, doing art share, going to a movie or performance, making art together, etc.
- Pod activities are inclusive. For example, a Berkeley member can attend a Pod activity that occurs in Santa Clara. NCWCA members may invite non-members to one Pod event as a recruitment incentive.
To Start a Pod
- Contact Professional Development Chair, Laura Abrams, at laura[at]ncwca.org and give her information about the Pod: the geographic area it covers and proposed activities.
- Your proposed Pod will be reviewed by Laura and she will present your proposal at the next board meeting. It is recommended that you attend that board meeting in case there are questions from the board.
- After board approval, NCWCA will send a chaptermail to members residing in the Pod’s geographic location. The email will notify them of a new Pod formation and encourage them to contact the Pod leader.
- Once you have an activity, check the NCWCA calendar and select a date and time that is open (no other NCWCA activity): https://www.ncwca.org/ncwca-calendar.html. Notify Laura Abrams.
- NCWCA will send a chaptermail to all members and create Instagram and Facebook posts.
- You are responsible for handling RSVPs and organizing the Pod activity.
- If photos are taken at the event, send them to chandrika@ncwca.org and mrpotani@ncwca.org. They will be added to NCWCA’s social media and website.
Pod Restrictions
- Pod leaders do not have access to the NCWCA member database containing member names and contact information. NCWCA will send out Pod promotions on behalf of the Pods.
- NCWCA Pods do not cover special interest groups such as Eco-Art, LGBTQ, Latinx, Asian American, Jewish Women, Young Women, etc. Such groups are formed at the National WCA level through special interest caucuses or National Pods.
- Pods cannot fundraise, create their own bank accounts, or engage in financial transactions.
- Pods cannot engage in advocacy or lobbying.
- Pods cannot create separate exhibitions, conferences or other events that fall under the purview of the NCWCA board.
- Pods that remain inactive for a year or engage in restricted activities will be dissolved by the NCWCA Board.
NCWCA is pleased to offer geographically-based Pods that encourage community among members who are isolated and are seeking social opportunities. Pods are a part of NCWCA and we are happy to promote their formation and activities.
