Qualicum Weavers and Spinners Guild (QWSG) are the recipients of the Community Services Recovery Fund for its “Loom-to-Zoom” project.
The Loom-to-Zoom project is focused on equipping the guild with technologies that allow members to connect, communicate, learn and stay together regardless of life circumstances and location, according to a news release by QWSG.
The guild wanted to find ways to be inclusive to those who may be sick, home-bound, working, or caring for others. As well, the guild wanted to streamline administrative processes so volunteers can focus more on workshop offerings, making and creating together.
The outcome of the Loom-to-Zoom project is a comprehensive new easy to use website at www.qwsg.ca.
The website hosts a calendar of all of the guild’s activities, upcoming workshops, the QWSG blog and resources available only to members. It now allows anyone to register and pay for workshops online, as well as register as a member in the guild.
The guild also acquired a video-conferencing system that members are learning to use so that those who are unable to attend in-person meetings, study groups and other guild offerings can feel more a part of the in-person experience.
The conferencing system, known as “The Owl”, allows those at home to view the room using a 360-degree camera, while also tracking the person who is speaking. It is easy to use and integrates seamlessly with Zoom; so, nothing special required by those online.
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The Community Services Recovery Fund is a one-time $400 million investment supporting community service organizations as they adapt and modernize their organizations, provided by the Government of Canada and administered locally by United Way BC.
“Projects like Loom-to-Zoom are a testament to the power of our collective action and our ability to come together to make a positive difference in the world,” said Jenna Sudds, minister of families, children and social development.
The Loom-to-Zoom project was also funded to bring members together to learn how to offer hybrid in-person and on-line workshops. A pilot workshop was designed by the workshop committee and the Loom-to-Zoom team to be held in May. The free workshop will test out new teaching methods to both members and non-members in exchange for providing feedback.
QWSG is a supportive community of fibre enthusiasts with a shared passion for the fibre arts offering both in-person and virtual workshops/classes from beginners to experts in weaving, spinning, knitting, felting, basket weaving, dying and more.
QWSG will have a booth at Qualicum Beach Family Day on May 26.
