The Kansas City Modern Quilt Guild has proven themselves to be both elitist and discriminatory.
Greg has been a virtual member online for a short period. Never has he been told that he must attend meetings or pay dues. Two projects have recently come up which he'd accepted the challenge of doing. He replied that he'd be at the next meeting and would be attending during this VIRTUAL QUILTING BEE. Tonight he recieved a note that he would no longer be welcome to participate because those at who attended a sew day this weekend felt the activity should be restricted to those #1 living within the Kansas City Area - we are an hour north but still considered w/in that region. #2 or limited to PAID members. They have members clear to OMAHA - so why are they excluding Greg particularly when he was willing to both attend and pay his dues if asked?? He is one of only 3 men in the group. Had he not already been accepted into this project I would only have slightly questioned this decision to limit participants. However he'd already been accepted - and had committed himself to participanting only to be shunned in this manner. I'm appalled. Isn't a quilt guilds purpose to encourage ALL it's members to take on projects for the greater good? What could possibly be the purpose in limiting those who participate? And who doesn't understanding the term VIRTUAL??
I just read Greg's blog about this and replied. I, too, think it is HORRIBLE of them to behave this way. I suspect that somehow this is in retaliation for him raising a fuss about that recent ridiculous comment in one of your area papers about the blog hop and implying it was women-only and then some of use joined in on Greg's behalf. Sadly, women can be that catty. *sigh* I have left one guild due to the poor behavior of the members (especially the leadership). It's not just men who experience this, BUT...I would think a guild that is lucky enough to HAVE men in it, would treasure them and treat them with respect. This guild seems quite petty.
ReplyDeleteI can not believe the sanctimonious behavior of some folks! It is shameful! As I told Greg, too bad for THEM!
ReplyDeleteok, who died and left them G-D!! That is so ridiculous. If they want to change the rules then they need to go through channels and then notify everyone of the change in rules. I think I might show up at the meeting anyway to pay dues and tell them YOU ARE IN THE AREA..and as long as you pay dues, it shouldn't matter where you live as long as they don't have to pick you up...
ReplyDeleteDon't they know you're not supposed to change the rules in the middle of the game? That's awfully childish.
ReplyDeleteI agree. The nerve. Sadia
ReplyDeleteIsn't it funny, as quilters we exchange ideas, give of our time and at moments like this, close our minds. Please, Quilters extend a hand in friendship to all, let children be children and let's TRY very hard to be Adults.
ReplyDeletebrooke- greg is better off without them!!
ReplyDeletehe is the bigger man... hang in there and remember...good riddance to bad rubbish.
hugs,
christina