Guild Committees - Communication and Public Relations
There are many roles involved in communicating and advertising Guild activities to members and to the general public when applicable.
Newsletter & Distribution
The editor constructs the Guild newsletter that typically goes out four times per year using word processing software. The Needleworker describes upcoming workshops and provides registration forms. The newsletter also contains reports from various committees, announcements, and articles about interesting topics.
The newsletter is distributed primarily by email. In addition, the Distribution role occasionally sends announcements or requests out to members using the same distribution list.
2026: Nan Garrison
This is a great role because the editor gets to see the upcoming programs and all of the Guild news.
Tasks:
Obtain the member distribution list of names and email addresses from the Membership Chair.
Work with the Executive Committee and the Programs Committee to determine the publishing schedule for the year.
For each newsletter issue:
Send out a call for articles to Guild officers and committee members.
Assemble the newsletter with the upcoming programs on the first page followed by committee reports, workshop registration forms, announcements, and news.
Send the draft newsletter out for proofreading.
Make corrections noted by the proofreaders.
Distribute the newsletter by email or regular mail to Guild members.
Provide a digital copy of the newsletter to the Website team for posting online.
As needed, distribute other announcements that have been approved by the President.
Website
The Website Committee maintains the website that you are currently viewing and administers a Guild email account and a Google Drive for storing digital assets. The website is public-facing and allows us to promote the Guild while also informing and recognizing Guild members and publicizing the volunteer work that is done by the Guild for Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens.
2026: Doris Eversmeyer (chair), Jody Ball, Sue Fassoles, Nan Garrison, Kathy Olex, Marie Owens, Michelle Sayre
This is a great committee because you get to learn about the Guild, write content, select photographs, and learn some website technology if inclined.
Tasks:
Maintain site content annually to add each year’s officers, committee details, and the schedule of programs and meetings.
Post newsletters in the Current Members section throughout the year.
Create site content as needed before and after events such as Stitchery Showcase.
Gather information and photographs for new content.
Serve as a reviewer and tester to validate site content.
Meet periodically to plan and prioritize features.
Monitor the Guild’s email account and forward messages as needed.
For technical volunteers, create and edit page layouts using Squarespace.
Preserve site and Guild assets on a Google Drive.
Update maintenance documentation as the website and Drive evolve over time.
Membership
The membership chair is responsible for our members' information, accepting new applications, and coordinating annual renewals. This role also works with an outside publisher to create information flyers and an annual Membership Booklet.
2026: Margaret Minns
This is a great committee because you meet all our members and interface with the other committees of our Guild.
Tasks:
Maintain the membership database.
Publish and distribute the annual Membership Booklet.
Coordinate the New Members' Tea in March.
Track member participation for our Annual Prize entries and select winners at the end of the year.
Provide ongoing information for Distribution, Newsletter, and Programs committees.
Provide a printed Membership Information flyer for the Publicity committee.
Receive, report, and forward member dues to the Treasurer.
Present membership-status information and member-wide concerns at the Guild’s board meetings.
Publicity
The Publicity Committee is responsible for increasing public awareness of the Guild and promoting the opportunities that are offered by the Guild to local stitchers. The committee provides information about Stan Hywet events. It encourages Guild members to support events hosted by outside groups. An annual favorite is decorating 'Rusty's Tree' at Hower House for the holiday tour season.
2026: Betty Jo Scurei (chair), Judy Caiola
This is a great committee because the members work well together and are willing to participate in outside activities such as Stitch-in-Public events and exhibits where needlework is on public display.
Tasks:
Obtain Membership Flyers from the Membership Committee and place at these locations:
Summit County Libraries
Hower House
Akron Art Museum
Summit County Historical Society
Stan Hywet Lobby
Send out announcements for Guild events to other guilds including the Embroiderers’ Guild of America, American Needlepoint Guild, and the Western Reserve Sampler Guild.
Represent the Guild at public events such as Barlow Farms Harvest Fest, library events, and Hower House's Christmas tours.
Solicit members to volunteer at outside activities and/or loan completed pieces for display.
Submit articles to the Guild Newsletter and to local newspapers about awards earned by Guild members and outside exhibits that are of interest to stitchers.
Sunshine
The Sunshine Committee provides a valuable outreach to Guild members, or their families, who need a ray of sunshine. The Committee sends appropriate cards and messages to show concern and support on behalf of the Guild.
2026: Laura Abood
This is a great committee because you stay in contact with members to be aware of important life events and provide kindness and support when it is most needed.
Tasks:
Maintain a supply of greeting cards and postage stamps.
Mail appropriate cards to members in need of a bit of sunshine.
Announce at Guild meetings and in the newsletters that members should contact the Sunshine Chair if they become aware of a member or family who should receive a card.
Submit requests to the Treasurer for reimbursement of expenses.