CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY       

CROCHET AND KNIT GROUP

CURRENT NUMBER OF ITEMS DONATED TO CHARITY IS 1,795!

MEETINGS AND TEACHING SCHEDULES

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

HOW TO CROCHET INSTRUCTIONS

HOW TO KNIT INSTRUCTIONS

HOW TO START A GROUP IN YOUR COMMUNITY

WEB LINKS FOR FREE PATTERNS

SIMPLE BEGINNER KNIT AND CROCHET PATTERNS

PICTURES OF OUR CHARITY WORKand recognitions

STRESS RELIEF AND OTHER BENEFITS OF CROCHETING AND KNITTING

RECIPES

CROCHET/KNIT HOME PAGE

How can I start a group in my community?

    Little did I know when I offered to teach the basics of crocheting to several co-workers, that this would spread and catch on fire as it has!  It all began with the request of one individual to teach classes.  Several more people asked soon after and I thought why not open this opportunity up to others at my place of employment. 

    In January of 2000, our first meeting was held.  I arranged a location on the university campus and sent out numerous e-mails, and announcements of the upcoming meeting.  Everyone who was interested in learning to knit or crochet was welcomed and encouraged to attend.  We also invited all members of our work community who already knew how to crochet or knit to come and help teach others.  At that first meeting over 60 people were there!  Teachers were identified and classes were set up in various locations and times throughout campus. 

    At our first meeting, it was discussed and decided at as a group we would use our gifts and share talents with the community in general. 

    I set about contacting by letter and by phone many organizations and charities within the community asking them how our group could help their organizations. I also did a lot of research regarding what organizations were already in my community and thinking about ways we could help them.  You can also do research on your community by reading the local paper -- but look at the various organizations and ask yourself, how can my group help them accomplish their goals?   

    To start a group within your own local area, I would suggest the following: 

• TALK and get support from others.

• FORM a "core" group of individuals who can help you, even if it is just one or two other like minded people. 

• FIND a location to host your meetings.  Examples of free locations in your community may be -- library, community hall/center, churches, recreation centers, senior citizens centers, Eagles Club, Red Cross, American Legion, etc. (Remember, you want to find a location that will allow you to meet there for FREE.)

• ADVERTISE into your local paper.  Place additional notices up on all free community bulletin boards.  Place notices in many of the local church weekly bulletins or monthly newsletters. 

• ORGANIZE the schedule of future meetings, speakers (if you want), teaching sessions, locations. 

• RESEARCH how your group can serve your local community.  Talk to community leaders, volunteer organizations, charities, church organizations for example: Catholic Charities, Lutheran Social Services etc.), area schools (Head-Start, elementary etc.), domestic abuse shelters, VA hospitals, nursing homes, hospice organizations, foster care system, homeless shelters, Salvation Army etc..  Search the web and do research on national projects you can team up with or become a part of.  For example:  Warm Up America, Red Scarf Project (for college age former foster kids who have "graduated out" of the system), Sudanese Refugee Project, RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program), and many more worthwhile projects.  Sometimes local craft or hobby stores also have a listing of charities they are working with. 

• ENLIST others to help you deliver the completed items to the various organizations. 

• TRACK the number of items which have been donated.  People love to know they are making a difference and keeping a total is a great way to accomplish this. 

• BE A CHEERLEADER for your organization.  Your job is to be a motivator.  Be upbeat the cheerful. 

Blessings to you and your endeavor.  If you need help, please contact me. 

Joleen