Re- Continental Congress

You need to attend the congress, the communication factor is a huge issue and things can only be addressed if they are brought up and mentioned. I too urge participation at this congess. Hope to see you there!

Jen Westphal
Jackson County Candleworks
Maquoketa, Iowa

Hey Baileys,

You are so right about encouraging folks to attend the Congress. The more folks we have that come with interest and a willingness to get involved, the bigger the Big Bang of the Congress will be. Beyond basic participation, the Congress will be the best opportunity any Chandler Guild member has to take a leadership role in helping to shape what this community/business becomes. So, yes, as the Baileys say, "Come on down!" and attend the Congress if at all possible.

That said, all is certainly not lost if you cannot attend the Congress. While much will be accomplished at this event, it will at best be only a beginning to what will be a pivotal and critical year to the formation and evolution of The Chandler Guild community/business.

The SIGs (Special Interest Groups) that will be initially formed at the Congress will be open to other members as the 'heavy lifting' starts to get done once we all return home from the Congress. This work will be done largely through activities facilitated by this web site; forums, polls, collaborative book authoring, project to-do lists, etc. We'll supplement these web-based activities with sometimes regular, sometimes ad hoc teleconference calls using the facilities of FreeConference.com and other collaboration facilities.

The Table of Twelve will be elected at the Congress, but these folks won't be independent autocrats exercising absolute power. These folks will be your representatives on a leadership council that will listen to you and act on your behalf as we explore and take actions to shape this community/business.

So, what to do? If at all possible, come to the Congress. The expert/information content that Mike has arranged will be valuable 'icing on the cake' for all who attend. The real value, however, will come from those of us who come to the Congress intent on getting involved in a shared, great adventure. We have a chance to create a truly innovative, highly influential business.

--Sohodojo Jim--