In June 2018, CDSS began a new Web Chat series to support organizers of dance, music, and song communities across the continent and beyond. For each Web Chat, a pertinent topic is chosen and guest organizers from communities having success with that topic are invited to share their valuable experiences and suggestions (Q&A included).
Next Web Chat
Please check back soon!
Supporting Song Communities Across the Continent
Wednesday, September 16, 2020
Many organizers of song communities are finding creative ways to keep your community engaged and connected during the pandemic. In this Web Chat, we heard from organizers about experiences that are working well in their song groups. We featured a few guest speakers and took time for Q&A, open conversation, and breakout rooms.
Let’s Talk About Reentry: Recommendations and Q&A for Organizers
July 8, 2020
This Web Chat was hosted by Katy German, CDSS Executive Director.
- PowerPoint Slides
- Video Recording (also embedded at right)
- Chat Bar Transcription
We addressed the BIG questions on organizers’ minds: How can we keep our communities safe in a pandemic? When can we dance and sing in the same place again? What does it mean to be a dance/music/song organizer when we can’t be together?
We were joined by several guests who provided their perspectives, including a dancing MD, a COVID contact tracer, a professional freelance musician, and music, dance, and song organizers from far and wide. We also included time for Q&A and open conversations in breakout rooms.
Yes we CAN keep in touch!
Connecting Our Communities During the Pandemic
April 29, 2020
- PowerPoint Slides
- Video Recording (also embedded at right)
- Chat Bar Transcription
Diversifying Income: Thinking Outside the Money Basket
February 12, 2020
- PowerPoint Slides
- Video Recording (also embedded at right)
- Chat Bar Transcription
- Shaking the Cushions – a PowerPoint from Web Chat guest Jennie Worden
This presentation provides many useful questions and suggestions to help each dance group assess which fundraising ideas will work best for their group. Ideas for additional income sources included.
Connecting Community Sing Organizers
October 16, 2019
- PowerPoint Slides
- Video Recording (also embedded at right)
- Chat Bar Transcription
Building Safe Dance Communities
July 11, 2019
- PowerPoint Slides
- Video Recording (also embedded at right)
- Chat Bar Transcription
- CDSS Community Safety Task Group Toolkit: This is a work-in-progress draft of the Safety Toolkit being produced by the CDSS Board's Community Culture and Safety Task Group. The Toolkit provides exemplar language, drawn from communities across the U.S. & Canada, to aid local leaders in drafting their own safety guidelines and policies. This document gives more detail of what the Toolkit will eventually provide, plus exemplar language for drafting guidelines for Community Culture and Etiquette.
Family/Community Dance Organizers Unite!
April 4, 2019
- PowerPoint Slides
- Video Recording (also embedded at right)
- Chat Bar Transcription
Increasing Youth Involvement
January 16, 2019
- PowerPoint Slides
- Video Recording (also embedded at right)
Creating a Thriving Open Band
September 20, 2018
- PowerPoint Slides
- Video Recording (also embedded to the right)
Boosting AttenDANCE
June 21, 2018
- PowerPoint Slides
- Video Recording (also embedded to the right) - Note: We didn't capture the beginning of the chat. The recording begins with Jo Mortland of Chicago Barn Dance Company speaking.
Because the beginning of the Web Chat wasn't captured, we're offering the entire narrative from our first guest speaker on this page.