We start with 30 minute "meet & greet" with refreshments, then have a business meeting. Then we have a program which usually lasts about 45 minutes. We are small (70 members) so rely on local teachers mostly. We have a lottery block -- each person who makes blocks gets a ticket for each block they make, then the holder of the winning ticket wins all the blocks (unless we're lucky enough to have enough participation to have two winners). We also have a strip lotto -- each participant brings in as many 2-1/2" strips of that month's theme as they want and gets a ticket for each strip. The holder of the winning ticket wins all the strips. We have a raffle, usually 8 - 10 small items. Tickets are 5 for $1.00. One of the LQSs always donates 2 or 3 gift certificates each month. We have a UFO showing -- bring in a UFO to show and commit to having it finished by the December meeting, and Show & Tell, which is always the last item on the agenda. We try to limit it to no more than 3 items per person, and it's not limited to just quilts. Any quilting, sewing or crafting item can be shown. We have also had a brown bag exchange and a placemat challenge. The area coordinator for Meals On Wheels was the program speaker, then members voted on their favorites, then all the placemats were donated to Meals On Wheels. It was fun and informative, and helped with the 501(c)(3) requirements. For Christmas, we are going to do a Christmas stocking challenge. Each member can vote for their favorite stocking by putting a dime in the stocking. The stocking with the most money in it will be the winner (and stuffing the "ballot box" is encouraged). The winner will get a prize and the money will all go to a local assistance ministry. We also do food collection and school supply collections. Each year we do a silent auction. We do a special raffle each year for our birthday party, and have raffled off 3 sewing machines and a sewing chair donated by one of the local LQSs.
Last edited by mckwilter; 10-02-2015 at 07:55 AM.