Q&A for Coleen Danner-Swafford, Candidate for Commander

[Admin]

This thread is for Coleen Danner Swafford, candidate for the position of Commander. Coleen, feel free to post an introduction to yourself and your goals as a potential officer.

[coleenriver]

My name is Coleen Swafford and I've been costuming for 14 years. I started doing historical costumes. I've been a member of the Dallas Ft Worth Costumers Guild for the past 9 years and served as secretary for 3 of those. I am still involved in Civil War reenacting but I have been in love with science fiction since I was a child. I was an original Trekkie, a follower of Babylon 5 and the original Battlestar Galactica before I found Dr Who.

My daughter introduced me to cosplay. I made several outfits for her from her favorite animes. My first cosplay was River Song and she is still my favorite. I have recently branched out to Missy and have a few more characters in mind for the future. I would tell you but that would be Spoilers!

I know that we will always have a presence at cons. Let's face it. It's what we live for. I would also like to see more informal meet ups. I would like to see occasions where we can get to know each other, share ideas, opinions, help each other with costumes, and just hang out or play games.

The Order is a great organization and Skaro Sector can be a strong part of it with everyones participation.

[coleenriver]

1.    This club started a year ago with less than 20 members on the Facebook group. Now we are well over 300! How would you keep the Order growing while encouraging current members to stay engaged?

The best way I know to grow membership is to talk to people. In person, Via Facebook, via forums.  When you happen across someone who seems interested in Dr Who and costuming, start talking. Encourage them to check out what's happening, invite them to join events. BE FRIENDLY.

We need to keep in contact with our current members. I've noticed a lot of names on the Facebook page that aren't members of the overall order or on the Forum. I want to contact them directly (one on one), find out what their interests are and encourage them to become more active. Setting up more events and meetings in convenient locations should also encourage members.

2. What are the next two things you think the charter will need?

hmmm. don't have an answer for that one yet.

3. What types of new events would you like to see us involved in locally? How would you work toward making those happen?

I would love to get good photos of my costumes, but I'd like to poll the group and see what kinds of events THEY would like. We could hold picnics that included whole families. We could do random mall invasions (groups in costume walking through a mall attracts attention and possible new people). We could hold sewing/crafting days where people help each other with costumes. 

4. How would you grow our local membership while keeping the group fun and laid-back for all?

I mentioned before about informal meetings where we could play games and get to know each other. We could have "bring a friend" nights. We could also contact clubs on local college campuses.

5. Do you hold a position in another costuming organization? If so, how would you handle potential conflicts of interest?

I am no longer an officer but still a member of the Dallas Ft Worth Costumers Guild. Also a member of the Texas 15th Calvery Dismounted Civil War Group. Neither group requires attendance at specific events. I pick and choose which ones to attend like everyone else does.