The first annual meeting of Weave A Real Peace (WARP) was in 1992. It was an experiment, an idea about how people doing development work with textile groups around the world could hang out together and share ideas. It was a success, and in the years since, attendance has grown from our original 8 to more than 100. Long weekend meetings have been lively and rewarding, and WARP members have gone home rejuvenated and often with connections that lead to enhancing their projects—or lives! Previoulsy held over the years in 16 states and 3 countries, in 2021 the annual meeting (June 18–20) has been made available to as many people as possible.
This past year has meant a major transformation for WARP, with very exciting new ways of connecting made possible thanks to Zoom. Special interest groups have been able to get together, panel discussions with speakers from all over the world have informed hundreds of people, and even the board of directors can now see each other and talk about WARP business monthly instead of just once or twice a year. It’s a new era, and the upcoming annual meeting is going to be the most dramatic change of all.
Two WARP members at a past annual meeting. Photo credit: Weave a Real Peace
Crossing 21 time zones, presentations will range from a few minutes introducing movie trailers to hour-long panel discussions on topics WARP members care about. It’s all free, and most of the meeting is open to anyone with an internet connection. Some segments, such as the treasured Welcome Circle, will be for WARP members only; it’s easy to join if you want to participate in those parts as well. Also open to everyone will be the WARP auction (June 17–20), where a wealth of textiles and related items donated by members offer eye candy and raise funds to support WARP and its activities.
So check out the meeting agenda and consider joining us, for all, or even part, of the meeting. You are sure to be inspired.