NCAR Advocates Committee at The 19th NCAR Conference
- Established in 1992 to promote communications between all regional chapters and I.I. Headquarters
- One of 7 regions within Ikebana International
- Six NCAR Advocates moderate regular meetings with their chapter representatives to share best practices
- The NCAR region has the largest number of I. I. members in the world.
- Click here to watch a brief video all about us!
NCAR Advocates Committee
Our Mission
Expand the art of ikebana through
communication and action
NCAR Values
- The art of ikebana - Fostering the tradition and culture of Ikebana
- Education - promoting the ideal of lifelong learning
- Schools and sensei - Expanding access to ikebana schools and sensei
- Volunteers - Recruiting individuals willing to share time, talents and ideas.
- Artistic excellence - offering diverse quality programs
Committees
Inter-chapter knowledge sharing, software literacy, training and support.
Develop a manual to help new and returning members effectively run a chapter.
Retain and recruit new members through dynamic programming in affordable venues.
Assist small chapters by providing assistance and access to resources
Identify ways in which NCAR can help students find sensei and sensei find students.
Secure funding for and help with development of new videos
NCAR Key Initiatives
The first NCAR board established 6 committees to include members from several chapters to further the work on NCAR objectives. Their hard work laid an essential foundation for I.I. in the NCAR region. The current board aims to expand upon each of these initiatives.
The Advocates
FAQ
General Questions
How is NCAR funded ?
The NCAR Advocate Committee has no budget or monies available to them. However, they have been fortunate to receive grants from the Ikebana Iwaya Fund. Designated donations to the Iwaya Fund for the NCAR Advocates may be made to defray their costs.
Does the advocate committee seek to represent the region as a whole ?
Yes! The Advocate Committee should consist of members from large, medium and small chapters as well as different schools of Ikebana.
What has NCAR accomplished ?
- Made personal contact with all NCAR chapters
- Conducts Area meetings with chapter leadership
- Issued monthly “Seedlings” emails with ideas to help chapters engage and recruit members
- Furnished a paid Zoom account for all chapters courtesy of the Iwaya Fund.
- Conducted Zoom meetings with all regions covering topics from dues collection to elections to operating during a pandemic.
- Encouraged and promoted a variety of virtual exhibits by chapters and schools of Ikebana.
- Produced multiple videos featuring all four major schools of ikebana as well as cultural videos.
- Helped multiple chapters establish a Facebook page or website for free.
- Improved chapter email openings and helped chapters gain access to their emails.
- Produced a password protocol document and chart for chapter use.
- Recommended several ways for chapters to improve member engagement and member recruitment.
- Recommended several ways to partner with other organizations to extend membership opportunities.
- Developed six initiatives in 2021 which are on-going into 2023.
- Created a chapter reference manual entitled Ike·Wiki.
- Developed 20+ virtual sensei webpages; trained sensei on how to update and maintain these sites – again at no cost.
- Conducted multiple All Member meetings
- Held monthly showings of 10 videos via Blooms on Zoom program.
- Educated members on I.I., NCAR history as well as details on current membership issues.
What is NCAR policy on publishing chapter and ikebana school activities ?
| Type of I.I.Event | Ikebana North America Facebook page | Email blast to all chapters |
|---|---|---|
| • Exhibits • Anniversaries • Special Events such as School Iemoto, Head, Lead Teacher | Posted as an event, in date order with earliest listed first. Links included as appropriate. | May be included in monthly newsletter on space available basis. |
| • Special Events (Luncheons-Demos-Workshops) • Demonstration by Out of Town Ikebana arrangers | Posted in date order with earliest listed first only when events include out of town demonstrator. | May be included in monthly newsletter on space available basis. |
| • Unique programs (flower or cultural oriented) | Posted on space available basis | May be included in monthly newsletter on space available basis. |
| • Special Ikebana School Programs | Posted only when involves Iemoto or headmaster or is associated with worldwide I.I. conference | Distributed only when involves Iemoto or headmaster or is associated with Worldwide I.I. Convention |
Advocate Elections and Voting
When will the next election for advocates occur ?
The next Regional Advocate Committee will be elected at the 19th North & Central American Regional Conference to be held in Philadelphia, hosted by Ikebana International Philadelphia Chapter #71 from Oct. 13-17, 2024. Ichiyo Iemoto Nahiro Kasuya will be the featured demonstrator.
What qualifications are required to run for advocate ?
- Past or current board or major committee member of NCAR, I.I. chapter, or ikebana school chapter or study group
- Active in I.I. NCAR chapter for a minimum of 2+ years
- Comfortable with email communications and views emails daily
- Willing to learn Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Google Drive
- Comfortable with using Zoom, especially screen sharing
- Has been active with one school of Ikebana in the past
- Can devote sufficient time to address NCAR issues working with assigned regional chapters as well as NCAR Advocate committee members
- A member of a chapter in their assigned NCAR area (e.g. East, West, Midwest, South, North or At-Large)
- Committed to achieve NCAR Advocate Committee Goals
In Addition to the required qualifications , what qualifications are desirable in an advocated candidate ?
- Willing to travel to their respective assigned chapters with minimal, if any, compensation
- Has creative ideas for how to help NCAR Regional Advocate Committee achieve its goals
How are advocates elected ?
- Those wishing to be on the Regional Advocate Committee for a term of service from 2024-2028 must submit an application of interest indicating their qualifications, interest to serve and represent their current chapters’ region.
- It is planned that the Regional Advocate Committee will have staggered terms. At this point in time we do not know how many openings will be available for the 2024-2028 term. Information will be announced at least (6) months prior to the 19th NCARC conference in Philadelphia.
- Application and deadlines will be determined at least six (6) months prior to the NCAR 19th Conference in Philadelphia and all NCAR chapters will be notified.
- Applications will be reviewed to ensure candidates meet all qualifications and have a desire to serve by the current Regional Advocate Committee.
- In addition to staggered terms, the Committee also will aim for diversity in chapter size (large, medium and small chapters) as well as representation from different schools of Ikebana.
- A slate will be prepared and presented by the current Regional Advocate Committee at the delegates Business Meeting at the 19th NCARC.
- Additional nominations will be accepted from the floor at the Business Meeting for candidates that meet the qualifications and consent to serve.
- Some regions may only have one qualified candidate interested in serving. Other regions may have more than one qualified candidate from which to choose.
Who can vote for advocates ?
Delegates at the 19th NCARC Business Meeting will vote for the slate of delegates. If there are more delegates choosing to serve than positions available, those receiving the most votes will be elected.
How is the election winner determined ?
The Candidate receiving a majority of the votes from their area will be elected to serve.