According to dictionary.com, a "Guild" is a noun and:

1. an organization of persons with related interests, goals, etc., esp. one formed for [education, enjoyment, and socialization--in my experience].
3. Botany. a group of plants, as parasites, having a similar habit of growth and nutrition.

Much has been written already about the need to gain new skills and reacquaint ourselves with the "old ways." Not a day goes by when there isn't some writer lamenting that the old timers are dying off, with them much knowledge is passing into the aether, and as a result we must "get busy" acquiring new skills.

Recently, I watched an episode of Peak Moment TV where a guest suggested individuals learn blacksmith (iron-working/metal skills). I have no doubt that he is right. But I was left wondering--where in Sam Hill am I going to do that? I mean my little suburb doesn't even have a butcher or a baker of it's own. A blacksmith...who teaches...women?

But, I have yet to find any recommendations (and I read a lot material on this topic) that we look to our local, existing guilds as a place to begin acquiring these new skills. What a missed opportunity! Our guilds are full, at least here in Oregon, of amazingly talented individuals who are all too eager to share their knowledge. Many local guilds are comprised of hobbyists and artisans that accept new members, convey skills via classes and workshops, post newsletters, and hold retreats and interesting events.

Take the upcoming Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival (in Canby) September 21-23. The workshops and classes feature instructors that crisscross the content area of several local guilds: the Colombia Basin Basketry Guild, the Northwest Regional Spinners Association, and the Handweavers Guild. There's a large list of classes to attend (www.flockandfiberfestival.com) and content areas to explore.

Take these opportunities! Get Busy!

Here is a list of the guilds that I am familiar with in our area. It is not exhaustive. Please note that I'm not a member of them all, just a few. If you know of other guilds, please post so that our group may benefit.

Guild of Oregon Woodworkers
http://www.guildoforegonwoodworkers.com/About.aspx
$, newsletter, classes

Oregon Quilt Guilds
http://www.efn.org/~evq/QuiltGuilds.html
$, events, classes

Oregon Brewers Guild
http://oregonbeer.org/links.html
$, events

Oregon Glass Guild
http://www.oregonglassguild.org/index.php
$, workshops

Portland Hand Weavers Guild, Inc
http://northwestweavers.org/MemberGuilds/MGPortland.htm
$, retreats, classes

Creative Metal Arts Guild
http://www.cmaguild.org/index.html

Northwest Regional Spinners Guild
http://www.nwrsa.org/

Knitting Guilds, such as:
www.tigardknittingguild.org

Colombia Basin Basketry Guild
http://basketryguild.org/index.html
$, retreat, newsletter, classes, natural materials gathering

Home Orchard Society
www.homeorchardsociety.org
$, newsletter, classes, events, demonstration orchard