Help Southern Gospel Grow...Join The Guild - By Beckie Simmons

I am amazed every day by those in our Industry who are in it for all the right reasons, those who love it, live it, believe in it, and make daily sacrifices for it. I am amazed at the young people who truly want to be a part of this Industry and who want to make a difference in people's lives. And for all of these reasons, I am standing on the roof top shouting about an organization that is an Industry organization, dedicated to educating others about Southern Gospel Music.

WHAT IS THE SOUTHERN GOSPEL MUSIC GUILD?
The Southern Gospel Music Guild is a dedicated group of Southern Gospel professionals committed to furthering and spreading The Gospel through Southern Gospel Music worldwide.

HOW DID THE GUILD ORIGINATE?
Several Southern Gospel Music leaders decided in 1986 that our Industry needed an organization to foster the growth of this music. Through the years, the Guild has grown to include every facet of the Southern Gospel Music industry, encompassing artists, full-time and part time, record companies, radio personnel, promoters, publishers, distributors, talent management, media, booking agents and others.

WHAT ARE THE GUILD'S PLANS FOR TOMORROW?
Looking beyond the needs of today, the Guild hopes to positively affect the future of the Industry. Through communication and education, we hope to significantly impact the image and awareness of Southern Gospel Music for generations to come. This is accomplished by a variety of means: getting SGM introduced to new audiences and promoting quality and professionalism within the Industry. By working together, we can learn how to better utilize our skills. Through extensive and persistent efforts to increase the visibility of and appreciation for our music, we can touch tomorrow…today.

HOW DOES THE GUILD DO ITS WORK?
The Guild Board, made up of all Participating members, meets at least four times a year, usually in Nashville, on Tuesdays. Most of the actual work of the Guild is handled by volunteer committees, which meet in conjunction with those quarterly meetings and additionally as may be called by the Committee Chairperson. Committees report to the full Board for final actions on Committee proposals.

WHAT IS THE GUILD MISSION STATEMENT?
With Jesus Christ as our cornerstone, to create a cooperative environment designed to encourage excellence, education, awareness and growth, while preserving the essence of Southern Gospel Music.

HOW CAN I JOIN THE GUILD?
If you derive a portion of your income from Southern Gospel music, you are eligible to join the Guild. Membership must be approved by the Guild Board at a regular meeting, once you have submitted the application form and applicable membership dues, as follows:

(1) Participating Members: These members have full voting rights on the Guild Board with annual membership dues of $500. Additional Participating Members from any one organization are eligible to join for $100 each per year (limit four per organization.)

(2) Supporting Members: These members share in the Guild's goals, but for whatever reason, are unable to join at the Participating level. Membership dues are $75 per year. Supporting Members do not attend regular board meetings, but are encouraged to share their concerns and ideas for the betterment of SGM.

YOUR PARTNERSHIP WILL MAKE US STRONGER:
By being a part of the Southern Gospel Music Guild, your voice makes a difference. By working together, building on our collective knowledge and experience, we can all benefit. The Guild provides its members the opportunity to learn from and interact with other leaders in the Industry. The Guild also provides a form for discussion of issues and needs arising within the Industry. But most importantly, each member knows he or she is playing an integral part in the betterment of Southern Gospel Music

TO JOIN THE GUILD:
Call 615-595-7500 and/or email beckie@bsaworld.com and request an application form. Our next meeting is at NQC, September 13, 9:00 am, in Louisville, KY at the Executive Inn, Dolphin Room. You are also invited to join at NQC. Be involved! Make a difference! Hope to see you there.