Currently Planned Topics:

• Program Design and Implementation
• Academics and Teaching Tools
• Boatbuilding Approaches
• Funding Strategies
• Evaluation and Program Metrics
• Forming a National Organization: yes or no?

Excellent speakers with experience from current successful programs; ample time to ask questions and seek advice.

Background: Over fifteen years ago, the Center for Wooden Boats gathered organizations together to discuss how rowing, boatbuilding, sailing, and other waterfront activities could be used as teaching tools. Two conferences were held; the result is seen in many independent organizations using small boats as teaching tools. It is time, once again, to get these organizations together to share ideas.

The 2010 Conference will be held at the Alexandria Seaport Foundation’s waterfront facilities in Alexandria, Virginia. The Conference will be hosted jointly by ASF, The Center for Wooden Boats, and WoodenBoat Publications. The Conference will include presentations by experts, panel discussions, answers to your questions, and social interaction.

 Limited Space — Only 20 seats available
Sign up by contacting Joe Youcha: youcha@alexandriaseaport.org
Include your contact information and a description of your program.

Wood is an accessible and adaptable material. The boat can be as simple as a “six hour canoe” or as complicated as a Herreshoff daysailer. The material is still wood. It’s easily machined by basic, familiar tools. If the correct design is selected, the building process is accessible to any skill level. Usually, supplies are not impossible to find (depending upon design and location.)

Wood also makes an historical connection. Most of history’s boat have been built of wood.  Anywhere people met the water there were boats, usually of wood. This allows you to make a cultural connection with just about any type of group- from African Americans in Washington D.C. to Scandinavian farmers in Minnesota.

Of course when they ask you if you built the boat from scratch, you can say that you tried scratch but wood works better.

Boat building is out of the ordinary. In most cases the kids aren’t familiar with it and don’t think they can succeed. Overcoming these hurdles is a tremendously powerful experience for these young people. Add to this the use of the boat which requires balancing the individual, the boat and mother nature in order to achieve a goal and you have a very powerful tool. Another similar experience can be found in building and flying kites. I just happen to like building boats. I’m vocationally impaired.

Get people to see what you’re doing while the boat is being built. Seeing young people build a boat is a more powerful image than seeing a finished boat sitting somewhere. Make sure that the press, community leaders, politicians and other potential groups see the work being done. It will excite them. Remember that if a tree falls in the forest and no one hears it- no one cares.

Jim Hsiang is from East Palo Alto California. He works with disadvantaged young people building furniture and boats. Jim has a drawing he calls the “Golden Triangle.” Funders, providers and clients make up the corners of the triangle. (possible illustration) In order for a program to be sustainable, you need strong links between all the sides. Funders must talk to the youth. Providers must be effective with the youth. At the same time, the providers must be willing and able to listen to and integrate feedback from all sides. Use this first project to get your triangle’s links working.

Sometime during the planning stages, someone usually asks these two questions. So, I thought I’d give you my set answers.

Potential instructors get tied up in knots over what the first day is going to be like. How you teach is up to you. Your technique will probably be a reflection of your personality. Each group I work with differently. With some, I explain the whole project, have them build models and then start cutting wood. With others, I put a pencil and tape measure in their hands, start calling out measurements and they have the boat laid out before they have the chance to decide that they can’t build a boat. How you run your first session really depends on the group and the goals you have set. Don’t think too much, it’s only a boat.

You’ll need shop space, tools, materials, liability insurance. Make sure these things are buttoned up before you start. For your first project, you may want to work under the umbrella of an existing organization that has some of these things. Schools, churches, municipalities are all

Picking the right “first group” is vital to getting the program off the ground. Select a group that already exists, where the adults already do a good job with the kids. The adults in the group will know what the kids need. Make sure they have an integral part in setting the project’s goals. This way your job is to build a boat safely and achieve your goals, not provide crowd control. These kids will become your best ambassadors with other young people and with the community at large.

Goals are set project by project. Vision looks farther down the road. You need to be able to describe what you want your program to look like and what effects it will have on your community. A vision can range from a maritime history museum bringing a waterfront tourism and activity  to a maritime trades center providing vocational training. It may be both or neither. It may be a summer camp. You have to decide and it’s a team effort. Your partners’ must “buy in” to the vision. The clearer your goals and vision the better you can describe your program. If your program works, having a clear vision and goals makes fundraising smoother because the benefits are easier to recognize.

Boats attract interesting people. These boaters, usually adults, end up being your best resource in a community based program. They’re your volunteers, funders and instructors. Building a community base is critical to the survival of a program. You’re not going to get everyone you need on the first project. Just make sure you create a team that can grow.