GSBF Goals, Activities and Services

By By Bill Hutchison

The Golden State Bonsai Federation (GSBF) is a tax-exempt, educational organization which provides services and activities promoting the art of bonsai throughout California. Its Annual Convention gives "bonsai people" an opportunity to watch bonsai masters at work; to participate in hands-on workshops; to shop for plants, tools, pots, and materials at the bazaar; and to share in the friendly companionship of other bonsai enthusiasts.

Golden Statements, a publication of GSBF, is printed six times each year with current bonsai articles and calendars of local club shows and events. The Bonsai Shopper is published every other year and gives the location of bonsai nurseries, sales outlets, names of teachers and demonstrators, and other pertinent data. The GSBF Directory is mailed to every member club each spring and fall and contains the names of all member clubs, their contact persons, and the day, time, and location of club meetings facilitating your visiting other clubs.

As part of its educational efforts, the Federation awards grants to assist member clubs with programs and provides several categories of bonsai scholarships which are available to worthy individuals. There is also an internship program in which qualified students are given assistance to study with a bonsai master in Japan or elsewhere. Workshops and demonstrations by visiting masters from all over the world are made available through various committees. The Lending Library contains valuable resource material in its collection of publications, books, slides, and video programs.

GSBF is working hard to provide permanent bonsai collections in northern and southern California. GSBF can also provide important information on how to obtain reasonably priced liability insurance for your club. An Emergency Hot-Line is currently being developed to provide a speedy way to reach other clubs with information on changes of meeting date and places. missing or stolen bonsai, and other emergencies.

Last but not least - Representation! Each of the five GSBF Districts is represented by two Trustees. These Trustees are from local clubs and are available to attend club meetings, provide assistance requested by local clubs, and act as a "grass roots" liaison with the Federation. Your Trustees and elected Officers are an open line of communication between the clubs and the Federation. Call on them for assistance! Let them know your problems! Share your concerns with them! The Trustees and Officers are all listed in the GSBF Directory and on the inside cover of each issue of Golden Statements.

Your Federation is here to serve you, the member and the member club!