Our Goals,
Activities and Services
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!
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