Frequently Asked Questions & Answers about Artist Leadership Network


1. Is there a minimum time commitment when you join ALN?

We ask that new members commit to stay with a group for at least 6 months.

2. Will I be pushed to do something that I don't feel ready for?

No, you get to decide for yourself what you need to do, and when. However, you will be supported and encouraged to dream big and to take the steps necessary to realize your dreams.

3. How often do meetings take place and how long are they? Are there any other time commitments with joining ALN?

Meetings are generally three hours and usually are held every 2 weeks or twice a month. Members are also encouraged to schedule one or more 15 to 60 minute time-trades with one another between meetings, but this is not required. We also encourage attendance at one workshop a year, but this is also not mandatory.

4. What is a time-trade?

A time-trade consists of 2 or more people practicing "active listening," in which each person gets an equal amount of time to talk without interruption. (For more information on this subject, see the second paragraph on the home page of this website.)

5. How much does it cost to be in an ALN group? If I don't have much money, what are my options?

The group leader is paid for 4 meetings at a time, on a sliding scale: $60 to $120 per person. If the minimum payment is difficult for anyone, she should talk to her leader about it. An arrangement can usually be made for her to pay a lesser amount and/or do something for the leader as a barter or trade.

In addition, each member of ALN is asked to pay yearly dues to the national organization of $10 to $20, also on a sliding scale. (Note - this entitles each of us to have an Artist Page on our website, and to post to the ALN blog.)

6. Will I learn new techniques for my art, or how to market my art in ALN?

Artist Leadership Network is about personal growth in a supportive group of creative women, so the answer is no, not directly. However ALN women are free to socialize and network with one another, and we often get information & support from each other outside of the meetings.

7. What kinds of artists can join ALN?

We welcome creative women of all sorts: writers, visual artists, film makers, musicians, actors, dancers, performance artists (to name but a few). Often ALN members explore new media & discover new abilities through our interchange.

Please contact us, if you have questions about your place in Artist Leadership Network.

8. Do we look at each others' artwork in ALN meetings? If so, will it be critiqued by the group?

We frequently have Art Shares in our regular ALN group meetings and ALN workshops, but these are done in a purely supportive way and no critiques are allowed. We simply admire & applaud one another's work in a relaxed and confidential setting.

9. Can I socialize with people I meet in ALN?

Yes, we often become friends, networking and supporting one another outside of ALN meetings and workshops.

10. Will what I say at an ALN meeting or workshop really be confidential?

Confidentiality is an extremely important cornerstone of ALN, so the answer is a definite yes! (See the last paragraph of the main body on this website's home page for more about this subject.)

11. What's the big deal about supporting leaders in ALN?

Supporting our leaders is fundamental to ALN. It is only by doing so that we really learn to trust that support will be there for us as each of us takes on more & bigger leadership roles in her own life. (For more information on this subject,see the first 2 paragraphs in the "Artist Leadership" section of this website.)

12. Can I expect members of my group to attend my own
art-related events such as exhibition receptions, musical performances, poetry readings (etc)?
Am I obligated to attend those of others?

Members of an artist's group often like to support each other by going to such art-related events. This is not required, however!