American Indian Society

Of Washington, D.C.

Thanks to all of you for making our 40th anniversary celebration a success

American Indian Society of Washington, D.C.

P.O. Box 6341

Falls Church, VA. 22040

Thanks to all of you for making our 40^th anniversary celebration a success! We appreciate all the efforts that went in to making it a wonderful event. We would like to see the next 40 years be just as wonderful. But to do this, we need your help. There are many great ideas floating among the members of A.I.S. and we, the Executive Board, would like to hear some of them.

We are asking the membership to please fill out this survey and tell us your feelings. You need not give us your name. The Executive Board will review all surveys, and both the good things and bad things learned will be shared with membership. Again, you need not give your name – we only want your opinions. Tell us what we are doing right, what we are doing wrong and how we can change them, what kind of things you would like to see us involved in, and what kind of programs and activities you would like to see us offer.

If you need more room, continue responses on a separate sheet. But be sure to include the question number.

Thank you for taking part in this survey. EVERYONE’S opinion is valuable to us!

Our constitution defines the focus of AIS as preserving Indians values of friendship, cultural awareness and sensitivity among all members, to enlighten the public's general understanding of the diversity, history and contributions of American Indians, and other civic duties that contribute to the social advancement and well-being of members of the society.

1. What do you think the focus and long term goals of AIS should be?

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Within this next set of questions, please let us know what things we should do to improve, advance or change our focus.

2. What nature, environment and ecological awareness teachings or activities would you participate in? Circle and list all areas of interest.

Nature walks and lessons on plant identification
Star gazing
Organic gardening
Camping
Other (please list) _____________________________________________

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3. What ceremonial related practices or teachings would you attend? Circle and list all areas of interest.

Teachings by Isaac Day or other respected elders
Seasonal Equinox or Solstice ceremonies
General Fire Circle prayer ceremonies
Sweat Lodges
Discussion forums on native cultural diversity
Other (Please list) ________________________________________________

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4. What crafting classes would you like to attend and/or teach? Write, "attend" and/or "teach" next to all that apply.

Beading (loom, lazy stitch, peyote beading etc.)
Embroidery
Regalia Workshops
Finger Weaving
Leather Tooling
Quilting
Other (Please list) ______________________________________________

5. If you answered yes to any of the craft questions, how would you prefer to hold these classes? Check and list all that apply.

As part of the scheduled activities at the Pines or other events
Separate lessons at the Pines
Separate lessons at individual homes
Other (Please list) _____________________________________________

6. During what seasons would you be available for craft classes? Circle all that apply.

Fall Weekday or Weekend
Winter Weekday or Weekend
Summer Weekday or Weekend
Spring Weekday or Weekend

7. What events would you like for AIS to provide? Circle and list all that apply.

Halloween
Thanksgiving
Christmas party
Easter Campout
Birthday Parties
AIS Annual Anniversary (What type of event?) ________________________________________
Picnics
Powwows/Social Dances
Bus Trips (Atlantic City, out of state powwows etc.) Specify to where _______________________
Additional you would like to see _____________________________________________________

8. What activities/games at holiday events would you like for AIS to provide? Circle and list all that apply.

Cake walks
Musical Chairs
Bingo
Dance parties
Other (Please list) ________________________________________________________________

9. What outdoor or sports activities would you like for AIS to sponsor or coordinate? Circle and list all that apply. And please specify whether you would like us to sponsor or coordinate the activity.

Basketball
Volleyball
Bowling
Biking
Hiking
Skiing
White Water Rafting
Other (Please list) ________________________________________________________________

10. AIS currently sponsors The American Indian Inaugural Ball every four years, a scholarship program, and speaking engagements to enhance cultural awareness. Do you support continuation of any or all of these activities? Please list which ones if any. And if so, can you provide any suggestions for improvement?

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11. Are there other activities we should promote? Please list.

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12. What leadership qualities do you look for in selection of Executive Board members and Committee Chair positions?

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13. What practices or behaviors do you think could be improved in the current leadership positions?

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Around thirty years ago AIS purchased 45 acres of virgin timberland for membership use. The founders originally purchased the land for camping and other quiet retreats. Within the last 10 years, the property was further developed to accommodate powwows and other activities. Some of these plans were stalled, and additional improvements are required to complete these plans. Within this next group of questions, please tell us how you would like to see the property used.

14. Do you ever, or would you ever go to or use the Indian Pines property? Why or why not?

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15. Currently, the Pavilion needs critical repairs to the roof, wiring and other structures. It is partially enclosed with screened windows. Let us know your thoughts and considerations concerning further upgrades. Should we dedicate resources to fully enclose it with windows, or return it to an open Pavilion picnic shelter? Within our building plans should we create a formal kitchen area, or a simple counter space for serving? If we enclose it should we provide central heating or other formal plans? (Note: Central heating will add to our normal expenses).

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16. At one time, it was suggested that we use Indians Pines as a cultural center and provide temporary housing for Indians traveling through the area, or temporary lodging for our powwow staff to reduce costs. Should we dedicate resources to either refurbish the club trailer, or replace it with an upgraded model? Let us know your thoughts and considerations.

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17. There have been past discussions concerning expansion of the powwow arena, parking and camping areas at Indian Pines in order to hold the annual anniversary, powwows, camping or other events at the Pines. Are you in favor of AIS expending fundraising monies towards this goal? And if so, would you be willing to support the planning and execution of this project?

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In this next section, we would like you to tell us how to prioritize your suggestions.

18. Of the activities, events or issues of interest, which do you feel should be addressed or implemented within the next 1-5 years?

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19. Of the activities, events or issues of interest, which do you feel should be addressed or implemented within the next 6-10 years?

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20. Of the activities, events or issues of interest, which do you feel should be addressed or implemented within the next 11-15 years?

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21. Please list any other specific AIS issues (property related, organizational, cultural or other) you feel that needs to be referenced? What suggestions can you provide for implementing changes?

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22. It's been suggested that AIS accommodate members living in Maryland by alternating meetings between Maryland and Virginia. The Rocking Horse Center in Rockville has been suggested as a possible location. Please let us know your thoughts on this.

Are you in favor of holding meetings in Maryland? Yes No

If so, how often? Alternate Months Each Quarter Other________________

What location? Rocking Horse Center Other________________

Demographic Information

23. Please circle your age group:

6-12
13-18
19-35
36-45
45-59
59+

24. Please identify the number of years you have been a member of AIS ________

25. Please circle your gender

Male
Female

26. Please identify your tribal affiliation (if any) _________________________________

27. How far is your home from Indian Pines?

10-30 miles
31-100 miles
101-200 miles
More than 200 miles