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How to Start a New Convivium
If you are interested in starting a new convivium please refer to the FAQ’s below. Also, visit the National Statute and Financial Guidelines pages for more information. If you would like to talk to someone in our office please contact Yuri Asano at Yuri@slowfoodusa.org or call our office at (718) 260-8000.
Frequently Asked Questions for New Convivia:
What is a convivium?
• A convivium is a group of Slow Food members (minimum 20 people) in a particular region that supports the mission and guiding values of Slow Food (USA), organizes events, and educates members. It is also the grass roots expression of the movement and a tool for implementing the Slow Food mission on a local level.
How do I start a convivium?
• Request an application form from SFUSA.
• Contact the regional governor and local leaders in your state.
• Gather Five Founding members that you will work with as a team.
• Submit the Convivium Application and team member information (designate one or two point/contact people), together with the mission, features, and focus of the local convivium.
• Receive approval from SFUSA.
• Read the Convivium Start-up kit (sent after application approval).
• Get Started!
What are the requirements to become a Founding Team member?
• Must be a current Slow Food member with a passion for food!
What is the minimum number of members to start a convivium?
• Initial number is 5 members.
• Increase membership to at least 20 members within a year of opening a convivium.
Can more than one convivium co-exist in the same area?
• Yes, however SFUSA encourages members to first get involved with an existing convivium in the area. If a need for more than one convivium is demonstrated SFUSA will advise on a case by case basis.
Who takes care of membership?
• All new membership and renewals shall be conducted via the SFUSA National Office.
• A convivium may collect registrations, for example at an event, but information and payment must be forwarded directly to SFUSA.
• Active member lists shall be updated and sent to convivium leaders on a per month basis.
What is expected from a Slow Food convivium?
• Work as a team and build the convivium structure.
• Grow the Slow Food movement in your area – bring awareness and increase membership.
• Organize events – minimum three educational events per year.
• Support local farmers and businesses that offer quality products and services.
• Work cooperatively with other convivia in your area – share resources and organize events together.
• Be in contact with National Office with news, questions or concerns.
How can a convivium form a committee within its local group?
• A convivium can form a committee among its members.
• Details will be explained in the A-Z guide, a manual on how to successfully operate a convivium that leaders will receive upon convivium acceptance.
What type of events should a convivium organize?
• All events must be educational and enjoyable: For example, food and beverage tasting workshops, local farm tours, food preparation courses, cultural seminars, dinners, festivals and public outreach.
How do I organize a local Slow Food event?
• Decide on a theme with members, size and budget, get the word out and use the National Office for support if needed. (More information is included in the A – Z guide).
Should all events be open to the general public?
• At least one annual event should be open to the general public.
How can the convivium use the Slow Food name and Logo (the snail)?
• Your convivium is authorized to use the words “Slow Food” with the logo for events related to convivium activities only. Further information is available in the A - Z Guide. Note: Use of the name or the logo for personal or business purposes is strictly forbidden. The “Slow Food” name and its use with the snail logo is protected by filing with the office of Trademarks and Patents.
Does the local convivium receive any financial support from the National office?
• SFUSA offers an annual disbursement of $10 per convivium member to each convivium for up to 50 members for the first years of a convivium's life.
Does the local convivium fall under Slow Food's non-profit status?
• Local convivia are a subordinate organization of Slow Food U.S.A., a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization and convivia are welcome to benefit from this status. (More information is included in the A - Z guide)
How should a convivium take care of finances?
• Convivium funds must be maintained in one or more accounts separate from the personal or business accounts of any member. (Banking information will be provided in the A-Z guide)
• The treasurer or the leader of the local convivium will maintain suitable books and records on a calendar year basis and send a report to SFUSA on an annual basis.
How do I contact the National Office?
•Address: 20 Jay Street, #M04, Brooklyn,
NY 11201
Office hours: Monday - Friday 9:30 am 5:30 pm
• Telephone: 718-260-8000 Fax: 718-260-8068
• Web site: www.slowfoodusa.org
Click here to see a list of current staff members.
If a convivium has a problem, who must be contacted?
• Contact your Regional governors.
• Contact the SFUSA National Office
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