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Interfilk is a fan fund. Most fan funds raise money to transport a fan to a convention that they would not normally be likely to attend. In our case we raise money from filk fans to transport members of the filk community who have something special to share.
The main goal of Interfilk is the promotion of cultural exchange through filk music. We provide the means and opportunity for talented members of the filk community to attend filk conventions they otherwise not be able to attend. This provides the opportunity to share performances, songwriting, organizing, publishing and other talents with a wider community than might otherwise be possible.
A secondary goal is promoting filk conventions by adding talented (though often not widely known) persons to their program. Interfilk tries to select guests who would draw people to see them again at another convention.
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Steps in Choosing and Sending a Guest
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- First, we raise money
- The Interfilk Directors actively look for candidates to be sponsored by Interfilk through filk events, and at other times.
- When we have raised sufficient funds to cover the cost of travel and accommodation expenses for a guest, Interfilk works with the filk convention committee to decide on an appropriate of guest.
- Interfilk invites the guest, makes the travel arrangements and serves as liaison between the guest and the convention.
- The guest attends the event and participates, socializes, shares their talents and helps other people display theirs.
- On return home the guest shares the experiences of the convention and the people they met at the convention.
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Interfilk raises funds to finance guests in several ways:
- Through auctions of items donated by the filk community, featuring our talented Interfilk runners. Auctions are held at the North
American filk conventions and the World Science Fiction Convention.
- Through donation of royalties from recordings or publications by performers and songwriters.
- Other fund-raising activities, organized by various members of the filk community.
Please note that in excess of 90% of the funds raised are used for the transport of guests. A small amount is used for the organization, primarily for administrative expenses like telephone conference calls among the directors.
- Auction Bid Sheets
For the convenience of the folks running the auctions, we provide a handy Auction Bid Sheet that can be printed off before the auction.
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Interfilk is a California non-profit organization registered under section 501(c)(3) of the United States tax code. Donations are tax-deductible, items bought at auction may be partially tax-deductible, and many employers sponsor matching gift programs. Canadian registration as a charity or non-profit is pending.
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Members of the filk community who have something to offer (performers, songwriters, lyricists, organizers, producers, recording engineers, publishers, etc) who add to the program of a filk convention; or filkers who can return from a filk convention with new ideas and material to offer share with the filk community in their local area.
In becoming a guest at a filk convention an Interfilk guest becomes a representative of their home region, their areas of contribution, Interfilk, and the filk convention itself. Guests must be ready for this role.
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The Interfilk Directors select guests in closed meetings. Given the trust of your money, and the expectations of a guest, this can be simple or difficult. We take seriously the responsibility of choosing wisely. In this way, Interfilk differs significantly from other fan funds who chose guests by vote of fandom. Becoming an Interfilk guest is not a popularity contest, as that would defeat the entire purpose of spot-lighting those who have not been recognized outside the region where they live.
We work with committees to find a good match between the Interfilk guest and the needs and atmosphere of the convention itself. We also try to rotate which areas send guests and which receive guests.
Current Interfilk Directors and their immediate families are not eligible to be Interfilk guests. Past Interfilk Guests, and past Guest of Honor at North American filk conventions are also ineligible.
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- Interfilk pays for the guest's travel expenses and accommodation at the convention.
- The convention provides a membership and sometimes other amenities (e.g.. a banquet ticket, memberships for a partner/family member).
- Other expenses, such as lodging before and after the convention (if the guest elects to stay longer), meals, souvenirs, etc. are the responsibility of the guest. Members of the host convention often offer to be local hosts, but this is not guaranteed or expected.
- The convention adds the name of the guest to their publicity, and in general treats them as the other guests with program book notes and inclusion in programming.
- The guest participates in programming as the con asks ("singing for their supper" so to speak).
- Interfilk guests act as ambassadors for their home filk community.
- On return home, the Interfilk guest shares their experiences about the community they visited.
- Once featured as an Interfilk guest, we hope that the guest continues as a friend of Interfilk, assisting in auctions or other fundraising, suggesting future candidates, and generally promoting the cause.
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