The purpose of the program is to provide, the members of the Kansas City Woodworkers Guild, a uniform set of steps so that a participant can progress from “basic” woodworking skills to that of an “Advanced Craftsman”.  The progression of each participant will be measured by a panel of accomplished woodworkers/mentors from within the guild.  The panel will be chosen for their varied woodworking backgrounds and their general acceptance by the Guild at large.  The CRP program is completely voluntary and it is a means to assist those who wish to grow as woodworkers and to recognize their efforts. 

Once each quarter an orientation class addressing what will be expected from the participant for any given level will be held.  The orientation class will also cover how to keep accurate documentation for the projects that will also cover the needs of the panel.  This date and time will be announced at the monthly Guild meeting.

Additional sessions for mentoring will be offered depending on the needs of the participant for a given level.  Questions or concerns about a project during its building will be directed to the program administrator, who will then recommend a “mentor” to assist the participant.  The participant may also be directed/suggested to take classes given at one of the Guilds’ Sponsoring members or training at a Guild Mentoring workshop.

For all levels of the program, each applicant will be asked to

1. build a minimum of three pieces,
2. keep accurate documentation,
    
   1. Documentation will include the need to provide a plan of the project, even if it is something the participant dreamed up and scribbled on a piece of paper. 
   2. Notes will need to be made of any changes to the plan being used.
   3. A “Work Description” form provided to you by the CRP Administrator
       
3. photographs of the finished piece preferably 4”x6” to 8”x10” these can be put into a portfolio for yourself when done.
    
   1. with some close up details provided of any area  on the project of special interest.  Example; dovetailed drawers, or an inlay on the piece.
       
4. Prior to the physical review of the piece, the review panel will have a short interview with the participant.

The review panel will meet quarterly to verify the pieces being offered for a given level are done to the expectations of the program.  The panel will look at various areas of the project as well as the overall look and “feel” of the piece.  These areas are defined in the criteria provided for each level.  In some cases, such as when the project is too large to bring to the review panel meeting or when the project is going to be given away before a review panel meeting, special arrangements will need to be made for the panel to review the piece.  In a case such as this contact the program administrator as much in advance as possible, and the attempt will be made to view the piece.

At each level of the program, when a participant has successfully completed 3 pieces considered acceptable by the panel, the program administrator will submit to the Executive Board of the Guild, the participant name as well as documentation from the review panel and participants photos for recognition.  The participant will be recognized for the accomplishment at the next Guild meeting, and this recognition will be published in the following month’s newsletter.  The photos will be displayed at the monthly Guild meeting on the “Show and Tell” tables.  A certificate for each level will be awarded. 

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