Caroline Sato
Caroline Sato has had a significant and wide-ranging impact on the Thai Textile Society (TTS) since her involvement began in June 2024, primarily by modernizing its digital presence, streamlining its communications, and improving its organizational efficiency.
Her key effects on the society include:
Website Development and Management:
Caroline initially volunteered to help input information for the website in April 2024.
Following the hacking of the old website and loss of all material, she took the lead in setting up a new basic website using Squarespace with the domain name thethaitextilesociety.org. This new website was reported to be online, searchable, and looked very good on different devices.
She ensured the correct website details were in place for membership cards.
She identified the need for and helped develop key website sections, including a brief history of TTS, text for grants and financial assistance (to enable aid to weavers), and a short glossary of textile terms.
She expressed interest in building outside resources linked to the website and incorporating a section for textile techniques with pictures.
She worked on migrating usable content from the old American website to the new one.
She was instrumental in securing free Canva and Google Workspace subscriptions for TTS through its non-profit status.
Communications and Social Media:
She joined the steering committee in the position of communications in June 2024.
Caroline initiated and developed the TTS's Instagram account, linking it to Facebook to ensure information uploaded on Facebook automatically transferred to Instagram and ideally pointed back to the website.
She proposed and successfully implemented the use of Google Workspace to provide the Society with a professional look and a centralized system for managing membership, communications, event programs, and storage archives. She also established new, professional email accounts for various TTS functions (e.g., admin, communications, treasurer).
She suggested streamlining announcements by sending a few together to avoid overwhelming members.
She designed a new e-membership card with a QR code and portrait position, which was adopted by the committee.
She implemented a system for sending program reminders the day before events.
She worked on expanding the emailing list for announcements and looked into easier services for sending visually pleasing emails.
She created a sheet detailing the duties and email addresses of Board and Steering Committee members.
She took responsibility for writing thank you letters to speakers and sending out annual greeting cards.
She established a proofreading WhatsApp group and a structured process for reviewing content before it is sent out.
She actively shared information about textile exhibitions with members.
Database and Record-Keeping:
Caroline developed an "impressive database" of all TTS activities from the past 20 years.
She suggested consolidating financial records into a single database spreadsheet.
She created a form that automated attendance records into a yearly summary.
Other Contributions:
She delivered a highly attended talk on "Fashion in 20th century kimono" in November 2024, which was filmed by Thai PBS TV, bringing in income for the society. She is scheduled to give this talk again in March 2025.
She actively participated in the sorting and decision-making process for Barbara Mac Neill's donated textile collection and books.
She compiled a list of textile libraries.
She looked into potential collaborations with other textile organizations, such as the Singapore Museum Group.
Caroline Sato's contributions have been instrumental in modernizing the TTS's operational and communication infrastructure, providing it with more efficient tools, a more professional online presence, and a more organized system for managing its activities and records. Her efforts have laid a strong foundation for the society's future growth and outreach.