We couldn’t be happier. Friday’s event confirmed what we had suspected and hoped for when we started CUDO: that a LOT of designers in Champaign-Urbana and the surrounding areas have a strong desire for community. And that they’re excited about what we’re doing, and are willing to step up and be involved in whatever capacity they can.

We had a turnout of over 115 people (!), and many emails from people who wanted to make it but weren’t able to. We initially expected about 50, so I think it’s safe to say the event was a huge success!  We also raised $450 in memberships and merchandise sales, which will help us substantially as we start with our programming endeavors.

Thank you to everyone who came out! We had a fantastic time and were overwhelmed with the enthusiasm and support that you all showed (even though we had a few technical glitches. . .).

Over the next few days we hope to get in touch with everyone who expressed an interest in getting more involved. We’re also going to post more details about upcoming events, specifically the board game social and Chicago Pecha Kucha trip. There’s lots to do and we’re ready to start planning more events and put together a rockin website.

It’s wonderful to see this organization finally come to life.

1. We are now actively looking for Board Members. If you are excited about what we’re doing with CUDO and would like more information about joining our board (or know anyone who would be a perfect fit), please email us info@thecudo.org.
2. Business cards have been ordered! They should be here by the end of next week, we hope, because we would love to give you one soon!
3. I recently met with Joan Dixon of the Community Foundation of East Central Illinois, who was referred to me through Megan of 40 North. What an amazing service the Foundation offers! As we file our 501(c)(3) to get nonprofit status (which can take up to 18 months), the Foundation can accept tax-deductible donations on our behalf. Which is great news as we start looking for initial funding. If you’re at all interested in supporting us (anything helps right now!) you’ll soon be able to writeyour donation off. Joan also does board eduction, and has offered to come in and speak once we have our board assembled. Thank you Joan!
4. Madelin and I are meeting with Cyndi Geerdes who runs UIUC College of Law’s Legal Clinic next week. One of the Clinic’s specialties is helping nonprofits, so we’re hoping to get some legal guidance on filing our 501(c)(3). The Clinic is closing in a couple months so can’t take us on as a client, but at least Cyndi’s offered to answer some of our questions, and hopefully refer us to a lawyer who can help us out. Know a lawyer who’d be willing to work with us pro-bono? Let us know at info@thecudo.org.
5. We’ve got a few event ideas up our sleeves for the spring. Stay tuned for more news on the CUDO front!

Yesterday she met with Madelin and I for a “Board 101″ crash course. Who knew that putting together a board was such an involved process? But I feel infinitely more ready to approach people who we think would be valuable board members and help bring CUDO to life.

Maya: I recently moved to Champaign from Chicago and was hoping to get involved in the local design org so I could meet new people, get inspired, and be a part of the CU designer community. When I got here and realized such a thing didn’t really exist (or at least hadn’t been active, up-and-running for a very long time), I decided to start something. In Chicago I worked for a wonderful little firm and was active in the local AIGA chapter, and really appreciated the inspiration and opportunities that came from being around other designers. I know there’s a lot of talent in this area and if you share any of the excitement that I have about design, I’d very much like to meet you! I’m really looking forward to seeing how this organization will unfold.

Madelin: I’m a student at the University of Illinois, at Urbana-Champaign studying Advertising and Spanish. I’ve lived in Champaign my whole life, and am a self-taught designer. Luckily I have been able to take a few design courses during my time at UIUC, and have loved every second of it. Although, I noticed that there isn’t much being offered for students to practice their skills and network within a community of designers outside of a classroom setting. With help and inspiration from Maya, I’ve come to realize how important this type of interaction is. I’m really hoping to be able to open up this kind of opportunity out there for other students (and community members) like me who are eager for knowledge.

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We’re both very new to the whole ‘starting up an organization’ thing, from putting together a board to applying for our 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. So we’re gonna blog about what we learn as we go along, and update you on how CUDO is progressing. If you’d like to be involved, now’s the time! It’s your opportunity to be in on the start of something potentially wonderful, and have a say in the mission/goals/vision of our fledgling organization.

For more information or to become involved, contact Maya or Madelin at info@thecudo.org.