Project Bloom: Growing Iris Education, One Presentation at a Time
The American Iris Society is making it easier than ever for affiliates and regions to bring expert iris education right to their members. Through Project BLOOM — Bringing Learning and Outreach to Our Members — the Society has assembled a dedicated pool of knowledgeable presenters ready to help fellow Irisarians learn, grow, and connect.
what is project bloom?
At its heart, Project BLOOM is about sharing knowledge. The program maintains a roster of experienced iris educators available to deliver iris presentations, judges training sessions, and educational programs tailored to affiliates and regions. Whether your group prefers to gather in person or meet online, BLOOM presenters are flexible: sessions can be delivered in person, over Microsoft Teams, or via Zoom, so distance is never a barrier to good education.
how the program works
Behind the scenes, AIS keeps a comprehensive database of its presenters. For each one, the Society tracks the details that make scheduling smooth — travel preferences and availability, any required software or equipment, willingness to present virtually or in person, and time-of-year and scheduling preferences.
That information is shared with AIS Regional Vice Presidents and the AIS Board of Directors, who serve as the connectors. When an affiliate needs a speaker, these leaders can match the request with the right presenter — someone whose expertise, format, and availability fit the occasion. It’s a simple, well-organized system designed to take the guesswork out of finding the perfect educator.
Why use the presenter program?
The benefits add up quickly for any affiliate or region. Project BLOOM gives your members:
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Access to experienced Iris educators who know their subject deeply
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Stronger training and outreach that energizes your local group
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Support for judges’ education requirements, keeping your members on track
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Fresh, engaging content that keeps meetings lively and meaningful
In short, the program helps affiliates do more with less effort, drawing on the collective expertise of the wider Iris community rather than starting from scratch. For online presentations, facilitators can help set up a Zoom meeting if your group needs technical support; your group will need internet access at the meeting site.
Contact Information: Scarlett Ayres | Margaret Kelly