At IODA, we often reflect on how our organization thrives through collaboration and collective effort. A metaphor that beautifully captures this essence is the IODA quilt—a symbol of creativity, connection, and community. Much like a quilt, IODA is woven together from many distinct pieces, each contributing its own unique value to the larger picture.
Many Pieces, One Whole
The process of creating a quilt is much like the process of shaping IODA. Imagine a quilting circle—people coming together, each contributing their own fabric squares, their own colors, patterns, and skills. While each square starts as an individual piece, when stitched together, it creates a beautiful, cohesive design, full of diversity and richness.
At IODA, we are a global family, representing a multitude of cultures, countries, and backgrounds. Just as in quilting, our differences don’t divide us; they make the fabric of our organization stronger, more vibrant, and more impactful. The collective energy of our members, when it flows seamlessly, is truly inspiring. There is a beauty in this collaboration—when it works, it is a testament to the power of shared vision and mutual respect.
However, just as quilting isn’t always an easy process, neither is the work we do at IODA. There are challenges to overcome, differences to navigate, and complexity to embrace. But like a quilt, once the pieces are stitched together, the result is something much greater than the sum of its parts. When it all comes together, it’s a masterpiece—a piece of art, crafted by many loving hands, full of warmth and meaning.
The Story Behind the IODA Quilt
The IODA Quilt itself is a symbol of this unity and creativity. Created by participants at the IODA Annual Conference in 1999 in Kanuga, North Carolina, it reflects the collaborative spirit of our community. On Halloween night that year, small groups of conference attendees were given individual triangle pieces to paint. These were not just random designs, but representations of the diversity of cultures and backgrounds that make up the IODA family.
Facilitated by Pat Novak from Florida, USA, this project brought together people from all over the world, each adding their unique touch to the quilt. Once the pieces were painted, they were sewn together, creating a unified piece of art—a tapestry of memories, stories, and shared experiences. To this day, the quilt which is passed on from host to the next at every annual conference, continues to serve as a reminder of the strength and beauty that comes from bringing together people from all walks of life.
A Tradition of Reuse and Repurposing
The origins of quilting can teach us valuable lessons about sustainability and community. Traditionally, quilts were made from pieces of clothing that were no longer wearable but still held value. These remnants, when repurposed, became part of a greater whole—something beautiful and practical. This resourcefulness mirrors how IODA repurposes ideas, strategies, and practices from different cultures and countries, weaving them together into a new, shared vision for OD.
In its earliest days, quilting was the work of women who gathered together to provide for their households in the most efficient way possible. The act of quilting was both practical and artistic, and the process of stitching the final pieces together was often a communal one. Women would sit together around a quilt, stitching with care, laughter, and conversation. It was a space for shared joy, connection, and problem-solving—much like the safe, supportive environment that IODA fosters among its members.
The Global IODA Family
Much like the quilting circles of the past, IODA is a place where people come together to share ideas, solve challenges, and support one another. Our global network is a testament to the power of community—how diverse threads can come together to form something beautiful. Whether through the work we do at conferences, workshops, or local initiatives, IODA’s collaborative spirit continues to drive us forward, just as the quilting circle has been a source of strength and joy for centuries.
In the end, like a quilt that keeps you warm on a cold night, IODA offers a sense of comfort and belonging to all who are part of it. It’s a place where connections are made, stories are shared, and new patterns are created—each piece adding to the greater tapestry of our collective journey.