Are proportional dividers a crutch that will eventually hinder my learning? I pick two landmarks for datums, eg bottom and left edge, and use proportional dividers to map features onto my paper/canvas.

Should I get involved with my local arts council? I see pros and cons. Any insight you may have gained through your own experience would be helpful. (I know "arts council" is vague. I'm hoping you've seen variations on this theme.)