Thank you Tina!
A lively discussion! you are not alone!

I live and dance in an area where there is a lively dance community
(southern New Hampshire)
Years ago I took over as co-organizer of a dance and inevitably there was
a dance where
the caller could not make it. So, with the aid of my co-organizer,
we called the dance! I had a ball!
This started me on the path of caller. A lot of my calling experience has
been “trial by fire”. In the beginning I was trying to call dances,
above my ability, to mixed groups
of dancers. The beginners were confused and the “old hands” were
frustrated but
gracious.  I have been at it for 5 years.
I have been blessed with a 2 venues that have allowed me to call one full
evening per season. There is also 1 venue that allows me to call 1 dance
a month, and surprisingly this is where I have gained the most
experience as a caller. (lots of college age newbies!)
I do lots of calling from the floor
i.e.: while dancing. Much of my dance time is spent in the less crowded
“side” sets
where the newer dancers congregate. I find this helps with quick memory
of moves and Dances (now if I could put them into
long term memory!)
and is a great place to teach dances. (many thanks from beginners!)
I have been frustrated by not being asked to call at smaller dance
venues, that are
organized by friends, its not worth risking the friendship, also I’m not
going to beg tocall any venue.
My hope is that these organizers will come to one of my dances and see
that my skill level has improved  enough to be “acceptable” to their
standards.

I was ready to give away all of my notes, dance books, and cards this
past spring because there were no opportunities coming my way,
a fellow caller dissuaded me from taking
that course of action.
I’m glad he did because this Fall/Winter I am calling 2 full evening
dances!
One thing you may wish to do is approach organizers and ask if they would
be interested
in doing an open caller night. (they get the callers for free!) Its an
interesting dynamic to co-ordinate with other callers so that your not
calling the same type of dances and have a varied evening
 and you get
to pick up new material by doing dance swaps!
Organize a house junket, and invite local organizers as your
GPs (feed them well!)
Encourage dancers, who compliment you on your calling, to please let
organizers know your available.
The word will get around!

Good Luck
Thanks
Gale Wood