SI ASHLAND MEMBERSHIP Survey Summary Replies Revised 3/12

SI~ASHLAND MEMBERSHIP Survey Summary Replies revised 3/12

1. What is the best thing about SI/Ashland? Note: Great PR quotes about Soroptimist

·  The People and friendships; The inviting and warm feelings of the group

·  OSF’s Pillow Booth fundraiser ~ allows us the ability to provide scholarships for women & to do many things which have an impact on Women and Girls both Locally and Internationally

·  Party of Parties “It allows us to fund our activities for service and operations, be known in the community and be able to know each other.”

·  SSGSW; ~the work we do & the enthusiasm & fun demonstrated by members.”

·  “Spirit of service and camaraderie”: “Great women doing great things!”

·  “Fun interesting meetings, fundraisers’ and projects”.

·  I like being able to impact the world of women that fits into my life with all of its other obligations.” We make a difference in our community & impact so many lives

2. What could be improved about SI/Ashland?

·  Buddy/Mentor to help new members learn more quickly feel included

·  Work on Retention~ members most at risk of leaving after 2 or 3years

·  Have a weekly segment of Soroptimist Facts at meetings;

·  Seek ideas from new members/be open to suggestions;

·  Develop/Encourage members to move into leadership positions – SI Chairs

·  “Better integration of new members by identifying skills to help them integrate and contribute to our mission.

·  Meeting topics –more of what is happening in our community;

·  Need more members of color. “It would enrich us to include other races.”

·  ” Find a way to attract younger women;”

·  “More communication from the committees to the rest of the members.”

·  ”Seek input from members, Find out what they are interested in.

3. How can we increase the membership of SI/Ashland?

·  Outreach & recruit women in churches, AAUW, SSGSW, Social Clubs, SOU staff , OSF; and Helman and other Ashland PTA moms; Approach Club members children;

·  Have a meeting where we each bring someone one decade younger than ourselves;

·  Have someone go on Jeffery Riley’s show On JPR and talk about Soroptimist and membership. Advertise on JPR.

·  Increase PR – someone go to Chamber’s Greeters on Friday mornings

·  Identify the skills we need and recruit for them.

·  ”Personal contacts by existing members”

·  “Keep a high profile – be the club of choice for business women.”

·  “Keep the website FRESH with lots of good pictures of our members doing meaningful things and having fun;”

·  “Special outreach meeting to former/older members & offer transportation

·  Let people know one does not need to attend every single meeting

·  Invite people to service projects – pillow booth, road clean up, etc.

·  Recruitment blitz

4. What are the deterrents/roadblocks to increasing membership?

·  Our image as an ‘older’ club

·  “We don’t seem to be reaching younger women.

·  Let folks know they don’t have to come every week

·  Let folks know we go dark in the summer.

·  “Cost of dues” ”Dues are high compared to other clubs I’ve visited.”

·  “Dues and time may be a deterrent for young working women” paraphrase

·  There is a Lack of understanding of SI’s mission or projects.”

·  Rotary is a more recognized presence in the community.

·  “There are Concerns about time commitment.”

·  Meeting Space

5. What do you feel is the best way to hold a recruitment event?

·  In the past, prospects were invited to a TEA – people felt honored to join

·  “Personal contacts and word of mouth.”

·  “A lunch by invite. Have each member bring a guest to a special lunch. That is how I was recruited and it worked. Maybe should be a dinner”

·  Sara Brown described a recruitment event by Seattle Metro, which was a ‘bra party’ – great idea, but they did not adequately publicize in advance, give their pitch about their club and Soroptimist and Take pictures for their website and other publicity;”

·  “weekends”

·  “Getting mileage out of service projects.

·  Are we recruiting while we are in the public’s eye?

·  “A personal invitation by an informed, enthusiastic member is very powerful.”

·  Suggest we develop a short ‘pitch’ and provide it to members, so they can effectively ‘sell’ our organization to potential members.

·  Some feel recruitment events don’t work for the investment

6. What are your ideas on recruiting new younger members?

·  FACEBOOK Page “Keep Trying”

·  Time for a new ad with appeal to younger women U-Tube Video Have a video modeled on “One Child” – members hold up signs to communicate our message and show who we are And what we need to do and that we are having fun.”

·  Our younger members need to give us ideas. “I think it is vitally important to attract younger members.”” Brainstorm potential community members who might be interested and then approaching them.

·  Keep website FRESH with lots of good pictures of members doing meaningful work and having fun.”

·  Keep asking them what they need/want; They are from a different generation and think differently.

·  My daughter said that she likes to do her charity/social work through internet groups. She is not looking for the social component.”

·  “Invite young acquaintances to attend a Soroptimist program meeting or function with you, as your guest.”

·  Ask younger members to put together a list of people. Invite them for a glass of wine at a local place to socialize and then do a short, tight, interesting program with time to answer questions”