Operating Support
ACHF Arts Access
Minnesotans believe the arts are vital to who we are. Weavers Guild of Minnesota plans to focus on re-imagining what it means to be a member (supporter, student, or instructor) of our organization. Goals: remain relevant today and in the future; study and develop a revitalized benefits program; use technology to reach and communicate with an expanded community; and create an ongoing channel of support to ensure sustained arts programming. Outcomes: report data numbers, proximity/location, and demographics. Membership activities respondents were most interested in following: 93-96% classes and workshops; 22-32% member meetings with speakers; 7-32% Fiber Fair; and 11-29% study groups. While classes and workshops and Fiber Fair were also mentioned, our strong education program and Fiber Fair will continue; a core curriculum review is being led by the Education Committee, and the annual member sale will take place at the Northrup King Building in 2013. To address the other major areas of interest the Membership Chair developed a timeline and objectives to meet the following needs: with the surveys capturing data related to skills/abilities for participation and more weekend activities, Weavers Guild has changed the name of its study groups to ‘interest groups’; developed a new group that will focus on building relationships with newer weavers or those not familiar with our activities. 2: People of all ages, ethnicities, and abilities participate in the arts. Weavers Guild of Minnesota plans to continue its strong educational programming. Goals: explore satellite locations and have a broader presence through the metro area; increase capacity and audience reach (students, individuals, artists) in all ages and skill levels in communities that normally do not have access to our unique art form and resources. Outcomes: increase accessibility and engage underserved populations through data tracking, resource development, and evaluation. Weavers Guild of Minnesota's Operations Manager has completed Associate Management Software training, imported old database information, and launched the organization's new Associate Management Software system and website. These initiatives also included planning for communications, such as the weekly online member newsletter, The Draft, and student and instructor course details. Members and broader audience can now register for classes and workshops online. Weavers Guild members also have the capacity to log-in to renew their membership, update contact information, or access the member directory. We formed an ad hoc task group to develop and plan the content for a members-only forum and section of the Web site. Highlights of this unique function will allow for more direct communication and a photo sharing feature, as well as a platform for individuals to request/discuss ride-sharing options or who is interested in forming a private group lesson. A Web cam can reach others remotely for meetings or informational sessions.
Weavers Guild of Minnesota's plan of re-imagining what it means to be a member resulted in designing two online surveys and collecting data from newer and former members. We received responses from 15% of newer members and 10% from former members. The survey asked a series of questions related to joining/membership in the organization, interest(s), organization involvement/participation, interactions with social networking, communication, and proximity/location. When asked, Why did you join? respondents mentioned the following (highest to lowest): to learn about weaving, spinning and dyeing, to connect with other people interested in fiber [arts], class tuition discount, and [interest in] equipment. We learned that 55% of respondents registered for a class at the same time they signed up to be a member, while 38% took a class(es) before joining the organization. Demographics: 93% female, and 7% male; Age: 46%: 46-60; 39%: 61-75; 13%: 30-45. 2: Weavers Guild of Minnesota's plan to remain relevant today and in the future involved using technology to reach and communicate with its community. In March 2013, we acquired and implemented Associate Management Software, and other supporting technology to upgrade our database and that system's capacity to interact with our Web site and accounting software. With an increase in online readership and a growing and active Web audience, Weavers Guild has technologically positioned itself to move the organization in a positive, engaging direction. The efficiencies and integration of these systems frees up staff to benefit other organization programs (Outreach, Education, Membership and Development).
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