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nafex - Re: [NAFEX] NNGA membership declines - organizational declines in general

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  • From: mangodance <bmn@iglou.com>
  • To: North American Fruit Explorers <nafex@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [NAFEX] NNGA membership declines - organizational declines in general
  • Date: Sun, 01 Jul 2007 18:52:12 -0400

I still do not have property. I'm 5 years from being able to lock in a modest retirement. Other than native plantings all over my state, and in particular my county, I haven't planted nut trees...or an orchard. However, I am a life member of NNGA, INGA, KNGA and a member of NAFEX (in addition to a good number of other organizations).v I say this in order to color what I'm about to say off the top of my head.

Organizations across all interests are struggling with this same issue...membership dropoff. A common factor in many organizations is the greying of the membership. I'm 45 and it is funny to be referred to as one of the "younger members". I will say this, organizations usually first suffer from a lack of participation. Organizations often dwindle to a handful of folks doing the bulk of the work. Luckily, there doesn't seem to be as much of an issue with KNGA, INGA, and INGA. That may be my ignorance and inexperience speaking however! I think a variety of problems plague groups that are greying...not just with ag-related groups but everything from hobby groups to professional organizations.

1) First and foremost...TIME. Everyone has very little time these days and any free time is spent resting or playing catch-up. I suffer from very little free time as I work an hour from my house, and may be out days at a time for work. I can't even get to many meetings for the near future. Right now, I do what I have to. This too shall pass. However, MOST folks I speak to when proselytizing to bring in new members for one group or another use this very issue as the reason they don't belong to groups or participate in the groups to which they already belong.

2) Organizational websites are typically lacking much in the way of content. One of the best marketing tools for little money is an organization's website. They are often not used effectively...or may be lacking completely. Younger people often hit the web as their first source of information. Organizations need to market themselves... A LOT. They need to drive folks to their websites, and once they get them there, give them reasons to stay. I consider myself a hack skill-wise, but have been studying website effectiveness and response for a few years. Doing any and everything to push content onto organizational websites pays off. I'd recommend all the old newsletter an organizational pubs no longer available for purchase, be pushed up online. That helps index a site, and provides many extra pathways for people to get there. Once there, you'll eventually get converts...or at least more informed folks.

3) organizational publications are often written in such a manner as to speak to insiders. It's ok to write that way, but you can also appeal to novices by explaining terms, etc, and maybe providing a little extra text for context.

4) NAFEX, INGA, KNGA, NNGA, etc seem like groups which could benefit immensely from workshops, apprenticeships or other similar learning pathways. I'd attend...and I'm sure after getting the word out, it would attract others. You'd have to do this over a number of regions in order to really make it pay off in attendance/interest/etc.

5) Organizations age, lifelong works get lost, etc. This is a true tragedy. It seems to happen with greater frequency. While I and others may be able to offer a parking lot online for your information, it is nothing like taking folks on teaching them and having your lifelong experience transferred to others. I've only just started in the last few years with my interest. I'm nowhere near being able to have intelligent conversations with many of you.

6) Appeal to people's curiousity. Those of you searching for old orchards, trees, homesteads, etc...let us know how to help you. Additionally, let us know how you do it. These hunts for growing treasures would appeal to many a backyard gardener (if not other growers, hobbyists, etc.). We don't even list most cultivars on the website. You can't get people interested in stuff they don't see.

I guess what I'm saying is that most people don't even know many such organizations even exist. Organizations get to the point where they play for the choir. They need to not only market heavily (and most of us HATE to do this), but also find ways to become relevant to folks. The organizations have the hooks, they just need to figure out how to find the folks to hook.

One other thing, growers would seem to be allies for these organizations. Many of you would also like to get consumers to think about where their food comes from, what real apples actually taste like, taste forgotten fruits and nuts of past generations, participate in their foodsheds, etc. But you usually don't see much online connecting non-corporate growers (heirloom, organic, niche, small farm, etc) with the general public. Additionally, some of these folks have websites they could use to also drive interested parties back to the orgaization.

Finally, as the greenhorn, newbie-type, I get to say things like this. I haven't put in the years of work that many (most) of you have. I've met a handful of you. I wish I could say I've met you all. I am already hooked. I'm just working on getting property. Y'all are the knowledge base. But organizations need to find new blood and figure out ways to transfer your knowledge. It is the most foul of tragedies to read about when a member dies and his life's work gets cut down or developed by the new property owner. If *I* feel it is a tragedy, I shudder to think of what it means to others who are sitting on a large legacy and no way to transfer it.

BTW, in another thread, the one on funding reasearch, I'm about to post my opinions. Basically, I always argue first for long-term financial stability ...above all. It may not mean a thing that a few hundred dollars went towards research if the entire organization isn't on firm footing for surviving the generations. Sound financials mean the ability to have an impact for the long-term.







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