To: North American Fruit Explorers <nafex@lists.ibiblio.org>
Subject: [NAFEX] the webpage, declining membership, and options...oh MY!
Date: Wed, 04 Jul 2007 21:48:40 -0400
Below are some notes off the top of my head. I didn't bother to rework
them and there may be some repetition. I just felt the need to get this
discussion out there quickly.
First, let me say that while some of these issues have seemed divisive
in this topic, I believe they don't have to be. It is apparent with
most groups that they need to add different tools to the toolbox these
days. That doesn't mean you have to sacrifice those things the base are
comfortable with...just that by adding additional options, you do the
organization a service and enable it to continue to prosper. I do not
think that there are unimportant members. Even novices have something
to add and a part to play. No amount of work, input, etc is too little.
We're all richer for people taking up the torch regardless of how they
get to it.
On the subjects of money, marketing, and recruiting. Members sharing
info are the backbone of the organization. NAFEX can not exist without
them. NAFEX can also not afford to let the membership dwindle. I'd
like to think that the work all of you are doing will be furthered by
future generations. I'd hate to find it ends when we do. Money is also
extremely important to groups. It's a subject no one ever likes talking
about. It is true we're a nonprofit and that our mission is to
disseminate information. However, a number of functions organizations
have (like ours) requires we be on sound fiscal footing. It is
something usually transparent to the membership. It is also something
your directors spend long hours dealing with so that the membership
finds enjoyment and not drudgery. You can thank those folks who hassle
through all of the financial aspects when you read an enjoyable
newsletter, find the meeting you're attending, or another member with
shared interests and scion wood! While discussion of these subjects are
sometimes seen to detract from the mission of an organization, nothing
could be further from the truth. All of us benefit directly from a
financially sound organization.
1) On the subject of online payments - I work with a number of small
organizations who have struggled with this very issue. Dues, donations,
etc are always sought, but to be honest, people do find it hard to write
even small nonessential checks after paying all the regular bills. Not
that they can't, there just seems to be a desire to put it off until
later. Dues, donations, etc take a back seat. Others may feel more
ardent about making it happen and that is great. However, I'm a big
believer in making it as easy as possible to receive money from people.
Dues and donations are usually more forthcoming. Each organization
I've worked with that made it happen has reaped benefits through
additional membership and donations, and it has also made accounting for
their volunteers easier. It does NOT mean that the traditional methods
are forsaken, nor does it create a drag for people not choosing to use
online payments. Many groups also see a willingness to create recurring
donations...even $5 a month is an extra $60 a year. Set up as a
recurring payment, there is no effort on the part of the donor. I've
found it easier to get people to consider that than write a $60 check as
they really don't miss the $5, and they don't have to write 12 checks.
IMHO, you DO lose somebody important if a dues payer doesn't
pay...regardless of the reason. I hate to seem sanguine, but while it
would be nice if little or no money was needed, and as an organization
we didn't have to be concerned with it, being on sound fiscal footing is
paramount to keeping strong groups functional. And as someone who no
longer writes many checks because I use more automatic and paperless
methods, I too see the value of multiple methods of member payment.
2) While I plan on beefing up the website....along with a LOT of help
from you...the membership, I do not believe in a lot of useless flash if
it affects functionality or usability. I believe in accessibility and
will definitely continue to make sure anyone can use it regardless of
hardware or software.
3) I feel that we could do a better job connecting with individuals and
groups that are like-minded. WE should be the clearinghouse for info.
The place where anyone can go for info, for a contact, planting lists or
help creating them, and sources. Many of our members are THE experts.
We should harness that knowledge to further the cause. Many of our
members may also be the SOURCE of plants, fruit, etc. We need not only
to foster their well-being, but also connect people with them. I'm not
talking about large agrichemical corporate ventures creating plastic and
cardboard flavored produce. I'm speaking of what a number of our
members run family farms, specialty nurseries, etc. We can not lament
the fact that people don't understand what real food is if we do not
present them with real options. Hook consumers with an apple and hardy
kiwis may be next on their wish list. The people we reach NOW will be
those discussing their next moves as NAFEX members decades from now.
4) There have already been preliminary discussions about what to do with
past issues of Pomona. The organizations needs to figure out what makes
the best sense as far as being able to provide value to paying members,
as well as get enough free content on the site to entice people to
actually become members. I've been quietly evaluating options so that I
can make recommendations to the board. Once I have enough to
intelligently discuss it, I'll put forward the options, pros and cons,
and my recommendations. I welcome anyone's input.
5) I have heard a number of stories in my few years as member and at
various meetings about members, former members, and friends of members
having all of their notes over a lifetime of work wasted...damaged by
nature, thrown away by family, etc. etc. ad nauseum. These are
tragedies. In redoing the structure of the website I wish to hereby
offer to ANYONE, the ability of your notes, work, etc to be archived in
the ether of the web for generations. You may reach folks in your
county or another country...this year or decades from now. Anything you
learned, someone else may need to learn or at least be interested in
reading that which you have experienced. Please let us put your work to
greater use.
[NAFEX] the webpage, declining membership, and options...oh MY!,
mangodance, 07/04/2007