This is our favorite question and the most common one we get. We are
committed to putting the members back into this membership-driven
organization. That does not mean that our course will be charted by
each and every member whim. It does mean strong membership initiatives
that fuel our strategic plan will be the norm. Members throughout the
nation networked in a common strategic cause will be the backbone of
this organization. So, what can you do to help right now?
1. Spread the word to every story-lover you know that NSN is not on
the brink of ruin . . . join us, come back, come home . . .
2. Come to the 2008 NSN National Storytelling Conference in
Gatlinburg, Tennessee . . .
3. Take part in the 2008 NSN Heroes Campaign . . .
Perhaps answer this question with a question: "what skills do you have
that might be useful?"
There has to be more than just these 3 items. Volunteers at the
conference? Stuffing envelopes? Making phone calls? Writing grants?
Website maintenance?
Naturally, there are more than these three! However, we wanted to
focus on a place to start.
Details for conference volunteers will be coming soon.
Perhaps the biggest volunteer need we have at the moment would be
finding folks willing to assist with maintaining and building
memberships. This would involve calling expired and lapsing members,
posting friendly reminders, etc. We didn’t want to put out a specific
call until we’d formulated a plan. However, if you’re willing to join
in on the planning and get this vital process activated, let’s talk
soon!
Website maintenance is also a vital need. However, we want to move
forward carefully on this front. So many hands have had a play at web
management over the years that it is about as sturdy as a house of
cards.
We don't want to lose track of folks who are willing to help, so let's
set up a plan for catching your information. I know this isn't the
slickest, but it's the quickest thing I can come up with. If you'd
like to volunteer send an email to nsni...@gmail.com announcing your
interest and resquesting the VIP (Volunteers Improving Programs)
Experience Form. When you recieve the form fill it out and send it
back. We'll collect the forms and identify what projects to tag you to
in the coming weeks.
Thanks for asking! I have to say serving NSN was the most powerful way
for me to discover the benefit of membership within NSN.
On May 3, 3:41 pm, Karen W <story...@earthlink.net> wrote:
> Perhaps answer this question with a question: "what skills do you have
> that might be useful?"
> There has to be more than just these 3 items. Volunteers at the
> conference? Stuffing envelopes? Making phone calls? Writing grants?
> Website maintenance?
Of all the FAQ answers, this one to me seems to have the flimsiest
reasoning.
I think it is too early for members to confidently spread the word
that NSN is financially solvent.
As much as I think a national organization is vital, personally, in
the interest of honesty and transparency, any discussion of the
benefits of membership with any lapsed or future members, would have
to include mention of the financial health of the organization. To be
other than forthcoming would be dishonest, and not serve NSN.
I would be happy to steer people towards the conference (I myself
cannot attend this year).
The NSN Heroes campaign seems to be premature, especially the rush to
produce events by July 1 (Every bit of advice I've seen from NSN on
producing events suggests starting a year in advance). I would think
outreach to those members that have the capacity to be a donate would
be a more sensible strategy. This option, while certainly "spreading
the word," diffuses the energy, and, as I noted above regarding the
issue of transparency, would be unlikely to produce a significant
boost in membership.
> Of all the FAQ answers, this one to me seems to have the flimsiest
> reasoning.
> I think it is too early for members to confidently spread the word
> that NSN is financially solvent.
> As much as I think a national organization is vital, personally, in
> the interest of honesty and transparency, any discussion of the
> benefits of membership with any lapsed or future members, would have
> to include mention of the financial health of the organization. To be
> other than forthcoming would be dishonest, and not serve NSN.
> I would be happy to steer people towards the conference (I myself
> cannot attend this year).
> The NSN Heroes campaign seems to be premature, especially the rush to
> produce events by July 1 (Every bit of advice I've seen from NSN on
> producing events suggests starting a year in advance). I would think
> outreach to those members that have the capacity to be a donate would
> be a more sensible strategy. This option, while certainly "spreading
> the word," diffuses the energy, and, as I noted above regarding the
> issue of transparency, would be unlikely to produce a significant
> boost in membership.
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