Hi, Elizabeth,

We have the same basic profile as your organization, but no community
advisory board yet. I would get them together for brainstorming, recruit
them to talk to other groups they may belong to about what your org offers
(for example, go tell their PTA that you offer tours, or get a notice about
you into their homeowners newsletter), and just generally let them tell you
how they can help. To do this, you will also need to let them know what you
need (ie. "more people to know about us" or whatever).

One thing we've tried to appeal more to younger members are to arrange
history outings and hikes. We also conducted a membership survey last year
to help us learn more about what all of our members want from us.

Erica

Erica S. Maniez
Museum Director, Issaquah Historical Society
425/392-3500
[log in to unmask]
www.issaquahhistory.org

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
> Behalf Of elizabeth No
> Sent: Wednesday, October 09, 2002 2:23 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Marketing Advisory Board
>
>
> Hello Everyone! I have been given a homework assignment that I need your
> help with. The historical society I am working with is beginning plans to
> improve our image in the public. We have many needs, most of which require
> us to increase our marketing efforts to raise awareness in the community
> about who we are and what we do. One weakness that we face is in our
> membership. Over 90% of our membership is over the age of 55. So, in
> response, our marketing committee of our board has developed a "Young
> Professionals" advisory board. Our original thought was that this board
> would help us raise awareness of our programs, facilities, etc. to younger
> people aged 18-40. We had a mixer to see what the interest might be. There
> were only 6 people, but they were all extremely interested, and
> promised to
> bring others. The problem we, as a committee, are facing is what do we do
> with them once we have them. So, I would like to ask the following
> questions. For those of you who have a similar committee:
>
> 1. What kinds of things does your "marketing" or "community"
> advisory board
> do when the meet?
>
> 2. What are the benefits to being an advisory board members and what
> incentives do you offer to get them to come/stay?
>
> 3. How does your board interact with your permanent board and your public?
>
> 4. How often do you meet?
>
> I know there are many more questions, but this will help us to begin
> thinking of them. I hope that I explained this well enough. If
> you need more
> information, please feel free to call me or e-mail me.  I could really use
> some help on this.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Elizabeth Nohra
> Mahoning Valley Historical Society
> Youngstown, Ohio
> 330-743-2589
>
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