Kathy,

Most museums I have worked have been active partners with numerous community
organizations.  I served on a tourism committee with a local Chamber of
Commerce, and also on the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) board.  It
was a "win win" situation, because their organization provided me hundreds
of volunteers and all I did was help out with a few of their fundraising
events.   The museum also collaborated with the local downtown alliance in
major events in the community and in collaboration with museum events and/or
programs.

Become involved with your local Rotary and other fraternal organizations,
including
the school district working with teachers and outreach programs in the
community.  Working directly with the rotary they we co-sponsored a major
dinner/event at the museum--one of our largest fundraising events.   Retired
teachers and other associations are ideal target for collaboration.  In
addition, you can team up with any non-profit organization or business for a
garage sale to collaborating on major exhibit or programs.  Local community
colleges and universities are also a great resource to tap into.  In fact,
there are no rules.

Brainstorm with the staff, board and volunteers on "branding" your name out
into the public, and you will be surprised of the collaboration and
networking that will come from your efforts.   Look at your organization's
mission and vision statements to ensure that you are projecting that image
out into the community and to your visitors/guest.  However, IMHO, no
mission or vision should be set in stone --- in our changing environment --
museums need to change when required.   See: Robert R. Janes, 'Museums and
the Paradox of Change: A Case Study in Urgent Adaptation,' Calgary, Alberta:
Glenbow Museum, 1975; and Elaine Heumann Gurian's excellent publication,
'Institutional Trauma: Major Change in Museums and its Effect on Staff,'
WashDC: American Association of Museums,1995.

KNOW YOUR VISITORS!  [I wrote my thesis about this in relationship to the
"small museum"].  Be sure to check out Ted Silberberg, "Cultural Tourism and
Business Opportunities for Museums and Heritage Sites."  I think you will
find the article at Lords (lord_canada_toronto/lorart4.htm).  Also, 'The
American Archivists' has an another great article by Thom Seymore Russell,
"Document Recreation and Tourism" 50, 4, (Fall 1985), 551. 553, that
provides much detail on knowing the visitor.  You may also want to check out
the Travel Industry Association of America, they have a lot on profiling the
traveler that participate in historic and cultural activities.   I think you
will find them at www.tia.org.   Of course, check out 'Museum News' ~~ they
have tons of articles and information related to your questions.  Of course,
do not forget searches on the Internet.

Collaboration and teaming up with the press is of importance.  For example,
I wrote a series of monthly articles for the paper about history in
relationship to the museum.  In fact, the local media (press, television,
etc.) was one of our largest donors for a capital campaign and provided free
press not just for programs and events, but had many long write ups about
the museum.

Concerning fundraising ~~ you have to know your local foundations and
givers.  You need to put your name out into the public's mind.   For
example, our local Port Authority contributed annually towards reproducing
our local brochure.   Other local businesses became "partners" not only
donating, but as active business memberships they provided in-kind
donations, adopted a historical building or provided volunteers for our
programs and events.

It is also advisable to have a working relationship with the local
city/county and state officials.  Have your Congressman and Senators
involved or at least be sure to invite them for a special event or tour of
your museum/organization.

Network with other nonprofit agencies is also another idea you may want to
include. You would also want to collaborate and "target" certain cities that
are to your north/south/east/west -- and hit them heavy with information
about your organization.   Work with their museums and chambers---they can
be very excellent marketing partners.

Good luck!

John Martinson

----- Original Message -----
From: "Kathy Last" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, April 25, 2003 8:12 AM
Subject: Term Paper question - Collaboration


> Hi Everyone!
>
> I am working on a term paper for a class I'm taking in regard to
Non-profit
> businesses.  I am working with a local Museum and would appreciate a
little
> input.  The topic of the paper is "collaboration".
>
> Do any of you have alliances with anything such as a "downtown
association"
> where you would collaborate with local businesses on events, advertising,
> etc.?  If so, what types of things do you work together on?  Are their
> other ways in which you help each other?
>
> Another thought is how do you collaborate with current and potential
> donors? The general public?
>
> I'm sure this topic could take off in a number of directions and I
> appreciate any ideas or comments you may have.
>
> Thanks so much!
>
> Kathy

>

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