46
WELLESLEY CLUBS: WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO
| Date post: | 31-Mar-2015 |
| Category: |
Documents |
| Upload: | coleman-seeton |
| View: | 214 times |
| Download: | 0 times |
WELLESLEY CLUBS: WHO WE ARE AND
WHAT WE DO
THE ALUMNAE NETWORK
To connect alumnae to the College
and to each other
OUR MISSION
Nurture friendships among alumnae
Provide a forum through which women can share career and life experiences
Promote lifelong learning through educational programs
Assist Admissions by inspiring and connecting with qualified high school students
Enhance Wellesley’s image through community involvement
WHY HAVE A WELLESLEY CLUB?
WORLD WIDE WELLESLEY
There are approx. 85 active clubs and 30 key alumnae contacts around the world
There are clubs or key contacts in 45 states and 32 international countries
Model A: Small, geographically diverse, and/or in temporary hibernation, or just forming
Model B: Medium, urban, suburban, or a growing club
Model C: Urban or suburban, mature club
Model D: Large, urban club
CLUB MODELS
BIG & SMALL
Largest Clubs
Boston – 4573
New York – 2623
D.C. – 2138
San Fran – 1228
Los Angeles – 807
Chicago – 796
Philadelphia – 727
Smallest Clubs
Reading, PA – 20
Nebraska – 38
Memphis – 41
Arkansas – 60
Winchester, MA – 63
OUR CLUB LEADERS
OUR CLUB LEADERS
CLUB LIFE CYCLE
Active!
In need of strong leaders
Active!
Board
dissolution
Boa
rd
build
ing
LEADERSHIP
Dedicated Inspiring Builds a strong board Organized Able to listen Team player Able to delegate Warm and welcoming Has an eye on the future
CHARACTERISTICS OF A CLUB LEADER
A strong board is key!
Leader without a strong board = burnout
A strong board will help with recruiting new volunteers
Board diversity – age, ethnicity, talents
Recognize efforts and accomplishments
BUILD A STRONG BOARD
You don’t have to do it alone or do it all!
Try co-presidents
Delegation works best face-to-face
Encourage attendance at meetings
DELEGATE RESPONSIBILITY
Have a plan
Follow term limits
Develop a mentor/shadow program
Use a nominating committee
DEVELOP A SUCCESSOR
MEMBERSHIP
All alumnae are members of WCAA
Member of club
All alumnae are members Attended Wellesley? You’re a member! Emotional component of membership
Some alumnae are dues-paying members Paid your dues? You’re a member! Financial component of membership
DEFINITIONS
Make the Wellesley connection!
Emotional component
Financial component
Promote the benefits of membership
“Why should I be a member of the club?”
INCREASING MEMBERSHIP
Establish a membership goal
Have a Membership Chair or Committee on your board to work towards that goal
Host quality and innovative programs
Target current students – they will be alumnae soon!
INCREASING MEMBERSHIP
INCREASING MEMBERSHIP
Reconnect Retain Recruit
lapsed members
currentmembers
newmembers
Make the emotional connection
Explain financial benefit of membership
Make it easy to pay dues!
Newsletters and pre-printed envelopes
PayPal
List members
Target communications
Dues and donations are tax-deductible
SOLICITING DUES
PROGRAMS
Social Educational
Faculty Speaker Book clubs
Admission AAR Book Awards
Networking/Career CWS
Service Fundraising
TYPES OF PROGRAMS
Host fun, innovative programs Keep costs low Member vs. non-member rate Young alum rate Anchor events Sub-clubs Use decade and geographic chairs Make it easy to RSVP and pay Target young alums Use all available communication tools
INCREASING PROGRAM PARTICIPATION
WCAA and all clubs are 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations
All clubs must submit a financial report to the WCAA on a yearly basis
New IRS requirement: All clubs must file directly with the IRS using Form 990EZ
REPORTING CLUB FINANCES
COMMUNICATIONS
How do I notify Wellesley of a change to an alum’s contact info?
How do I get a list, set of mailing labels, and a directory?
How do I send a broadcast email?
How can I use social networking sites to connect with alumnae?
What are my options for a club web site?
FAQS
New self-service tool
Create and download your own club lists and labels
DATA ON DEMAND
cheerful letter from president
board member list with contact info
club email and website
board bios
inspiring articles – build the network!
membership information
upcoming events
photos and reports from past events
admission info
custom logo
how to update one’s info with Wellesley
THE CLUB NEWSLETTER
SOCIAL NETWORKING
Find guidelines and tips on VConnect
CLUB WEB SITE OPTIONS
Build it yourself, host it yourself
Single web page
Chapter Pages
E-COMMUNICATIONS
Save some green by going green!
Environmentally-friendly
Budget-friendly Considerations Is this the right
decision for my club?
CLUB SURVEYS
Desiree Urquhart DS’99President, Washington Wellesley Club
Catherine Merrill ’88President, Merrimack Valley Wellesley Club
DOES SIZE REALLY MATTER?
A COMPARISON OF SMALL AND
LARGE CLUBS
CLUBS BY THE NUMBERS
MVWC
24037
$850$0
$20
WWC
2,100421
$25,000$2,500Tiered:
$45 Sustaining$25 Regular
$15 Young AlumsFree Recent Grads
Alumnae in AreaDues Paying Members
Annual BudgetAverage Gift to College
Annual Dues
CLUBS BY THE NUMBERS
MVWC
1 Newsletter, 2 Postcard Mailings, 5-ish Emails
3 Events: Faculty Speaker, CARE Packages, Museum Visit
All events are free
18 Book Awards
1 President, 1 Treasurer, 1 Book Award Chair
WWC
4 Newsletters, 20 Emails
1 club-sponsored event per month, often more events with interest groups
Events usually $15-$45, discount for young alums
84 Book Awards
13 Members of the Executive Board
Dues Payers: handwritten thank you notes, calls before every meeting
Eventers: notes at every event for those who can't attend, follow-up email with some attachment to extend the event
MVWC Officers: loads of lead time
Area Presidents: Include their events in my emails/newsletter, email them when I get their mailings
Clubs Office: Paperwork on time
Madame La Presidente: One Goal at a Time
For 2009, get the newsletter, postcard and email processes documented and easy for others to follow. Teach Mea Lea & Amy how to do it.
MVWC: TAKE CARE OF THOSE WHO TAKE CARE OF YOU
Try This For:
Club Officers – Be cognizant of schedules
Communication – Do it often via multiple media
Events – Plan variety to attract different interests
Recognition – Always thank alumnae volunteers
Mentors – Seek advice from past presidents
Meetings – Incorporate new technology
Young Alums – Embrace their energy
WWC: LEADING POWERFUL,BUSY WONDER WOMEN
MVWC: GETTING HELPFUL HELP IS BIGGEST CHALLENGE
They say 'yes' then disappear. ARRRRRGH
What I Am Doing About This:
Everyone who offers to help gets a teeny, tiny task. If they don't do it, I have the data I need
Prioritizing what officers I really need and trying to fill only one slot. 2009: Vice President
I'm building a pool of helpers. I can email 15 people to help with a mailing and get 3 pairs of hands. Folks are extremely reluctant to commit to more.
Using the by-laws to move officers who aren't helping out of office (see Clubs Handbook for text)
Considering extending the office term from 2 years to 3 because recruiting is such a bear
WWC: TIME COMMITMENT & SPACE
TWO BIG CHALLENGES When Work Trumps Club Responsibilities:
Try a little bit of something old and something new!
Establish Co-VP positions to share the load
Have former presidents serve at-large on board
Encourage team approach to train future leaders
Create electronic protocols for easy handoffs
Reach out to retired and young alums for help
Try virtual meetings
Create Gmail accounts
Take care of you, stay positive, come to ALC!!!
Catherine Merrill '[email protected]@alum.wellesley.edu(978) 470-2306
Desiree Urquhart DS’[email protected]@[email protected](202) 425-8865 (Cell)(804) 224-1915 (Home)
ANY QUESTIONS? JUST ASK!
WHAT’S NEXT:Today
4:45 pm: Student Panel (JAC), Tour the Chapel, or Campus Construction Presentation (Collins Cinema)
6:00 pm: Reception and Dinner (Campus Center)
Sunday
9:00 am: Admissions and CWS (FND 120)
10:15 am: Conversation Cafes (FND 126 & 128)
11:30 am: Debrief and Q&A; Tech Demos (FND 120; PNE 139)
12:30 pm: Lunch (Campus Center)
