The AIA-Southwestern
Oregon board of directors conducted a survey earlier this summer, inviting all
chapter members, associate members, and affiliates to comment upon issues
ranging from volunteer role expectations to perceptions of the key benefits of
AIA membership. The outstanding response from the membership provides the board
with invaluable input as it strategizes how best to navigate the profession’s rapidly
shifting playing field.
AIA-SWO president Jenna Fribley, AIA provided a terrific
summary of the survey results; you can find a complete version of her report by
clicking on the link below:
In my opinion, the
results of the survey point to the value of maintaining a strong AIA chapter
with a local presence: the chapter is of greater value because of its ability
to address the unique needs of its membership. This value would be jeopardized
if AIA-SWO relinquished its administrative functions and surrendered its
leadership to an overarching AIA Oregon, as is being discussed currently as a possibility.
For
your convenience, I’m reprinting Jenna’s narrative here:
This is Your AIA-SWO
In an effort to
improve the efficacy and relevancy of the AIA-SWO chapter, the Board is taking
a 30,000 ft view of how the chapter operates and what initiatives provide the
most value to our members. In July we distributed an online survey so that we
could collect direct feedback from members to better inform our conversation
and strategic direction. We were ecstatic to receive 55 responses to the
survey, a 27% percent response rate! (For reference, 10-15% is the generally
accepted average.) Of course, collecting the data is only the first step.
Review of the responses revealed mixed results, reinforcing the fact that we
have a broad demographic of members spanning a wide range of experience,
practice, geography, and perspectives.
AIA-SWO VOLUNTEER
INCENTIVES
Is it possible to be TOO special?
We are the only chapter in the ENTIRE WORLD who has a formal Volunteer Rate
dues program, and AIA-National has asked us to reconsider this procedure
because it is arduous to process the paperwork and it costs additional
administrative and postage fees at both ends. Thus, the first half of the
survey asked questions about the existing volunteer rate program and members’
expectations of volunteer roles.
The survey responses varied greatly,
ranging from members who really
appreciate the discount to others who feel strongly that it should be dissolved
entirely. This is actually quite representative of the Board’s internal
struggle with the issue as well. On the one hand, we want to reward members for
participating on committees and in leadership roles, and we appreciate that the
volunteer discount can also help lessen the financial burden of renewal. On the
other hand, the discount costs the chapter roughly $4000 in dues revenue and
fees, which then perpetuates the need for us to task volunteers with
fundraising (which is typically the biggest complaint). Furthermore, there is
concern that the discount program undermines the value of member engagement by
disincentivizing participation by members who don’t take the discount.
For 2016 the chapter
will implement a revised Volunteer Incentive program. To appease AIA-National,
we will simplify the renewal process; there will be no dues reduction on the
renewal form and there will be no special mailings/forms/envelopes. Although
there will not be a lower rate available, all members are eligible to pay
incrementally via the online installment plan.
Independent of dues
renewal, our chapter will send a survey where members can indicate their
preferences for volunteer roles. As a token of appreciation, volunteers will
receive 3 vouchers for regular chapter programs that they can use for
themselves or for guests. (This represents up to a $75 value for 3 non-member
tickets). It is our hope that this revised program will continue to reward
volunteers, alleviate the logistical and financial burden of our current
system, and encourage attendance at chapter programs.
AIA-SWO CHAPTER SCOPE
AND VALUE:
The second half of
the survey inquired about what AIA benefits members value the most, and then
specifically what types of support and programs members are seeking at the
local AIA-SWO level. Most of the high-ranking items are initiatives/programs
that we are currently implementing or are in the process of launching (for
example, the new E/S CoLA - Eugene/ Springfield Committee on Local Affairs).
However, the one item that was specifically requested by multiple respondents,
and that we are NOT currently providing, is a bi-directional mentoring program.
Understanding the
hierarchy of members’ priorities will serve as a great road map for allocating
our efforts moving forward. There is certainly room for improvement and refinement
in all areas of our chapter’s scope. Furthermore, the needs of the chapter will
perpetually change as the profession evolves, and we will continue to adapt the
chapter’s scope accordingly.
We need to be
effective and relevant....individually as professionals and collectively as the
AIA-SWO. The Chapter is only as effective and relevant as the group of
individuals who propel it forward. Is there something you wish the chapter was
more engaged in? Reach out to other members, take action, make it happen!
I personally want,
and am striving for, an AIA-SWO where members are excited to contribute some
energy because they are passionate about all of the great things we are doing!
We are a group of creative thinkers trained to transform visions into reality,
let’s rally together as a cohesive and energized tribe, empowered to make a
positive difference in the world.
This is YOUR AIA-SWO, what do you
want it to be?
No comments:
Post a Comment