Midpack
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
I've been asked to help a local club (founded 1933) with declining membership (and revenue) to revitalize itself. Most clubs have seen large declines/ever higher member median ages for decades whether social/community (Kiwanis, Rotary, Jaycees, Lions, Shriners, churches, etc.) or social/activity (golf, tennis, boating, swimming, bridge, bowling, etc. - even fitness clubs in some cases). The generations that follow (most of) us are simply staying away in droves.
I've done a lot of research and articles attempting to explain why clubs are declining are plentiful. I won't bore you with that, though I provide a summary below * for those interested. But answers, silver bullets (not likely) or otherwise are scarce.
I am desperately looking for measures we can take to reverse the trend, but coming up mostly empty. I wondered if anyone here has found ways, or might have helpful suggestions? I'll take anything at this point. I am about to do a preliminary survey, but I am not optimistic about what I will find. I am not sure most "clubs" can be saved, and many have already folded.
* Clubs peaked in the 50's and 60's. Subsequent generations just haven't been interested for a variety of reasons (some real, some imagined), for example:
I've done a lot of research and articles attempting to explain why clubs are declining are plentiful. I won't bore you with that, though I provide a summary below * for those interested. But answers, silver bullets (not likely) or otherwise are scarce.
I am desperately looking for measures we can take to reverse the trend, but coming up mostly empty. I wondered if anyone here has found ways, or might have helpful suggestions? I'll take anything at this point. I am about to do a preliminary survey, but I am not optimistic about what I will find. I am not sure most "clubs" can be saved, and many have already folded.
* Clubs peaked in the 50's and 60's. Subsequent generations just haven't been interested for a variety of reasons (some real, some imagined), for example:
- less disposable income
- less free time
- prestige/exclusivity no longer desirable to many
- sense of community no longer expected?
- clubs not as valuable for networking, lots of other effective channels now
- far more activity choices these days from sports to isolated "free" activities (TV, internet, social media)
- family time not a given any more, Leave it to Beaver left long ago...
- people want to pay as they go instead of paying a flat rate for club membership
- way more (better) bars & restaurants to choose from today where club bars & restaurants were a draw, no more
- even current members don't volunteer to help the club stay current, they simply take products & services
- etc.
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