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How do clubs need to respond in modern ‘Web’ era?
simon:
Just a bit thoughtful at the moment - I used to be a member of two clubs and have not attended / renewed for a number of years and was trying to understand for myself why.
I think one of the big draws used to be the ‘tuition’ / sharing that came from having a demonstrator visit to go through a project or skill set. This really made up 80-90% of the evening so was the ‘reason to go’.
So, what’s happened? Two things:
1) My turning has got (a little) better so some of the questions covered by general audience demos (as distinct from 1:1 tuition), I now know.
2) YouTube and other platforms have really developed and whilst there is both rubbish and gold available, it is easily available and instant to watch a demo on power carving, texturing, skew basics etc, very often from internationally renowned turners, not just Barry Bodge in his garage.
So, what do clubs need to do to attract the next (current!) generation of turners that consume information / knowledge in a very different way and perhaps challenge some of the raison d'etre clubs are currently founded upon?
Thoughts. .......
Simon
Bryan Milham:
Simon,
you pose a good question and I think that some of the answers are more obscure than going to watch a demonstrator for the evening.
There is a growing movement for the 'Men's Sheds Association', this started in Australia, and came to us via Ireland. It offers a place for men (although I believe not exclusively) to go and continue to use their knowledge of a lifetime. There they can help others learn a new skill, help others repair something (also branching out as Repair Cafe's), or just make something. Not only in wood, but metal and electronics and all the other engineering skills they have.
Our Woodturning Night are an older but probably just another aspect of this sort of organisation.
It has been noted that once a man retires, he tends to lose contact with many of his work colleagues, and his social circle becomes worryingly small, it enables them to have a more active social like, meet new people and pass on their skills.
I'll also add that it has saved lives, I can name at least 2 people I know that are still with us because it was noticed by someone at the club that they were 'ill' (for want of a better word), and a visit to the doctor was advised. I also believe this is a recognised benefit of these sorts of organisation in Australia.
How we draw in the next generation, that is a whole different question. Again our sort of clubs are for the older person, there are younger members but these are generally a rarity. As people get to the point in their life when they are looking to take up a hobby and decide on (or to try) woodturning, we need to find them and introduce them to the club system. How we do that is harder. We have tried advertising, flyers on car windscreens, public demonstrations etc., but even then the club numbers only are fairly stable. As we lose one we gain one.
I do teach some young people the skills as part of their DoE award scheme, knowing that they will walk away but hopeful that a few will return to it in the future when they need a hobby. One does come to a club with me and is a junior member of the AWGB. I also understand that some of his classmates are a little jealous of the things he sometimes take into school to show off as a 'Look what I've made now'.
Les Symonds:
You have broached a subject which causes much concern in clubs throughout the country and you rightly mention the deleterious effect of social media
and Bryan touches on a number of very valid points.
In general, the club has to be welcoming and friendly, and that's especially down to the personal properties of the people on the committee, but also down to the existing members as a whole. The club needs features that cannot be found elsewhere, such as club competitions, a display of members work at each meeting, with a good critique from a senior member, a mentoring scheme and hands-on days/evenings where new members can be guided, a club raffle every meeting, a club library of tools, books and DVDs, also, attending local events and encouraging new and established members to participate. These are all features which may make little difference when taken in isolation, but which collectively serve to give a good impression....make the meetings enjoyable and there's a better chance of keeping both new and established members.
Les
John D Smith:
Hi Simon,
One thing I would like to say is if you have some great ideas that would enhance the Club evenings don't walk away get involved and put your ideas forward Clubs need new blood to get involved but unfortunately every one seems reluctant to come forward but stay in the background and just moan and believe me I have experience of this I have been a Secretary & Treasurer of a Club for 22 years and several times I have said I am standing down but no one out of a club of 60 Members volunteers but this year I am walking away from Committee duties also we have young members but do not forget they have collage,work & other studies they have to do for their future. So come on go back to the clubs and put your ideas forward.
Regards John
simon:
--- Quote from: John D Smith on August 09, 2019, 03:34:45 PM ---
Hi Simon,
One thing I would like to say is if you have some great ideas that would enhance the Club evenings don't walk away get involved and put your ideas forward Clubs need new blood to get involved but unfortunately every one seems reluctant to come forward but stay in the background and just moan and believe me I have experience of this I have been a Secretary & Treasurer of a Club for 22 years and several times I have said I am standing down but no one out of a club of 60 Members volunteers but this year I am walking away from Committee duties also we have young members but do not forget they have collage,work & other studies they have to do for their future. So come on go back to the clubs and put your ideas forward.
Regards John
--- End quote ---
John,
It’s not lack of engagement I’m getting at with this post (although as vice-chair of the club I was a member at I feel your pain re apathetic succession).
I was really trying to elicit thoughts / ideas / views on how clubs need to evolve / develop going forward.
Simon
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