There
were two reasons that I posted this survey. The first one was to try out “Survey
Monkey”. This was a learning experience; I have learned a lot more about how it
works. The response was great, they only allow me 100 responses, I had well
over that number. The second reason was for my information about how the
members look at Kin. This was a huge eye opener for me. Thanks to all that
participated, you are the reason I am here.
The Facts;
The
Priority of reasons for joining Kin?
Top
reason - Service 47%
Fellowship 44%
Personal Development 9%
Second
reason - Fellowship 44%
Service 36%
Personal
Development 20%
Last
reason - Personal Development 66%
Service 19%
Fellowship 15%
The
priority of reason for staying in Kin?
Top
reason - Service 48%
Fellowship 44%
Personal
Development 8%
Second
reason - Fellowship 42%
Service 34%
Personal
Development 23%
Last
reason - Personal Development 68%
Service 19%
Fellowship 13%
- The reason for members to join Kin is relatively the same as the reason for members to stay in Kin.
- Service is the top foundation of Kin, with Fellowship a VERY close second.
- Personal/Professional Development is, by far, the lowest priority.
The Analysis;
To
help with Membership numbers, our members and Clubs will have to know what the
priorities are for people. As is noted, Service is the main reason that people
join and the main reason Kin stay involved. Although it must be noted that
Fellowship is just barely behind Service. Personal Development being way down
the list, this should not be a top priority for your Club.
Clubs
should investigate the following actions;
- Make sure you are doing a variety of projects to raise money.
- Do projects that directly help individuals or organizations.
- Have meetings that allow time for members to mingle.
- Have a social get together, as often as practical.
- Still include the education, but relax on structure of the Club.
My Personal
Conclusion;
I
was stunned by the results of this survey. I have always thought that Service
must be the lowest priority. There are too many ways for one to “give back” or
to donate. I was under the impression that Service is just what we do, not necessarily
what we want. Boy, was I mistaken, I guess members need an outlet for their
benevolence. Clubs should ensure Service stays high on their list of
priorities.
Fellowship
is a very close second and this fact must be remembered by the membership. This
tells me that Kin wish to meet often and have plenty of free time allotted.
Presidents and Governors need to keep this in mind when planning meetings.
Social time is very important to Kin.
This
was the most shocking for me. The priority of Personal Development is rock
bottom. The education was always a huge factor for me. But, I do think that
most members have not received the education in Kin that I have. I have
participated in every level of Kin and have received an abundance of Kin Ed.
Most members may not know what is available. However, with these results, we
should maybe relax the structure and history at our functions.
If you see something different, please comment your opinion.
Great job Dan. I agree with the results, that they probaly reflect how Kin feel about Kin. I'm wondering how many people took the survey though? Also, I do believe that some of the traditions and structure could be loosened up at meetings...singing the Kin Song with 12 people in a room feels weird sometimes...100 people singing it has a whole other effect. As for personal & professional development...I DO think it's VERY important that Clubs add MORE focus here. It may not have fallen into the highest category of importance, but Kin Canada did do a survey in the past that stated that the majority of Clubs that folded, were ones that had let the protocol slide at meetings, and I sense that a large majority of Kin that either quit, or have trouble bringing in new members, are often Clubs that LACK structure, which in turn becomes unattractive to prospective members and frustrating to existing ones. We very clearly have a membership growth problem. Maybe the reasons and solutions aren't best sought from the membership, but rather from past Kin, and potential new members. As Clubs, we know what's important to us, but the fact remains that our membership numbers are rapidly declining. Just my thoughts on the matter. Again, thank-you for taking the time, and the care to conduct this survey! YIK, Kimberli Unger D5 Membership Director
ReplyDeleteI believe that you are right on all points, Kimberli..and it does say at the top, that they only give me the answers from the first 100 people to take the survey. After that they want money.
ReplyDelete:) i took you survey... I am a new Kinnette and I think I listed service as high.
ReplyDeleteOne of the other reasons I joined Kin is that my fiance and I were looking for something we could 'do together' that was family friendly (I have three children and we have a new baby). Strong marriages are built with couples who have activities they do together. I really think this area is something that could drive membership.
I am not saying we should not have the adult aspect of Kin (not all events are suitable for kids, nor should they be), but we can create fundraising events that can include the kids and teach them the importance of giving back and the skills to do so;)
The only reason I didn't list Personal Development is that I already have extensive experience as a volunteer within non profits, and my career is based on promotions and management;)