RAISING AWARENESS

Publicity

Existing Societies should give thought to raising their profile within their community. Much can be achieved through networking and building good relationships with the local media. If you are not already doing so, press releases should be sent to the local press for every meeting, Local papers are usually glad to carry such reports. Many papers run features on winter activities Try to avoid paying for publicity at all costs! Single advertisements seldom have the desired effect. .

Bear in mind it is repetition of the society's name which is likely to produce results.. The best way of getting new members is through the personal recommendation of those already part of the society. Members should be encouraged to bring friends and acquaintances. If every member were to be asked to introduce a friend, membership would double!

If you are devious enough, you can ask a member to write into the local paper asking if there is a society where people with an interest in classical music meet The secretary can then 'reply' giving contact details etc etc!

You should circulate your programme to other local musical societies/groups. At Carnoustie we often invite guest speakers from local music groups and societies. A spin off is that the speakers bring their fan clubs with them!

Local churches, universities', colleges, and any other local organisations that publish newsletters are worth approaching for a 'plug'.

Those of you fortunate enough to have a decent classical music outlet in your area should make a point of asking them to take posters. It has been known for such shops to offer discounts to Recorded Music Society members - no harm in asking!

The KIDON Media Link provides details of news sources at local, regional and national level throughout the UK

http://www.kidon.com/media-link/uk_sc.php

The Johnston Press also publish numerous local papers

http://www.johnstonpress.co.uk/jpplc/ourbusiness/publishingdivision/

Local Authorities run websites of events in their area and in some areas publish What's On Guides, Details as to how to submit information is usually available from local libraries, or you can look at the Local Council website. A quick search 'What's On?' in Google reveals numerous such publications.

There is a national What's On? Guide at

http://www.whats-on-guide.co.uk/cgi-bin/whatson.pl

Another useful website is Remote Goat

http://www.remotegoat.co.uk events & shows from across the uk

This is by no means a comprehensive list and doing an internet search on your local area is almost certain to yield more.

Community Involvement

In addition to regular press coverage, another way of keeping your society in the public eye is by becoming involved, where possible, with your local community. If there is a local festival, for example you may wish to consider putting on a special programme, not necessarily classical, but in line with the theme of the festival. In these circumstances, perhaps a guest speaker, someone who is well known locally?

Holding an event to raise money for a local charity is also worth considering. The Carnoustie Recorded Music Society has for the past 5 years held summer events which attracted large attendances. Through this, the society has attracted new members. This has also attracted favourable comment from the local council, which is beneficial if asking for a grant in the future!

One society (Derby) has recently begun to offer speakers to other local bodies, e.g. Rotary Clubs, Church Groups, etc, etc

Invite speakers from other local music societies/groups and make a practice of sending a copy of your programme to them.

The BBC Action Network offers free publicity for your society and any events you may be holding. A guide to entering your society on this website is available from John Maidment, e mail johncmaidment@aol.com

The web address is

BBC - Action Network - Homepage

RAISING FUNDS

A first port of call is the National Lottery Awards for All Scheme

Awards For All - Lottery grants scheme

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) http://www.scvo.org.uk/scvo/Information/DisplayResults.aspx?al=t&TCID=24 and the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) http://www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/sfp/funding/localgovernment/
offer excellent advice on locating sources of grants and how to apply successfully.

Local Council Cultural Services Departments are also worth approaching as they usually have funds available for supporting local groups.

As a rule of thumb, you are more likely to attract grants for equipment than for running costs. 'Inclusion' is a buzzword these days, in the case of a Recorded Music Society making classical music accessible to people who would not otherwise have this opportunity.

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

Succession.

Over the past few years societies have reported difficulties (in some cases terminal) because a secretary who has done almost everything associated with running the society is suddenly no longer able to continue.

It is therefore important to make contingency plans for such eventualities, such as

" Rotate office bearers
" Shadowing
" Ask each committee member to draw up lists of their duties so that someone can step into their shoes without too much difficulty
" Keep a database of contacts (speakers etc)

Office Bearers

A number of societies have reported difficulties in identifying Office Bearers, in particular Secretaries and Treasurers,

REACH is a national register of mainly retired people seeking voluntary work.

Their website declares 'REACH matches the skills of experienced people to the needs of voluntary organisations. We support voluntary organisations and charities across the UK, helping them attract volunteers with a wide range of skills and professional experience. We place people of all ages and backgrounds in organisations near where they live. There are no age limits and there is no charge for the service'.

You are required to register and provide a job description for the post/s involved, also the commitment required. It is acceptable for this to be a commitment for as little say as 2 or three hours a month.

The web address is REACH volunteering UK - home page http://www.reach-online.org.uk/