Converging Points of View:A Multi-Generational Club

Karen Block, PresidentSoroptimist International of Manhattan Beach

The Main Objective

• Learn how Soroptimist International of Manhattan Beach (SIMB) went from 15 members about to lose their charter to 48 members ranging from 24 to over 80

• What worked for us…what didn’t• Group project

• Open discussion of challenges • Open discussion of successes• Open discussion of ideas for change

• Questions?

The Soroptimist Landscape

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Less than 25

25 to 34

35 to 44

45 to 54

55 to 64

65 to 74

75 or older

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25%

Less than 25

25 to 34

35 to 44

45 to 54

55 to 64

65 to 74

75 or older

Where we are

Where we want to be

Borrowed from SIA presentation

So why me?

• I joined in November of 2008, I was 24

• Became President in July 2010, I was 26

• I’ve been a member for almost 3 years, my mother has been a member for almost 25 – Why is that important?

• I love being a Soroptimist! – remember we have a powerful recruiting tool… our passion for our mission!

History of SIMB

• Chartered June 6, 1953, we still have Bette a charter member

• Began as a “civic” service club• Almost lost our charter in the 90’s for only 15

members• Focus changed to women/girls and the big

picture• “PTA Mom’s” helped bring us back to life!• Daughter’s joined the club• Started a new event which opened our minds• Just under 50 members today!

How did we change?

2

+10

1

Additional Changes

• Weekly meetings at lunch time 1 board meeting, 1 lunch meeting (business), and 1 dinner meeting (program)

• Pay for all meetings Pay for the ones you attend

• Must buy 2 tickets to LUNAFEST and the Spring Tea “responsible for” 2 tickets

• Web/Facebook/Yahoo! Groups/evites• Savor the Flavor and updates to LUNAFEST• Socials/Multi-Tasking/Agendas• $ vs. Time

Diversify your leadership

Your board should represent a good cross section of your population. Sometimes your younger members want to

serve but just need to know that YOU want them to serve.

The Savor the Flavor Story

The LUNAFEST Story

• On our 5th year we re-vamped

• High School Location Actual Playhouse

• Tons of online press

Group Work

• Discuss at your table challenges you have faced

• Discuss at your table successes you have had

• Discuss at your table ideas for change• How are you reaching out to the younger

population?• Have you assessed your programs/projects lately?• Do you have any events under $50/ticket?• Do you use email/web/social networks?

• I want to hear from you!