NWR Area Organisers' Workshop 2009 Thistle, Birmingham: 15th - 16th May The Workshop was attended by 20 of the 23 Area Organisers and we were joined on Saturday by Judith Oates and Marion Turner (Correspondence Magazines Organiser). Each participant was provided with a pack containing information about the Groups in their Area, recent enquiries, New Group leaflet and samples of various documents and publications. FRIDAY: On Friday afternoon Mary and Kathryn were joined by 12 AOs for a guided tour of Soho House, the home of the industrial pioneer Matthew Boulton. This was a very informative and enjoyable excursion. In the evening we all met for a pre-dinner drink; everyone introduced themselves and briefly mentioned something about their NWR Group/Area, or an NWR activity, during the previous year. Everyone mixed at dinner and we enjoyed a relaxed and convivial evening. Saturday Workshop 1: Area matters Key Points: £50 paid automatically, after the event, to each AO who attends National Conference. £10 towards general expenses automatically paid for each Area. Area meeting format varies but must include some NWR-based discussion to qualify for the allowance of £100 maximum towards overall costs (hall hire, speaker, refreshments etc). Visitors are only allowed to attend 2/3 meetings. If they wish to attend more they must become members. It is recommended for Groups to have a nominated member to look after potential members and to make sure that they are informed about NWR and its ethos - all members should be prepared to take on the job of LO (can be job-shared) and participate in meetings. Large Groups which meet in an outside venue are covered by the NWR Public Liability Insurance as long as their programmes include the venue details. If required by the venue management, a copy of the policy can be obtained from the Office. Groups should be discouraged from operating a waiting list. Promote the Research Bank as requests are down. There is often confusion among members about the origins and ethos of NWR. AOs asked to take every opportunity to clear up the 'layers of confusion'. Mailing to LOs to recommend nominating a Group member to contact and look after enquirers, and also to ensure that they are fully informed about NWR. Saturday Workshop 2: Membership and Marketing/Promotion Key Points: Membership data collected from the subs form questionnaire: 14% have less that 10 members 4% have more than 30 members The average age of the youngest member is 50 The average age of the oldest member is 72 67% have had at least 1 new member within the last year MD reported the website changes that have happened in the past year: Archive materials added Australian sub-section added Leeds Conference section, and also detailed the proposed changes to various aspects of the site. Attention was drawn to the advert in the Calendar Girls programme, and to the article in Good Housekeeping which features an NWR member and in which NWR is referred to. This led into encouragement to take every opportunity to raise the profile of NWR - the Press Pack is full of advice and there are sample press releases. A PowerPoint presentation is available and was requested by a number of AOs. MD promoted the membership voucher. New Groups. Attention was drawn to the revised New Group leaflet. Bromley NCT Fair 'goody bags' to include NWR leaflet and New Group leaflet. Discussion produced other possible ways of reaching younger women: PTAs Toddler Groups Health visitors Students' Unions Estate agents - first-time buyers By law, the words 'Registered Charity' and our charity number, 295198, must appear on all NWR documents. AOs were reminded that information given on campaigns or charities is for discussion purposes only. Under the terms of its charity deed NWR cannot support campaigns as an organisation but members are, of course, free to do so as individuals. Attention was drawn to sections 3, 4(j) and 4(k) of the Mems section of the NWR Mems and Arts. The following statements are now used to respond to requests to advertise services or to support campaigns or other charities : Thank you for contacting NWR. Unfortunately the organisation has a policy of not becoming a conduit for unsolicited offers, information and services. We are also constrained by the Data Protection Act. The Administrators Thank you for visiting the NWR website however I am afraid that we have a policy of offering very limited links via our website. Also NWR does not act as a pressure group nor do we raise funds although members are obviously allowed to do so as individuals. The Administrators Saturday Workshop 3: 2010 Key Points: Promotional items - stickers and eco bags bearing 'NWR GOES GOLD IN 2010' The bags will also display: National Women's Register ...for all lively-minded women www.nwr.org.uk Bag photo competition with two categories: Bags of Fun - with bag incorporated into NWR activity Far-flung bags - bag in the most distant location Regional events - aim to hold 'GOLD' events across the UK so that every member has the opportunity to attend one. AOs asked to consider good locations and venues and contact Kathryn with ideas. Possible reunion events for long-standing members - organisers please. 'GOLD' Theme Pack - 1960 to 2010: music, fashion, perfumes, literature, society, technology, legislation etc. Volunteers to prepare sections will be gratefully received! Themed Evening - 60's night. There is a 60's video in the RB. CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT ABOUT THE ROLE OF AN AREA ORGANISER CLICK HERE TO VIEW MORE PHOTOS OF THE DAY