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How to Organize a Telephone Survey t their November workshop, New Branch Organizers (NBO'S) disâ€" cussed innovative ways to recruit new members to the ranks of the Women's Institutes. Of the means discussed, they decided to undertake a telephone survey followed by an information meeting. Organlzlng 3 Telephone Survey: How to Begin flencourage participation and provide support by working in teams '5' use four or five homes and a team of two persons at each home to call the follow- ing target areas or groups: new housing; condominiums; seniors’ apartments; communities where Branches have dis« banded; and. stay-at~home Moms 9 enlarge the pages from the phone book for easier use 13 Opening Statement - “May I have 30 seconds of your time? I am with a women‘s organization for personal growth and community ac- tion. And I would like to send you some information about our organiza- tion." 3 If the answer is “Yes”: 0 ask them their name, address and phone number and thank them for their time I carry out the survey for a two to three hour period for quality control and moral support a meet at a central location and talk about your contacts Organlzlng the Follow-Up and Intonnatlon Meeting 0 send the information package (which you and your cbmmittee have devel- oped from the CALLING ALL WOMEN brochure), the blue sheet survey, and a stamped, self-addressed envelope to the names and addresses fi'om your telephone survey 0 organize an information meeting once you receive eight to ten surveys back a set a date and call your group of inter- ested women telling them the place and time of your meeting 4 Homescoumry, Sprlng1993 By Hilde Morden - tell them it will take only one hour; and advertise it as a one-hour meeting to the general public as well - offer a door prize (this gives you names and phone numbers not on your previous telephone survey list) u have your NBO welcome your guests a have your NBO, District President, and Provincial Board Director (if p05« sible) provide information about the Women’s Institute organization o allow time for discussion, and a ques- tion and answer period (chaired by the New Branch Organizer) 0 ask your guests at the end of the meet- ing: “Are you prepared to organize a new Women‘s Institute Branch?“ By Hilde Morden t their November Workshop, the fourteen New Branch Organizers took a look at reasons why people join an organization. how the WI can interest new people, and how the Women’s Insti- tute can become more visible. Every individual has their own reasons for joining an organization. The follow- ing are three common reasons why people get involved; Affiliation - the need to belong and be a part of some- thing; Power - the need to help people and the need to address and solve chal- lenges; and, Achievement - the need to accomplish important and interesting work for the community. One of the most important reasons for joining an organization is abbreviated as W'IIFM - "What's In It For Me?" If the answer is “Yes” - proceed with the order on the agenda for an organization meeting. If the answer is “No” - form a committee of three new interested persons and with the NBC plan another information meet- ing in two weeks to organize. If the answer is a definite “No” - then there is no interest to form a new Branch. Thank everyone for attending and wish them a safe journey home! Hilde Morden conducts a series of leadership workshops for the FWIO. in addition to her position as New Branch Coâ€"ordnalor. New people can be invited to auend the Women’s Institute monthly meeting simply to learn more about the W] or stay only for the program. They should notbe asked for a commitment! Let new peo- ple, through attending a few meetings, discover the advantages of the WI orâ€" ganjzation. The following ideas for increasing the visibility of our organization emerged from one of our brainstorming sessions. Our ideas included: a telephone survey; a written survey; community booklets with contact names; souvenirs for visi- tors; signs indicating the WI meeting place and time; brochures included in the ‘Welcome Wagon' packages; a rc-enactâ€" merit of WI history by a theatre group; a slide presentation of modern WI women; hats with logos showing our concern for the environment; participating on talk shows; adopting a highway; lobbying under a WI banner; puttng blue bags in grocery stores; and, organizing an infor- mation night in the community. I’m sure your Branch can list many more ideas. Remember - Take Risks; confidence is developed by trying new and different experiences!