Ideas for Quilt Guild Open House/Membership Drive
 

I belong to a small quilt guild (less than 20 members) in a heavily populated area. The guild used to be much larger but over time membership has dwindled. There are other guilds in the area but we are the only one that meets at night. I suggested we have an Open House Membership Drive and the others agreed we should do it. We want to do this in the spring.

My thought is to have examples and presentations on our recurring programs - annual challenge quilt, friendship quilt, block of the month, biannual retreats, and philanthropy projects. We could show examples of quilts made associated with these programs and individuals could talk about why these projects are important to them. I was thinking also a few small door prizes for guests. Some time for individual meet & greet with the guests. Maybe very light refreshments (we don't normally have refreshments).

We plan to advertise at local libraries and senior centers. Also, we will try to advertise during the area shop hop. I'm going to see if the local newspaper will even do an article about us the week before the open house.

Any suggestions about things we should or should not do would be greatly appreciated.

It sounds like a great idea for your guild and you have already covered marketing the event. Consider setting a time limit on the individual speakers to allow others time.

Ask the possible new members for an intro so you can get to know them too. Your group may want to set up mentors for the new members as it can be difficult to break into some groups. Be sure to let them know new ideas are welcome.

Don't forget local colleges (art departments) and local business chambers to get the event in the spot light.

Thanks. We have a Facebook page and will list that on flyers so people can follow us.

Thanks. We are within a few miles of a college. I had thought about their continuing ed department (they teach a few sewing classes) but hadn't thought of the art department.

I do plan to stress to members to make sure each guest is individually talked to.

I'm in a fairly major city and all I can find here is one guild and that one meets at night. Since I'm old and seriously night-blind, I can't attend. I wish I could find one that meets in day-light!

Who is the audience for night meetings? To me it's families with working parents, which means young. As mentioned, older folks might have trouble driving at night. Where do young persons congregate? How do young persons get info? I'm thinking social media, children's sports events, colleges, trade colleges, laundramat, appartment buildings, child care facilities, exercise businesses, coffee shop, churchs. According to my daughter, the biggest, by far, is social media. I'd ask her (or the next generation) to send blasts to all her friends.

Another criteria is what time do you meet. Working persons need time to pick up the kids, drive home from work, feed the family, get to meeting. A 6:00pm meeting is too early, but too late for older generation.

Another thought, modern quilts appeal better than complicated traditional which takes too much time they don't have.

the guild I belong to has a day meeting that draws about 65-70 and a repeat night meeting at 6:30 (we used to meet at 7pm but especially in the winter it seems so darn late getting home). Our night group is really a very fun group--most have obligations during the day (work, active volunteering, etc) or just like the more "loose" atmosphere of night meetings. One thing I'd suggest is to offer some beginner classes along with marketing your programming and work. Beginner classes may really draw in those people that work,would like to learn, but obviously can not go to daytime classes. We do ours on Sat. Teach basics--use of rotary cutter and ruler, 1/4" seam, we go with rail fence, HST, FG, drunkards path and then how to finish. That gives lots of basics and allows for them to be creative.

I applaud your efforts to reach out and expand. I split my time between Florida and Michigan. In my rural area of Florida I have a choice of 3 guilds and several less formal sewing groups. In Michigan I live in a large metropolitan area that only has one huge guild which meets on Tuesday night when I have another commitment. I would love to be part of a guild there but there are none that I've found that meet at a time I can go.
As a guild you might also look to your members as a source of referrals. Have them invite a friend etc. or send out invitations to referrals.

If the other guilds meet during the day can you post an advertisement in their newsletters? I belong to two guilds both meet at night.