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Members Speak Up at Annual Business Meeting
by J'Amy Pacheco
(August 2000) |
Energy was high Aug. 12 as more than 100 members of the Network showed up to discuss the future of the organization and ways to increase member participation during the Network's annual business meeting, held at Universal Studios
Using a program format similar to that of the popular television show "Survivor" (but without the rats), members had the opportunity to participate in discussions about the Network's current programs and services, as well as present ideas about how to improve and increase programs and benefits for members.
In teams of eight to ten, members first discussed five questions presented by Chairman Bill Lundy: "What made you join the Network;" "What programs and services have benefited you the most;" "What programs/services/benefits (that we don't currently have) would you like to see us offer in the future;" "What specifically can we do to get you to volunteer for one of our jobs/programs (either current or in the future);" and "Where do you see the Network in five years."
Each team selected a spokesperson who then presented the team's comments to the entire group.
Members indicated a wide variety of reasons for joining the Network, including the chance to get feedback on scripts, attendance at the annual television seminar, access to the script library, the opportunity to hear industry speakers, programs like the Producers and Television Outreach programs and the Sautter Competition, and, appropriately, networking and support.
Members indicated they benefited from almost all of the Network's programs, including the Producers and Television Outreach programs and the Sautter Competition, the Triad Program, the High School Fellowship program, writers groups, the script library, the newsletter, the annual television seminar, the website, and from serving on the Executive Committee. Members also said they'd benefited from exposure to industry speakers at both general meetings and educational track meetings, as well as through the tape library of past speakers.
Exposure to producers and agents, a mentoring program, increased insight into the business side of the industry, more networking and socializing activities, more discounts, sub-chapters of the organization and an on-line job bank were among the many suggestions presented for future programs and services.
Members asked for increased perks - including increased access to industry professionals -- and more detailed job descriptions as incentives for getting them to volunteer, and also called for better follow-up on offers to volunteer.
Members also suggested special events be held just for volunteers; the development of a point system that would allow volunteers to earn free script copies and other benefits, and dues discounts for volunteers.
In the next five years, members indicated they expect to see the network endorsed by a major outside entity, be a more visible and established industry presence with relationships with agencies and production companies, and growing to 1,200 members. Members also predicted a features seminar similar to the annual television seminar, more Internet activities and access to film screenings.
- Previous Network Meetings:
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