NOTE: In this section, during the next several months, I would like to publish the results of our 2009 Survey. We will take a look at many of the comments. We will try and understand what the numbers reflect. We are just going to share with all members and allow them to draw their own conculsions. We as a Steering Committee will take the constructive comments and suggestions and work on improving our services and benefits for being a paid member of Tucsons (even Arizona's and probably the entire Country's) most popular gay men's social organization with activities planned around "non-alcholic" fun times.
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This past spring, a new Steering Committee put many hours into trying to come up with a plan to keep the Men's Social Network an active and viable gay community membership organization. We were very close to "shutting it down" due to a lack of participation and difficulty in getting volunteers to host events and work on the Steering Committee.
We also could not continue with our big draw card "The Network News", our monthly snail mailing which was costing us about $130.00 a month in printing and postage. (Also, our beloved Doug Martin resigned after many years as it's editor and after repeated requests for two years for a volunteer replacement, only Thom Goodrich expressed an interest in temporary editor until someone else volunteers.)
Merlin Spillers, Bruce Babski and Thom Goodrich were the only members remaining on the Steering Committee from the previous year.
Our usual annual life saver has been the Auction. No one wanted to conduct or organize it this year. Our largest expenses which the extra Auction income help cover are (were) the monthly newsletter and the Jerry Curl $1000.00 Scholarship fund.
To make a long story short - Thom and Merlin put out a plea for volunteers for the Steering Committee, they also asked friends for their help on the committee. We are still seeking volunteers to fill seats, but we are up and running with what we do have for now. (*Introductions coming in future e news.) Once it appeared that we had found enough to carry on, Bruce decided to "retire" after many years of dedicated service on the committee -- "thank you much Bruce - we luv ya'".
At our first meeting, there was much discussion of what we might do and it was decided that we send a survey to every member and see what they felt could be done to increase interest and involvement.
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We have received 79 responses as of 6/26/09. Many comments, good and bad. Interesting figures as far as member participation and interests, etc. - - well what the heck - - here is the first of several articles covering the survey results.
Primary reason(s) for joining the M.S.N.?
#1 Meeting new friends = 63;
#2 Monthly Pot Luck Dinners = 42;
#3 Newsletter - Monthly Mailed = 30;
#4 Hosted Card or board games = 22 and
#5 Friend(s) recommended M.S.N. = 22.
Dinner OUT came in with 18 while Hosted Pizza Parties in homes came in with 17.
Meeting "Mr. Right" and the Annual Auction/Pot Luck both tied with 16 each.
The Annual Anniversary Dinner only accounted for 13 just under the 14 for "OTHER" various reasons.
Lunch OUT = 12; Hosted Hikes = 11 and Triangle Tribe accounting for 8.
Everything else was 6 or less.
Overall, how satisfied have you been with the Men's Social Network?
3 = Very Dissatisfied
15 = Somewhat Dissatisfied
11 = Neutral
28 = Somewhat Satisfied
22 = Totally Satisfied
2 = Other
Over all it appears that the majority are Satisfied - - we would like to keep them that way and we would like to change the Neutrals and Dissatisfied members into Satisfied, if at all possible. Of course I am sure we have all heard old sayings like "give 'em a golden chain to hang themselves with and they still will bitch" or what ever that old saying is - LOL!!!
How long have you been a member of the Men's Social Network?
0 = Less than 6 months
4 = 6 months to a year
7 = 1-2 years
21 = 3-5 years
39 = Over 5 years
9 = member since the beginning
Looks like we have a "seasoned" group of members with the majority holding membership for over 5 years.
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Here are some suggestions from the survey to help improve the M.S.N.:
"More daytime activities (cards, movies, etc.) and day trips, not just about food."
"It'd be interesting to find out how MSN members entertain themselves - or pusue their interests when they're not attending MSN activities. Perhaps there'd be some new insights or application to be gained."
"I do not attend regular meetings, so somewhat disappointed. People not very friendly. Members do not wear name badges. One member asked me recently one time if I were a new member and I have been there for over 2 years. I'm not gifted to gab so I guess I'm not a memorable person."
"Hosted card games, not consistent on rules of the game of pinochle." "Print out rules different than that of the game played." "Have never gone to pinochle game." "I'm not a social butterfly. Lost my partner of almost 45 years, over 2 years ago. We were very close. I've had a difficult time. Thought I might meet some people for friendship."
The above is just the tip of the ice burg as far as comments and suggestions - - we will continue in the next edition.
In the mean time, check out the article below, read a letter sent to the editor back in December, 2003, just before the Christmas holidays.
