Bristol Branch report of Society AGM Members’ Forum November 2006



This is an organised copy of what a scribe at each table wrote down during the discussion and was agreed by their table as a consensus view.
Discussions were quite active and vigorous, so you will need to approach this report with care.
Especially read the next sentence!

Blue numbers refer to the table number; the following text is a near copy of points made at that table
- ambiguities have been left in.
These are not the views or policies of the SOCIETY,
nor are they a request to enact. They are expressed & considered views.

Each table was asked to select words to describe the Society as others see us:
1 Formal, proper, welcoming.
3 Old, closed, proper, conformist
4 Old, closed conformist, proper, elitist.
11 Conformist, fun & old, welcoming.
12 Old, proper, closed, conformist.
15 Open.

ITEM A - image & growth of the Society
Ideas:
1
Promotion ideas: fitness, health.
2
Range of views and need ideas. “Canadian book is much more of a training manual”
RSCDS current system tries to achieve too much excellence.
INSPIRING TEACHERS - we want teachers, not technicians”
3
We would like to see the Society go out into the world and show what we have to offer through taster sessions and demonstrations with participation, and when new people come we should create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, use recaps at socials.
4
Encourage younger members - posters, hoardings - make it acceptable/ cool - ‘Scottish Country dancers reunited’ !!
Our publicity is very amateur - use community magazines & internet more - laminated posters in key public areas - national campaign.
Professionally developed PR material would encourage new membership& the dress code should be perceived as more relaxed, or non-existent - men wear shorts in Australia.
8
In outsiders’ view:
1. lack of knowledge of the Society;
2. confusion of exactly what COUNTRY dancing is as opposed to Highland;
3. seen to be too difficult - perfection seen as needed, but without realisation that this takes time;
4. emphasise and demonstrate that it is a society that encourages ALL ages. However, recognise that experience is needed to develop the inexperienced;
5. advice to branches/Groups on a welcoming attitude, confidence building.;
perhaps a gentle reminder on how to deal with “tutters”.
11
Not cool to go to ‘Grab a Granny’ dance for youngsters
Emphasise the fun & social aspects of SCD for all ages.
Stress social aspects at SCD, dress code - relaxed.
12
Not flattering! An attitude change is required as symbolised by:
1. attitudes to dress and its appropriateness;
2. welcoming & encouraging committee members;
3. such arrangements as ‘apprentice’ dances to encourage newcomers.
14
We need to show enjoyment in our own dancing and make it accessible to others in order to integrate people quickly from identifiable groups to achieve crossover.

ITEM B - Future role of the Society

2.
Change name to Dance Scottish - new LOGO doesn’t achieve, need complete change - yes, should buy in services from professionals & experts - we would then pick up more members.
RSCDS is not known to general public, not a suitable term - “Royal” not acceptable - more awareness now in schools due to Sc. Parliament.
Ceilidh dancing should have been embraced - Society should have been publishing ‘Collins’ book
Branches could set up Social Nights - Society commission A4 posters which branches could use & add own information - need to bring in Students to Branch activities.
Family not as strong here as on continent where more young people dance.
Teaching should exploit the lack of a language barrier.
6
We need paid professionals - not volunteers.
Agree in general with the statement about 20/30 yr old, but in using a “Professional” body, this could be Volunteers, but quality is important.
Advertising must come up to modern standards - which will be expensive.
Today’s youth has “short term” involvement with no long term commitment.
Attitudes need to change, we have a reputation of being “po-faced”; sight of dancers using Pilling and cribs will put off new dancers.
We must live in today’s world, strong links need to be made with other organisations.
Spring Fling needs to be developed.
New Vision - yes - we are drifting towards an International organisation based on a Scottish tradition.
8
Must seek expert advice because of our litigious society.
Must not become too professional - a core for guidance. Volunteers are essential.
Must sow seeds. 20/30’s lifestyle is exceedingly busy; when lives become less busy, will volunteer.
Web site is crucial as avenue of communication.
Scottish organisation of its very nature. International aspect however is unique and needs emphasising.
Encourage Branches/Affiliates to print out and publish locally.
9
For young people, teach dancing through the dance. Don’t labour techniques as an academic exercise. Dancing should be fun and enjoyment.
Need are now different - get message of fun & enjoyment to the young person without pressure. Commitment will come later, don’t put them off. Embrace ceilidh dancing too.
13 Future role:- RSCDS has to think beyond the certificate to ensure better teaching adapted to audiences.
Teachers need to be able to lead their class; be subtle.
Develop firstly into 4 & 5, then “teachers’ further education”
RSCDS has to encourage Teachers’ Associations. Produce programme for Post certificate education for teachers, give them the skills to cope with today’s dancers in all their different needs/wants.
15
Appoint professional paid marketing person to obtain positive publicity.
Appoint some young ‘role model’ people as Vice Presidents of the Society.
Advise branches.

ITEM C - Publishing & sales.

1
Society should be:- the central body, quality control, advisory - control publications, sales, sales via internet, in-house staff dedicated
Advertise - internet - bookshops - country dance magazine - libraries.
5
Members should have access to a shop provided by the RSCDS for:
- individual dance instructions - original printed music for that dance.
- suggested music sets for dances - recorded music - through the internet as a priority, by out sourcing this to professional specialists.

ITEM D - Affiliated groups.

3
To improve links with Affiliated Groups, better communication should be established at local level involving the Society branches.
4
No benefits in affiliation for the group - may encourage eventual RSCDS membership - encourage full membership - members’ dance - problem in rural areas to have other than local classes due to distance - more experienced dancers should attend beginners’ classes to help & encourage - green ‘L’ plates for beginners - PR ?.
Should work in partnership with affiliated groups to better understanding their needs and learn from them.
5
RSCDS & Branches need to enter into a positive proactive dialogue with other groups including non-affiliated groups in order to encourage effective interaction.
6
Message is more important than membership.
Affiliated Groups stay as such because of our rules.
Branches should act as an umbrella for Affiliated groups with members of each organisation being on the Branch Committee.
9
Miss Milligan says on tape that a Branch function should be an umbrella for all the dancing groups in an area. Branch functions for all.
There is a lack of inclusivity from the Society’s side. Until removed we can not move forward.
Role of Affiliated Groups varies in different areas. Large geographical area the groups help to support the RSCDS, they come under the ‘umbrella’ of the Branch. Smaller areas (like a town/city) Branch tends to be compact, with affiliated groups on the periphery.
Branches should work with Aff. groups to promote/encourage dancing in the area. Try not to ‘clash’ events - openly discuss these conflicts.
At Branch level - encouraging individual membership through stressing RSCDS advantages. Differential charging for members/non-members.
Good communication between BR. and Aff. Gps. Aff. Gps become Branches because of local circumstances.
It is important that Br, work with Aff. Gps to encourage RSCDS membership and have an inclusive attitude.
RSCDS provide to Aff. Gps: - advertising in the Dir. of Sec - access to Public Liability history - used to provide a subscription copy of new dances - perceived reduction in services offered with loss of subscription copies - copy of the Society magazine.
11
Aff. Groups teach dances, Branches teach dancing.- amalgamate the two.
V. important to go to dances to experience both social and music of SCD
Family night at afternoons - a good MC and simple dances, welcoming.
taster evenings with good music and lots of accent on the fun and social aspects of SCD followed by perhaps 6 - 10 weeks course - again this is all down to our marketing.
12
Aff. Gps. get rather little for the £25 fee.
The suggestion here is that a MB member is nominated to develop approaches for communicating with Aff. Gps. and their members.
13
Affiliation Strategy required.
Identify MB member/ working group to produce an Aff. Gp. strategy
for MB + 1 (April) - e.g. send Summer School literature, use Aff. Gp mailing programme, extend Aff. Gp. services.
Huge resource virtually untapped. Aff. Gp. image of Society is critical.
14
The core of the matter is to optimise the relationship between Branches and Aff. Gps. - i.e. two way - by improved communications in order to enhance the RCDS image, and promote SCD in the area.
15
Improve relations between Branches & Aff. Gps.
Going out & visit.
Hold an annual meeting with everyone who runs classes.
Aff. Gp. affiliated to a Branch, not Society.

FREQUENCY OF ITEM DISCUSSIONS
Tables’ choice: A= 8, B = 6, C = 2, D = 10

Compiled by Peter Wright from the tables’ return sheets.