Viewing page 182 of 242
This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.
86 current biennial random sampling membership survey indicates that 92.5 percent of the present membership intends to renew, so it is hoped that this figure, combined with contemplated limited promotion, will return membership to the 55,000 level by fiscal years 1988-89. The Resident Associate Program will continue to organize education and membership activities including courses, seminars, lectures, film series, and study tours for adults and young people and to commission original works of art. For the coming year, the Program is considering some new options to reach broader audiences. Teleconferencing seminars and courses are under investigation as well as the use of other new sophisticated communications technology. Due to the success of the 1982 collaboration with the American Institute of Architects on an architectural design seminar, future similar collaboration will be planned with AIA. In addition, in spring 1983, a Resident Associate seminar on architecture and energy funded by AIA as part of a national project is planned. Also, because of the success of the 1982 AIA project, the Resident Associate Program is considering a similar proposal from the American Society of Interior Designers. In the area of membership, the staff is taking a new look at the composition of its membership based on results from the 1982 biennial membership questionnaire. An effort will be made in the next year to attract more black and other minority members. The lower retention rate is stimulating consideration of active recruitment of new members. [[underlined]] National Associate Program. [[/underlined]] Travel, regional events, selected studies and contributing membership activities will continue as a way for National members to participate in the life of the Institution without regard to their geographical location. It is difficult to project the rate of growth for foreign and domestic study tours since demand for tours is related to members' disposable incomes and expenses, including future energy costs. Currently, demand for the educational tours is strong and this trend is expected to continue through 1983. As in the past, airline co-sponsorship will be sought to alleviate the problem of higher air fare for staff traveling in conjunction with the regional events outreach activities. More than 900,000 people will have been invited to experience this popular program in 90 different cities by 1988. Based on current heavy enrollment, the number of National members coming to Washington for the five-day selected studies seminars is expected to increase at a modest rate despite higher transportation costs. The growth will result from the use of Smithsonian facilities located off the Mall and to increased members of participants in appropriate seminars. T he contributing membership is expected to grow at a most favorable rate. Several successful promotion techniques have been developed which should continue to produce encouraging results.
