Our local associations.(Forum Focus: Local Associations)

In preparation for our spring leadership retreat, an informal survey was conducted of the Pennsylvania local associations in an effort to cultivate a more active communication between them and the state leadership and to find out what they want of their state organization. The questionnaire contained some very basic questions regarding structure, the local membership, activities and needs. Responses came from 10 of the 14 active local associations.

Structure

Of the 10 responding organizations, only two are incorporated. Five hold 501 (c)(3) status either independently or under the MTNA umbrella. With regard to bylaws, six had revised their bylaws within the last five years, one within the last 10 years, one was currently in progress and one never revised them.

Local Association Membership

The questions with regard to membership asked what the local association does to attract new members; were there any non-piano teacher members; and do they maintain a list of prospective members.

Member recruitment activities include placing flyers or posters in local music stores, malls, libraries, community centers, churches; phone contact; placing ads in the newspaper; mailings to non-members; links to the public school music teachers websites. Only seven of the 10 groups have nonpiano teachers. Five local associations maintained a prospective member database, two just started one, the other three did not have any. All except one were willing to share their prospective member list with the state association for the purpose of receiving the annual conference mailings.

Local Association Activities