Preparing for the FUTURE A time for moving forward Leadership Conference

We wish to remain a member led organisation, working with grass roots members, but Our membership continues to reduce by around 4% each year. For effective and lasting growth, we need to look at the ways we work and function The story so far

This could lead to fundamental changes to the way we are FORMED, how we WORK, and how we COMMUNICATE CHANGE Can you teach an old dog new tricks – quite a few of you say YES

What are these changes ? How do we bring about these changes? Are there costs involved ? What will we benefit? Do we have to do it within a timescale ? So let us begin

We have been going for 140 years, and we are used to our ways. So change will be difficult, especially for those of our members on the fringes, who do not see the full picture First some hard facts

Today’s Mothers’ Union is not how Mary Sumner formed it So we have changed We have lived through 2 world wars What we are today If there is a will there is always a

Great, but what do we benefit from being different Or is it because you have always done it that way Next time, ask if this is the best way to do what you are doing You say - We are different

Money is tight, so agreeing to common processes can help reduce time and money At the moment Is it worth discussing what processes can be standardised to save on resources

Does this help or hinder us our constitution Are there areas within your constitution, that simply does not work is it time to changes

clearly outlines why the Diocese exists and what, in broad terms, it intends to do and how it intends to do it. Purpose of a Constitution Shall we collectively agree a model constitution that is fit for our needs today

Always plan, then plan again and then plan again and Always communicate, then communicate and then Always celebrate, and celebrate and celebrate So.....Let’s find that way Try, Try and try until it is right

1. How we are physically setup 2. How we collect information about your membership 3. How we hold and process membership information 4. How we set and collect our subscription 5. How branches operate 6. ??? Let us together identify areas of our work that do not work

Our members – our most valuable resource – for members to be effective in their out reach they should know about the work we do in their name. Only then we will we able to collectively grow and move forward. Communications But who are they – do they really exist

Cork – Made membership simpler and more accessible Birmingham – redefined deaneries to better support members. Paved the way for organic growth WYAD – Merged 3 dioceses What changes have you made Case studies of CHANGE

So what can we do to simplify the way we work