Pre-Discussion Mailout
This outline is intended to stimulate discussion and share ideas in running a successful orchid society. I have drawn mostly on my experiences as a member and officer of various orchid societies in the South Florida area. Hopefully it will provide some good ideas and insights that can benefit your local societies. At a minimum it should provide some food for thought and a framework to analyze what we are doing right and why some things are not happening the way we want them to.
OUTLINE OF TOPICS:
1. Types of Clubs:
A: Regular - Generally share interest in all orchids. Accepts as members anyone with more than 1 plant and an interest in learning more.
B: Specialized - Specializes in one particular area. For example we have a society that deals only with species. There may be clubs that specialize on one genus, i.e., phalaenopsis. Each type of club has its own set of problems and challenges to make them successful.
One of the ongoing questions down here is whether commercial growers should be allowed to join the club and more important whether they should be allowed to serve on the Board and hold office.
2. Size of Clubs:
A: Under 50 members: Often started in a large company. Easy to manage and to communicate with members. Few problems. Limited resources.
B: Between 50 and 100 members: Often covering a small geographical area. Still fairly manageable, communication relatively easy. Often same officers year in year out, musical chair syndrome.
C: Between 100 and 350 members. Meetings and events become harder to manage. Communication becomes more difficult. More diversity in membership. Requires more planning and thought. Often found in larger metropolitan areas. More resources available. Bureaucracy and politics often become a problem.
Egos sometimes get in the way.
D: Over 350 members: Often require paid help to manage properly. Usually have tremendous resources. Can become overwhelmed with commercial interests. Politics usually a problem. Egos generally get in the way. Typical large organizational problems.
3. Main activities offered by Clubs:
A: Monthly meetings - Generally held at night. Meeting revolves around a predetermined program or speaker. Generally last 2-3 hours. A number of activities may accompany the meeting such as:
i. Silent auction of member brought plants - Typical silent auction with the member getting most of the proceeds and the club keeping $1-$2 or a percent of each sale. Only members should be allowed to sell!! Great place for new embers and guests to acquire new plants and for members to dispose of duplicates. Some clubs only allow flowering plants to be sold.
ii. Raffle - Raffle tickets are sold for a plant table which may be brought in by the speaker or secured in another fashion. Number of plants raffled vary from a dozen to over 50. Fun event that helps to pay for the speaker and enjoyed by most people (especially the winners). Also keeps people till the end of the meeting. Many variations are used. Sometimes there is a special member plant (members only), AOS plant (AOS members only) or bonus plant (larger plant requiring a special ticket).
iii. Mini-Class - Usually precedes main program and is designated to help the beginner members by covering some of the more basic aspects of orchids.
iv. Announcements - Generally takes place between the mini class and the main program. Announcements and other business matters are handled by the president. They include such things as shows, activities by other clubs, rambles, sales, elections, member news, etc.
v. Judging and Show and Tell Table - Most clubs have ribbon and/or AOS judging. Plants are generally entered in a show and tell table and picked from there by the judges. The show and tell table by itself gives members a chance to show off their plants and the rest of the people a chance to see and find out
about specific plants. Special prizes are often given out at the end of the year for cumulative points or for special categories. A continuing debate is whether members would go through the trouble to bring in their plants if there is no judging per se. Another question is whether AOS awarded plants should be allowed to be entered for ribbon or special award judging.
vi. Refreshments - A very important part of the meeting! Gives people a chance to talk and get to know one another while enjoying a glass of punch or a cup of coffee.
B. Annual Auction - Most clubs hold a annual auction, which is their largest fund raiser. How to run a successful auction is a topic in itself but some of the key questions are as follows:
i. How do you announce it and market it?
ii. Where do you get the plants from? Donations? Purchased?
iii. Are you taking advantage of the recruiting opportunities afforded by the auction??
iv. Are you making an effort to involved some of your newer members in the auction??
C. Christmas Party - Many clubs turn their December meeting into a Christmas party and dinner. Many of the clubs down here, have the club pay for the meats, hams etc. and the members bring cover dishes and the rest of the food. The clubs often buy a plant for each member attending. Special prizes resulting from the judging results in the e past year are often awarded at this party. Prizes for tabletop decorations are often given out. Who and how much to charge varies quite a bit. Often the members get in free and guests
pay a nominal amounts.
D. Orchid Shows and Exhibits at orchid shows - Many clubs actually put on orchid shows and this is by far the most demanding and important activity of the year. This is another topic that could probably use a session of its own. However, many clubs limit themselves to putting an exhibit at a local orchid show. This can be an expensive project with little tangible return to a club and many clubs are questioning the wisdom of doing it. I personally hope clubs keep putting on exhibits, because they really add a lot to an orchid
show and are a lot of fun to do. Its also a great way for new and old members to get to know one another!
E. Rambles or Bus trips - Who says riding a bus isn't fun?? Whether you're going to a far away orchid show or just visiting a bunch of nurseries a hundred miles away, this is a great activity for all members. Down here we limit ourselves to one day trips, but I believe some of you can share your experiences on longer trips. Typical rules of thumb down here are: Keep the cost near $25 per person, lunch is on your own, club provides some refreshments and goodies during trip, some plants are purchased by the club at each nursery and raffled off during the day. Nurseries are often asked to donate some plants to augment the raffle. Club tips the driver. Key point - Make sure you talk to the nurseries you are going to visit before hand. We actually do a dry run by car a few weeks before the trip. Ask them to have specials set up for the trip. Most nurseries love bus trips!! It is quite common for them to sell $1,000 to $1,500 in less than 2 hours. In our last bus trip, a local grower sold over $3,000 in less than 2 hours. If a nursery doesn't work out to your expectations, scratch them out from future trips. People at least down here are always late in reserving their seat, so plan ahead. Our bus trips are generally a financial break even situation for the club.
F. Convoys - Similar to bus trips but smaller and simpler. Generally get 4 to 6 cars, fill them up with members and head to some interesting orchid place. Club doesn't usually get involved in event itself.
G. House visits - One club actually started this a couple of year's ago. The idea is that the membership is invited to the home of a particular member to see their plants, culture and growing conditions. Has proven a great way to get new members acquainted with the club and its members. Great chance for the person hosting the event to sell some plants and get to know new members.
H. Picnic - Most clubs down here have an annual picnic. Members donate plants which are used as prizes for bingo. As in the Xmas party, club buys burgers, chicken etc.; members bring covered dish, dessert chips etc.
4. Types and Sequencing of Monthly Programs.
A. Programs usually fall into one of the following formats and often overlap each other.
i. Slide show with comments.
ii. Hands on Demonstration.
iii. Lecture.
Variety is the spice of life, so try to not repeat formats!! One club I sometimes attend, had slide shows four meetings in a row, and they were wondering why their attendance was down!!
B. The orchid knowledge and interest of your members varies tremendously, so no one program will meet everyone's expectations. Try to have something for everyone at each program and vary the main content
from month to month! Three consecutive months of repotting instructions for different genera will upset members, just as much as three consecutive months of breeding directions of different genera.
Remember that not every speaker needs to be from far away or a great authority. Many of your members can put on wonderful and different programs. In summary, know your audience, vary the format and vary the level of expertise at every meeting, you will see the difference!!
C. Cost of programs - Costs down here vary depending whether the speaker is bringing a plant table for the raffle or not. The size of the club and whether the speaker will be allowed to sell plants at the meeting (we generally do not allow this) also enters into the equation. I'd be curious to see how this varies in different parts of the country.
5. Getting and Keeping Members.
A. Develop a formal recruiting plan. Doesn't have to be fancy but it should be definite.
B. Target specific events for recruiting new members. Your yearly auction and orchid shows are prime examples. Explore the use of an organized membership drive.
C. Use a visitors' sign in sheet and send them a free newsletter for a couple of months.
D. Develop a new member kit. We include several discount coupons from local orchid nurseries. They love to get new orchid people into their nursery early on.
E. Develop specific programs for the meetings when you get most new members. In Miami, clubs get many new members after the Miami show, the program for or that month is always geared towards beginners.
F. When you get new members to the meeting, make sure they feel welcome!!! Does your club:
i. Have a special sign up sheet for newcomers and welcome them with a smile.
ii. Have specially designated members that introduce themselves to the newcomers and make themselves available to answer questions.
iii. Introduce new members to the rest of the club.
iv. Incorporate into your new member applications questions about their interest and which projects they may want to work in.
v. Emphasize to them that they are always welcome even if they don't join the club.
vi. Inform them of the privileges of membership.
G. In terms of your existing members; Does your club:
I. Give them thanks and credit when they do something for the club. I recently did something for one of the clubs down here that resulted in over $1,500 going into its treasury and never got acknowledged or even a thank you. Do you think good old Al is going to go to bat for that club next year?? Guess which membership may not get renewed??
ii. Remember that we are all volunteers?
iii. Make an effort to involve all members in the activities of the club?
iv. Make an effort to be sensitive to the needs and wants of its members?
v. Openly discuss controversial issues and makes sure that the will of the membership is respected.
Go Back to Index
TOPIC: DISCUSSION OF ORCHID SOCIETIES, Part I
Moderator: Miami Al
25 Jun 97
Present were:
John
Peter Lin
Barbara
Lois
Richard
Gail
Prankster (Susan)
MiamiAl
NativeHeart (Jane)
Ann
Harold
Miami_Al
Why don't we all tell the group which clubs we belong to and how many members they have.
I
South Florida maybe 500 members, not real sure.
South Dade about 225 members
and Pan American about 50 members.
Gail_Levy
DBOS about 150 members
Coalition for Orchid Species about 50 or so.
John_in_Arcadia_CA
San Gabriel Valley Orchid Hobbyists of which I an a founding member and ex-president, San Gabriel Valley Orchids Hobbyists used to have about 125 but I don't know now what they have as I really am out of the group and rarely attend.
Peter_Lin_at_Irving,_TX
Fort Worth OS about 300 members
Greater North Texas OS about 100 members
BTW about 50 or so members belong to both societies...
Ann_in_Dallas
Greater North Texas Orchid Society about 100 members.
Between 35 and 60 are usually at meetings.
Oh, I also belong to the AOS, but I don't count them as far as this program goes.
Prankster__Susan
I only belong to OrchidSafari ! I am at a geographical disadvantage. No clubs near me.
marylois
Shreveport OS, about 120
South Florida OS (unknown)
Honolulu OS (unknown)
Belong to latter two for their wonderful periodicals which come with membership.
graphicgreg
Tropical OS, about 150 members.
Barbara
Diablo View OS, about 175 members.
Miami_Al
Sounds like most of us have at least one society in the 100-200 member range.
I assume you all got the outline. I suggest we follow it and we all talk or ask questions about each topic as we go along. You may or may not agree with my experiences about the characteristics of clubs based on their size. Does any of this sound familiar??
John_in_Arcadia_CA
Al I read the stuff sent and was amazed that so much IF NOT ALL of what you said are thing that we did in our group when I was President in 1976.
All of the things done in groups are very important and does work to help keep the group together. All groups must grow together or the will go out of existence.
Miami_Al
Most of the things are not new. Hopefully we can share some ideas to make them better.
John_in_Arcadia_CA
Tomorrow night my group is having a Vendor night. No meeting , just vendors selling what they want. I like that as some of the smaller vendors are hard to get to.
marylois
Good idea!
Miami_Al
That sounds like a good idea John, does the club get any $$ from the sales?? Is it done at night at a regular meeting??
John_in_Arcadia_CA
Yes, although this year they couldn't get the larger hall on our regular night which is the 3rd Tursday so the took the next Thursday. We meet at the Arboretum in Arcadia. We were the first group to meet there and we still meet there.
Miami_Al
John, how do you decide what the club keeps from the vendor sales?
John_in_Arcadia_CA
I don't know as I am not involved with that.
Miami_Al
John, when you have vendors night. Are noncommercial persons allowed to also sell?
John_in_Arcadia_CA
I believe that anyone can sell. It is mostly smaller comercial growers and a few larger ones though.
Miami_Al
In terms of the activities listed as part of the monthly meetings, do you all have most of them. That is silent auction, raffle, mini class, announcements, refreshments and of course a main program??
Ann_in_Dallas
We don't have a mini-lesson at the regular meeting, but we do have a Green Growers Group, aimed at beginners, on another day.
Miami_Al
Is the green growers a monthly event or just once a year??
Ann_in_Dallas
Green Growers meet monthly, at a member's home, so they can see how other people grow, as well as have a lesson on potting, pests, etc.
Miami_Al
That definitely has potential for new members and for getting to know them and make them a part of the club.
marylois
In Shreveport we do green growers like GNTOS...different homes, different speakers -- had them here a couple months ago on potting.
John_in_Arcadia_CA
We have a "how-To" talk preceding our general meeting each month at the same time and place.
Barbara
We have annual BBQ with the live auction, at one of our member's estate, It's fun - always free for the whole family.
John_in_Arcadia_CA
We have it all. Auctions are great if you have a good auctioneer. Ours is Ernest Hetherington who is very funny. That helps as evryone know that if they come they will have a good time. His talks to the group are always well attended.
We have had to stop the bus trips as the cost was way out of proportion. Here buses are VERY expensive. We do a picnic at Zuma Canyon every year. It is well attended.
marylois
Bus trips out of question here - not that many orchid houses in the commutable vicinity.
In all groups - be it a church group, civic group - whatever...about 50% attend and 10% work...how do you get em to WORK!
Miami_Al
That's about the same down here. What we have done in some clubs is make a definite effort to get people involved and we usually can spot the workers from there. Many times however, its the same old group and they don't really make anyone new feel welcome; new people often lose interest because of that!
graphicgreg
We have it all too, but the silent auction is only an annual event. I would like to add my feelings about judged plant tables. I think they're exclusionary and completely unnecessary except in remote
areas far from judging centers.
marylois
Exclusionary? How so, Greg?
graphicgreg
Our society has never had a judged plant table and members always feel unintimidated about bringing their plants in. Often lost tag plants are brought in for ID by more experienced members.
marylois
Exactly, Greg! We have lots of newbies bringing in plants now cause they get feedback even if they don't get a ribbon!
graphicgreg
Well Lois, we have a fair number of older growers...some who only have 2nd floor patios to grow there plants on and yet they always volunteer for refreshment duty. Not EVERYBODY has AOS awards in their eyes...some people grow them just for fun and don't even know many names and I don't think
those folks should feel embarassed about bringing in plants to show off...
John_in_Arcadia_CA
I definitely agree.
Peter_Lin_at_Irving,_TX
I like the idea of ribbon judging...but judges seem to prefer exotic orchids..something other than phalaenopsis...
Ann_in_Dallas
We have a judged plant table, but it's a far cry from AOS judging. Ribbons are awarded for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and species. Points are awarded, and prizes are given at the end of the year for the people with the most points. A members gets one point just for bringing a plant for the plant table, whether it wins a ribbon or not. It's a real thrill for a newbie to win a ribbon.
John_in_Arcadia_CA
Ann, we have this also. Anyone can be asked to judge and it is often just what the judge likes not what is best. I ask that my plants not be judged.
Miami_Al
Do you allow awarded plants for the judging?? Also sounds like a great idea to give one point just for bringing a plant, it may encourage people to participate.
Barbara
Our judging system are very much like Ann's, we always pick the visitors or newbie to be the judges (3 each time), judge only what you like not what you know.
Peter_Lin_at_Irving,_TX
But the plant table chairperson always ask AOS judges or student judges to judge the plant table...
Ann_in_Dallas
Volunteer, Peter! Remember there are two other judges to help you keep an open mind. Your opinion and your preferences are just as valid as anyone else's.
Peter_Lin_at_Irving,_TX
I like the idea of having different categories for the plant table..maybe I'll bring it up again during the board meeting. It is not easy changing the bylaws...
John_in_Arcadia_CA
Your judging rules are in the Bylaws? That makes for a very difficult time. Things like that don't belong in the bylaws other than to simply say that there will be some form of judging. Any rules are then set up by the board of directors and can be changed by them at any time.
Peter_Lin_at_Irving,_TX
Yep..article XIII - Rules for the Plant Table...
marylois
RIGHT! You always get "no bylaws change, stirs up a frenzy if you bring it up"....well, it's only the same group of less than ten who don't want the changes and get frantic!
We do it that way too, Ann - at year end there is a prize for most plants and a prize for most points...like at an AOS judging - it's generally the person who brings the most plants who gets the most points.
John_in_Arcadia_CA
I have lost some interest because in the 45 years that our group has been going, I have heard almost everyone that they can get to talk. We even had David Sanders who was passing through on his way to a World Orchid Conference. What a coup!!
Peter_Lin_at_Irving,_TX
for old member like myself..I love getting a ribbon too.. But my plants (mostly phals) just can't compete with other exotic type of orchids...
John_in_Arcadia_CA
We give 1 raffle ticket per plant and 1 is drawn separately and first for the plants on the raffle table that night.
Ann_in_Dallas
I consider ALL judging to be highly subjective, so I don't place too much value on it. It's just one (or three) person's opinion. It's true that orchids that aren't seen very often seem to get more ribbons, but I think
that's just human nature (or judges' nature!)
Peter_Lin_at_Irving,_TX
We also have tricolor ribbon.. for awarding outstanding plant.. but it has not been used for quite a while.. I can't understand why ... Maybe they prefer to keep their standard than to encourage members to bring in more plants...
marylois
Agree, Peter - when I was judging chairman at the society meetings I instituted a "best grown" for five points (1 point is white, 2 for red, 3 for blue) - they never did it after I left...always was a wonder to me.
John_in_Arcadia_CA
Our speakers usually furnish the raffle table and it definitely pays to talk to them ahead of time so that they can point out any special plants that they have brought. I did this with Terry Root from the Orchid Zone and
he pointed out a small plant. I got it and am quite excited. Paph. Rothchildianum x Voodoo Magic. He says it should be a very dark flower.
marylois
I only meant, if you want points, take plants. If you want, AOS awards, take plants.
Peter, don't you split the ribbon judging at meetings into plant categories? What exotic plants do your phals compete against?
It's easy to set up categories: 5-6 plants, 1 place; 7-8 plants, 2 places; 9+ 3 places. Plant categories are divided up into Vanda, Den, Sm Catt, Lg Catt, Phal, Paph, Onc, sometimes like this time of year an Epi category, and a miscellaneous...any category with 4 or less ends up in misc. Doesn't happen to phals often. Works like a charm. And the person judging that category has a wide range of authority to cut up the section at will, always in the attempt to give more blue ribbons.
graphicgreg
Tropical Orchid has a Saturday Study group that meets once a month and is primarily aimed at newcomers. Years ago another member and myself did something similar; an annual Beginners Seminar that went over the basics of orchid culture...Isn't that why people join? I also initiated a membership packet about ten years ago that had culture sheets, pest control, etc.
Ann_in_Dallas
We have no restrictions on which plants can be brought in for the plant table. We ask that they be blooming orchids, be free of pests, and that's it. We give one point each for up to two plants per person, so a person can accumulate 24 points during the year just by bring two plants per meeting, even with winning ribbons. We also don't have restrictions on commercial people belonging to the group. We have several people who sell plants commercially.
graphicgreg
I suppose I need to also mention that at the end of the meeting each plant on the plant table is talked about and the owner acknowledged. This is usually done by the speaker or on of our member AOS or student judges. The comments are brief usually involve species origin, breeding lines or culture and never pass judgement.
Prankster__Susan
It might be fun for a club to have an informal fragrance judging.
marylois
Good idea, Susan!
John_in_Arcadia_CA
I would love that except that many plants don't hold their fragrance after dark or are just beginning to have some that early in the evening.
graphicgreg
Great idea Susan ... except for what John mentioned.
marylois
So what? Can't cover every eventuality - SOME orchid is gonna be fragrant at meeting time.
John_in_Arcadia_CA
We allow commercial people to belong but by "common consent" they are not asked to become officers. Some groups here have commercial people as officers and in each case the group almost went out of existence as the officers began to ignore the private small hobbyist growers.
marylois
And, even though we have five judges in our society (two new clerks (students) as of last judging at Dallas), we always include one or two members to judge the plant table. And, at times, I pick a plant for a ribbon for its "talkability".
Ann_in_Dallas
Years ago we have two categories: one for novices (growing for less than three years), and one for seasoned growers. I think they quit doing that because some of the novices were bringing in such great plants and showing up the "experts."
Barbara
We just have the 1st, 2nd, 3rd places plus a 'Densmore 'Dallion', which started by our member Stan Densmore, for only the tiny or little mini plants.
graphicgreg
When you join TOS you get the membership packet.
Miami_Al
One thing that I didn't include in the outline is how the clubs are structured in terms of officers and board. In my case I have served as officer in 2 clubs for about 3 years running. One board meeting's lasted
about 20 minutes; in the case of the other club they usually lasted about 3 hours. The second club usually had about 15 officers and board members. The first one only 5.
John_in_Arcadia_CA
Unfortunately, we are incorporated under California law and must have at least 9 directors/officers.
Ann_in_Dallas
I'm in favor of keeping boards to an absolute minimum, both in number of members and in duration of meetings. I am also in favor of keeping the business portion of meetings to an absolute minimum. Most people don't want to hear a lengthy discussion of whether the society will pay for the meat at
the Christmas party. This can be taken care of outside of the meeting, in a short board meeting. Again, just my opinion.
Harold_FB_TEX
Hello all, I am real tardy.
marylois
Shreveport has a monthly meeting on second Sunday afternoon, Green Growers
on third Sunday afternoon, and a Study Group on the third Thursday at which the award slides from Dallas the previous week are shown...gives me the opportunity to see them twice! We have an October
picnic meeting, a January awards banquet meeting, a Mother's Day corsage sale, an AOS-judged show every 18 months (so we can have a spring followed by a fall)...guess that's about it. We have few local growers - Don Howe from Atlanta TX is about it...and his stuff is so wonderful, it deserves to win when it does. People (including Don) can sell at meetings - society gets 10-20% (forget which)...also members can sell plants at the Mother's day sale and society gets 20% of that. About it.
Biggest prob nowadays is getting someone to put in an out of town display! In the SW, we all (at least 20 out of 34 societies) made it a point to show at one another's shows...getting like pulling hen's teeth!
Peter_Lin_at_Irving,_TX
Agree.. FWOS always take a long time with their business portion of the meetings. During the last meeting, this guy took 30 minutes talking about the upcoming annual picnic..he started asking how many people will bring the salard..drinks..etc...
Prankster__Susan
I agree! Im in a local riding club, and when a long discussion about insurance technicalities, precedes the main event, newcomers don't come back.
John_in_Arcadia_CA
That is exactly why we have boards of directors.
Ann_in_Dallas
I'm in another plant society that is such a joy. Very short board meetings twice a year. Practically no business at meetings - just Old Business? No? Good. New Business? Read the newsletter. We spend the time visiting, snacking, and getting to know each other for an hour before the program, raffle, give everybody in attendance a freebie plant, and that's it.
marylois
ANN! That's the key!!! More socializing time! the 20 minutes or so between business and program is NOT long enough!
Peter_Lin_at_Irving,_TX
That sounds like a wonderful society to belong to...
John_in_Arcadia_CA
Al, we used to do house visits every month. They stopped that because no one wanted to take the time to clean up their greenhouse. It is a shame as I learned a great deal from going to visit "real" greenhouses.
Miami_Al
Why don't we share something about our monthly programs. I mean besides the slide shows about this and that, the lectures and the hands on this is how you repot, stake etc.-- what else do we have? And even in the typical types of programs, have any of you had something really neat or different.
Miami_Al
One thing we started doing at one club was a financial analysis of all our activities. As a result we made many changes and were surprised at how little and how much certain things actually cost the club.
Ann_in_Dallas
The only program I can remember that didn't involve slides was Martin Motes', and that was because the slide projector bulb burned out and nobody could find a replacement. I like to see pictures of orchids, if they are good pictures. (They aren't always.) We did have a program a couple of years ago right before a show that was different. Two or three members used the plants that had been brought in for the regular plant table to put together a show exhibit. It has to be really tough to put in an exhibit, not knowing
what you will have to work with until it shows up, and that is effectively what that program was about.
marylois
We've done that a couple times. First time I saw it was at a JUDGING TRAINING SESSION in Ann Arbor (Great Lakes Region). Very effective. There is so little published about building displays...and
judging displays. People get it in their heads ALL colors have to be grouped...ever see a floral portrait where one or two of the colors weren't juxtaposed????
Peter_Lin_at_Irving,_TX
I know some societies don't meet in July and August..why is that? few participation during the vacation months? I was disappointed last year when I was in Seattle..local societies don't meet during that time...
marylois
Our group seems to love panel discussions - with lots of audience input as well. Do that once or twice a year. Actually, more would probably get boring.
John_in_Arcadia_CA
We used to have some really different things. Dr Fowlie would show slides of his trips to SE Asia etc. which would come out in the publications later. Yes that is a slide show but we had the chance to see them first and get first hand experiences which do not make publication. So many of the people who did this are no longer with us however. I can count many people that I heard that are no longer living. What experiences they had to share.
Miami_Al
Some of them down here meet at schools and they may not be available in August, therefore no meeting that month.
Miami_Al
Can you give us an example of a panel discussion program??
Peter_Lin_at_Irving,_TX
Ann - they are very good slides.. I have them on my computer..Dr. Motes gave a very good talk in my opinion.. Another presentation I remembered was from Bob Gordon's phal culture.. that was great! even my non-orchid friend enjoyed his talk.. My friend kept telling me about the importance of air-movement after Mr Gordon's presentation.
John_in_Arcadia_CA
ALways try to get speakers who have different experiences. Those are priceless in years to come. Just a lecture can be great if something is said.
Ann_in_Dallas
This is what makes the old Orchid Digests so valuable to me. I love reading about the collectors, their experiences, the conditions in which the plants grow, etc. They are dying out, and CITES will keep us from having programs like that again.
Peter_Lin_at_Irving,_TX
Phalaenopsis culture..lab work..just about anything.. I think it could be similar to the workshops from IPA symposium.. btw, anyone here going to Houston IPA this year??
Miami_Al
One thing we do that has proven interesting is a repotting and/or staking workshop in which we have 3 separate stations where some of our more experienced members demonstrate, each for a different genera. The timming is such that everyone can attend each station during themeeting and see all the demos.
Harold_FB_TEX
All you folks have to do is come to our Green Growers. We never have slides. BUT! We are a small group and can have discussions. Try that with 40 - 60 people.
marylois
Once, four growers were selected who were known for their phals, catts, dendrobes and each discussed culture on their section. Another time four or five discussed "What is SWROGA" That's the Southwest
Orchid Growers Assn -- that's akin the the "Congress", etc in others areas. Each of us took a different facet of SWROGA.
John_in_Arcadia_CA
Quite true. Dr Fowlie's experiences were priceless. His trip to Mt Kilabalu in search of Paph Rothschildianum (which he found!) was told to us MANY years ago and I still remember it. Also his trip to Penang looking for Paph niveum (or some other paph).
Miami_Al
Bob has been one of my favorite presenters for many years!! He's unique!! As a side bar, we have been adjusting our ph due primarily to the nutrition chart from one of his books and the results have been very
encouraging!!
Ann_in_Dallas
You're absolutely right, Harold. There is much value in a small group. I prefer it to a larger group, but the larger group can usually afford to bring in big name speakers, and the smaller one usually can't.
Harold_FB_TEX
Then get "big name speakers" that know their subject without the use of a slide projector. They are boring.
John_in_Arcadia_CA
Susan, ever thought of investing in a jet helicopter?
Miami_Al
One unusual meeeting we had a couple of years ago had to do with orchid photography. It was really enjoyed by a few, but many got totally lost. Had we known Greg it probably would have been different!!
marylois
pH is very important...I adjust to 6.0 - 6.5 with citric acid. Fertilizers and especially pesticides/fungicides are not effective any higher. One is loathe to say this to new growers and discourage them! That's how I met Marilyn Light...she was with Peter's in TX. I got a water test done and sent the results to her...she then told me which fertilizers to use. Turned out to be what Ed's now using - has lots of Calcium in it. Used it til I switched to Dyna-Gro...
Miami_Al
Which fertilizer from dyna gro? at what concentration and ph??
Harold_FB_TEX
It's been fun. Wish I had gotten here earlier. Nite all.
marylois
Al - know you have a few more points to make. Want to do this again next Wed?
John_in_Arcadia_CA
I guess that I am going to have to stop for tonight. My wife just got home from and Administrators "Event". I hope each of you has a good rest of the week. *poof*
Miami_Al
Sounds like we are losing many people, do you guys want to continue, leave it for another time, forget about it or whatever??
marylois
Re Dyna-Gro. I use their 7-7-7 and their "high middle number" something like 4-17-? whatever. I use two five gallon buckets of 7-7-7 and one 5 gal bucket of the lower N, higher potassium...can't watch all those plants for new growth. By going between the two I'm bound to hit em at some time that they need it! *LOL*
With the fertilizer included, my ph runs between 6 and 6.5. It is 9.0 plus normally.
Ann_in_Dallas
Let's continue next time.
marylois
Let's continue next Wed, Al. I think we got 2-3 GREAT new ideas out of this already.
Ann_in_Dallas
Good job, Al, thanks. Nite.
Miami_Al
Great minds think alike!! I do think that there are many other things we chan share with each other but its up to the group, I'll be happy to continue next Wed.
Prankster__Susan
Now you've got me wondering about ph. How do you test it? Would ph be a good topic for us to cover?
Miami_Al
Yes, but do you use say 1 tablespoon per gallon??
Peter_Lin_at_Irving,_TX
Bye ya'll.
marylois
Oh, oh - opened can of worms....well, like Ed said - most of us can adjust our water...RO would be a LAST option. Bear in mind, it's likely not vital if you are getting good growth now. Worth investigating for the serious grower. I will ask Marilyn or Ed to do a program on it, but we must continue to warn new growers to hold off til they get other factors under control. Don't you agree, John?
marylois
Al - you take two gallon jugs and adjust til one checks exactly as you want it, then multiply by the number of gallons mix you make and the number of gallons applied...I'll get the procedure presented. If it's the Dyna-Gro you are asking about: I come out with 1/4 tsp gallon of the 7-7-7 and 1/2 tsp per gallon of the low N. Again, if some of you are growing indoors, this is too much! For my water, it's taking 1/4 cup citric acid less two T to bring it down to 6.0-6.5.
Miami_Al
Lois, although I stopped using Dyna gro, we got a substantial discount by buying a 4 gallon box directly from them.
marylois
That's 1/4 cup less two T citric acid in five gallons of raw mix...BEFORE applying at 100 ppm.
marylois
Why did you stop, Al?
Miami_Al
I suspect I was using it a little too concentrated!! Like 1/2 tablespoon per gallon!!
marylois
I always go light as I continuous feed...always water with fertilizer except a couple times a year. And citric acid also REMOVES salts that have accumulated in the pot!
Miami_Al
I was not getting good growth and was having root problems. I thought it may have been because of the high ph ~9.3 that we have. It sounds like it may have been the concentration.
marylois
This removal of salts is vital to me as I use so much charcoal in my mix.
marylois
Al, the pH is way to high...you treating with anything?
marylois
Al - you did a mighty fine job here tonight...are you by any chance in the educational field?
Miami_Al
Is the citric acid liquid? I have always wonder about dyna gro because I hear many people really happy with it but I was never able to get good results. It has always intrigued me.
marylois
Citric acid is a crystal. Dyna-Gro also has pH Down, but I think it would be quite expensive in the long haul...maybe a good route til one can get a lead on citric acid which I've been led to believe is the very best way to go. Next is phosphoric - which can be obtained from battery companies, but it is volatile and citric acid is not.
Miami_Al
I'm treating with regular pool acid now but have not in the past. Its kind of interesting because I've always used Kocide on my dendrobiums and never lost a leaf. Yet everyone says that they defoliate if you use it (copper based), the reason it didn't happen to me is that my ph was so high!! Copper just doesn't release in the high ph.
marylois
Well, dear hearts -- gotta turn in. Going on 11 here, and since I started this exercise program I can no longer stay up all night. *grin*
marylois
MOST chemicals do not release in high pH. Losing a high percentage of what we put on if pH is too high.
marylois
...and yet another reason why we can never take what anyone says to heart as whole cloth -- there can always be another factor involved...also the reason why we try something new on a FEW plants, not the
entire collection.
Miami_Al
Goodnight Lois. Thanks for the complement. I'm a chemical engineer turned CPA. I did teach for a few years many years ago. See you Sat. or next week. I'll send you something about what is left to be
covered so you can give me your thoughts. Goodnight.
marylois
Very good, Al! Nite!
Prankster__Susan
Goodnight all! Great talk Al. Thanks!
Go Back to Index
TOPIC: DISCUSSION OF ORCHID SOCIETIES, Part II
Moderator: Miami Al
2 Jul 97
Al, again, led an interesting chat. You guide well, Al!
Members present:
Fleur
John
Barbara
Greg
Peter
KathyB
MiamiAl
Sharon
Sparky-Steve
Prankster-Susan
Ed
Gail Levy
Ann in Dallas
Native Heart - Jane
Newbie:
Falguni -- friend of Peter Lin; from India, name is from spring season. She is a molecular biologist and works in diabetic research lab, and in free time also does her Orchid lab work. Hope to see you at OrchidSafari often, Falguni.
Please note there is a new URL to be bookmarked for the WBS OrchidSafari doorway:
http://pages.wbs.net/webchat3.so?cmd=cmd_doorway:Orchidsafari_Chat
Miami_Al
Hello everybody.
Peter_Lin_at_Irving TX
Hi folks. I have a friend from Fort Worth OS..Her name if Falguni. I'm going to have her chat with us.. Please say hi to her...[all greeted Falguni]
Miami_Al
Greg, any nurseries near Sarasota you recommend??
Prankster__Susan
Whats the topic for the evening?
Miami_Al
Hi everybody. Are we ready to start. We're suppose to finish changing ideas about orchid societies.
Barbara
Go Al! Go Al!
Miami_Al
I'm having trouble posting, taking about 90 seconds to get through. How about if we talk a little about what we all do to recruit and keep new members??
Barbara
We get most of our new members from our annual show & sales.
Miami_Al
Some things we do down here is to target specific times to recruit. Example after our big show, after the annual auction. We generally try to have programs that cater to beginners because the enthusiasm is usually high.
KB_Barrett
We've been recruiting new members via the usual methods, holding shows and asking people to join. KEEPing new members probably is the harder question to answer.
Barbara
As for keeping the old members, we are a fun social group, love to eat, grow orchids, and visit.
Miami_Al
Do you all keep a visitor log at the auction and send them newsletters for a couple of months?? We always find that the guests spend more at the auctions than the members.
Sparky
I found that you will keep a constant number of members---some come and some go!!!!! Year after year!
Ed_in_SAT
We see the same in this area, Al. We always have a senior member or two monitor the auction and stop bidding if someone is getting carried away. Makes for good feelings.
Sparky
ed--what do you mean stop the bidding?
Ed_in_SAT
Just that - wave the arm and say enough is enough. Makes the inexperienced more willing to bid because they know they are not going to be taken - by themselves or anyone else. Of course, prices are generous, just not ridiculous...
Sparky
Biggest draw is the mall show for new members.
Miami_Al
We've found that it can be intimidating for new members in their first few meetings. We often assign a board member to introduce themselves and sit with new members. That way they find out how the meeting is ran and the different activities that are going on. Do you all make an effort to have a specially nice raffle table on those nights when you typically get a lot of new members??
KB_Barrett
I know that was true for me. If Barbara hadn't held my hand the first year (yes, I'm really a shy person for all my outgoingness!!) I probably would have quit.
We keep a log and send newsletters for a few months. Barbara and I are in the same group. Diablo View Orchid Society, about 145 dues paying members, about two hundred on the mailing list.
Barbara
We have a sign up sheet for a raffle at the show, we then send our newsletter for about 3 months, the annual auction, is at our bbq, not really open to the public.
Miami_Al
That post took 3 and a half minutes to clear! Another thing we do is that when people apply for membership, we give them various choices of the activities they would like to participate in. Then we make sure they get called to help, lets them get to know other members and gets them working for the society.
KB_Barrett
As stupid a question as this may sound I'd like to ask why societies want to attract new members? Or to put it another way, what do they hope to achieve? Do they want to share their enthusiasm with other new growers? Are they trying to widen their social group? I think when a society answers that question then it will have a handle on how to keep and attract new members.
KB_Barrett
Al, it sounds like you guys don't drop the ball very often! A very together society.
Barbara
That is a good idea, to get then assign to work when they join, get then early on.
Miami_Al
My experience is that typically some members don't renew their membership. Also we often lose some of the "workers" and need to bring in new blood with fresh ideas ( although I'm not sure there are a lot of those!). I've recently seen the phenomenon that many people that have made always up the "working core" have decided to just enjoy the show and do little work for a year or two.
KB_Barrett
We have (had) a newcomers club, which I participated in and met many new members that way. But the best way I found to meet the members was to work the show. It was fun and I had a blast.
Miami_Al
Not really. Has turned into a real political situation. Everybody probably acting with genuine best interests but much infighting. I for one have resigned from all boards. I'll continue to auction etc, but no more
official duties!!
Barbara
Al, that is so right, enough is enough, after so many years, I like to set back and enjoy the meeting and show for a change.
Sparky
I am in three clubs for that reason---founding member in Boca----and relax at the other meetings...
Miami_Al
Another thing I have found is that the officers and board members should represent a diverse group; i.e., some old, some younger; male/females; shy/outgoing etc. This I found goes along way to get different people to serve in various capacities and for various projects. It also helps to ensure that all points of view are considered.
Peter_Lin
That's kind of what we did .. I'm the secretary...younger than the other board members.
Sparky
Al---we have a hard time getting board members.
Miami_Al
A couple of other things that can help keep the society vibrant is careful planning of the programs (I think we talk about that last week) and the newsletter!!! When you read your newsletter do you get the feeling that you won't want to miss the meeting or is it the same ole thing??
Gail_Levy
Barbara, I don't know how to post my patio pictures. Steve sent them to me in e-mail, I was depending on him to post them. He's very busy right now.
John_in_Arcadia_CA
I fully agree. If they are all of the same age then everyone "tires" out at the same time or just quits. Various ages makes for a much better group and fresher ideas.
John_in_Arcadia_CA
Hi Ann, How's the Bulbo jamaciense doing?
[Anyone who does not have a server to post pictures, email them to me - I'll load 'em and send you the URL for discussion...can only leave up couple weeks though...suffering from overload *smile*...mlg]
Miami_Al
Do you all give new members a "kit" with some discount coupons from local growers, membership roster, culture sheets, welcome letter, etc.
Ann_in_Dallas
Hi, John, I have possession of two Bulb. jamaicence (or however it's spelled). I friend here begged me to babysit hers. One of them still has no leaves. The other one has put on one leaf. I think they are both alive, and trying to recover from the shock of being in a new greenhouse.
Miami_Al
BTW, how many of your societies have t-shirts or polo shirts??
Ann_in_Dallas
Al, that's a great idea. We only have two local full-time commercial growers in the area, and I don't know if they'd give discounts or not. They cater to a clientele that isn't concerned with cost, I think. We make rosters available to all members--put 'em out on a table at the meetings, but there is no official "Welcome" kit. Maybe that's something we could work on.
Barbara
1. our society doesn't give the new member a thing, just take the check and say see you at the next meeting. 2. We do have t-shirt and sweat shirt, for about 4 years now, trying to sell the last doz or so.
I like the sweat shirt, we have a nice Catt. design for the shirt. With green background, yellow Catt. with red lip. You can't miss it.
Miami_Al
We have many growers and they love to give a discount coupons to our new members, that way they get first crack at them!!
Gail_Levy
We have tee shirts Al, always encourage people to wear them to meetings, at least the board members and especially on rambles.
Barbara
Our dues are only $10. for the whole family, so we didn't bother with any coupons,
Ann_in_Dallas
Another society I belong to is having an artist come in for the next meeting to present designs for t-shirts, totes, whatever. I'd like to have shirts. GNTOS had some really nice shirts made 7-8 years ago with an outline of the state of Texas and an arrangement of several Texas native orchids on it. I loved that shirt, and wore it out. Wish I'd bought several. I was in Miami last month to judge the South Florida Fern Society show, and they had nice shirts.
Gail_Levy
We also give a Golden Guide in our membership packet. We used to have discount coupons but I guess we must have run out.
Ann_in_Dallas
Did we discuss amount of dues? Our society raised the dues this year from $15 to $20. I was opposed to it. I think the dues should be kept low as long as there is enough money to operate (we have well over $10K) to encourage new memberships, and raise money elsewhere.
Miami_Al
I'll throw out a couple of more questions to compare notes with.
1. How much do your societies typically pay a speaker and what are they expected to provide for the $$. Down here one of our societies normally pays $300 but the speaker is expected to bring in the raffle table with about 27 plants including 3 blooming ones, and 10 seedlings.
2. Do your societies typically advertise the monthly program and if so where? any cost associated with the ad? The societies I belong to do announce it in community type advertisements at no cost, same for public TV channels.
Ann_in_Dallas
We generally pay $50, except for out-of-town speakers. There is a rule on the books that is frequently ignored that says for out-of-town speakers we will do ONE of the following: a) allow the speaker to bring plants for sale; b) pay the speaker's expenses; c) pay the speaker an honorarium. Depending on who it is, sometimes we do all three. For a member who is the speaker we frequently make a $50 donation to the AOS or other charity of the speaker's choice.
Miami_Al
Do you normally have a raffle table?? who brings it?? or does the society buy it??
Barbara
Al, I believe that we pay the speaker around $230. or 250. I'm not sure which one, they do provide plants for the raffle table, some speakers do not have the plants, we then buy it from member's nursery, I don't know how much we then pay him/her. As for the ad we don't have any besides the monthly newsletter and the local paper's Garden Calendar.
Ann_in_Dallas
We normally have a raffle table. The quality has wide swings, depending on who is in charge that year. The society pays for the plants, and hopes to sell more tickets than the plants cost. Occasionally they use donated plants that are in pitiful condition.
As to advertising, Dallas is down to only one newspaper, and it has a gardening section on Fridays. They will usually run a notice of the meeting if all their conditions are met: the notice must be in two weeks before the Friday on which it is to run, it must be a certain length, etc.
One more thing about the newspaper notice, someone must remember to send it in. I don't know who is doing that this year, but they have been consistent about it.
Miami_Al
Just FYI, when the speaker doesn't provide the table we generally pay $50 and use the other $250 to buy the plant table. The theory is that if a speaker brings the table he will typically give us more than normal because he will be there in person and will want to show his plants/nursery off. Usually works but there are exceptions.
Ann_in_Dallas
It is a dream to think of having $250 to spend on raffle plants. [At Shreveport, we do not expect to make society money on the door prizes/raffle plants... All proceeds are plowed back in for purchasing more doorprize/raffle plants...keeps quality pretty even...mlg]
Miami_Al
A great president we had in one of our societies passed that chore to the program chairman (who decides on the programs and arranges for them), but she preprinted the announcements for each paper of TV station so it became only a fill the program, date and time situation. This made it very easy to send and they generally got in and on time. its usually a great idea to become friends with the gardening editor!! You can get an incredible amount of mileage from that relationship!!
Barbara
Our annual BBQ auction, is required each person bring a orchid plant or something related to orchids, the food is free (good food too), after the dinner we auction off all the plants that were brought in, we have some very good ones too, I always spend way too much each time. That is our main fund raising function.
Miami_Al
Ann the $300 payment is for one of the larger clubs. Our benchmark is that the raffle pay for the speaker and raffle table. Doesn't happen very often with the $300 limit!
That sounds like a lot of fun. I assume open to members and their guests only? Do the guests need to pay??
Barbara
We usually break even with the raffle table, some speakers are more generous than others with the plants.
If members bring the guests, no need to pay just bring a plant. For nonmembers, it's $20 each. So, as always, at the BBQ time we have a few new members.
Ann_in_Dallas
This is a great idea! Do you have the meal catered, or do members supply it?
Barbara
BTW, some of our old members will go into a bidding war, all for the good cause, the society benefits from it. It's a show to see some years.
Ann_in_Dallas
Sounds like lots of fun. Do you hire an auctioneer or use one of your members?
Barbara
The society buys the meat, good steak or chicken. The members bring salads or desserts or hot dish, we always have it at one of our member's estate, big, big yard with large trees to shade.
KB_Barrett
The last auctioneer was Frank Fordyce, who always says something nice about each plant and is a very engaging person.
Barbara
We have our very own Frank Fordyce. Either he or his daughter Sue, they are good orchid auctioners.
Ann_in_Dallas
Wow! to have Frank Fordyce as your auctioneer!
Barbara
Ann, he is one of our society founders, his nursery always provides the plants whenever the speaker didn't.
Ann_in_Dallas
As much as I'm enjoying this, I find that my eyes are closing in spite of the toothpicks. I bid you adieu, and I'll see you on Saturday.
Miami_Al
I think I must also call it a night. I thank you all for your ideas and your participation. I wish we had started earlier on the topic. We'll talk Sat. **poof**
Barbara
Who else is here, should I turn off the light?
KB_Barrett
Nope, kid, just you and me! I'll turn off the light when you poof!
Barbara
Well, in that case, I'll say goodnight--have a good holiday.
Lights out. 'click'
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