Change is coming to Canberra Blues Society Administration
... and it will have direct benefits for our members!
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Why are we changing?
The tools that we use to administer the Canberra Blues Society, for membership, events and so on have not changed markedly as we have grown from our much smaller beginnings to where we are today. Spreadsheets, an individual’s DropBox account and so on are showing the signs of strain in providing support to our membership and in the running of significant numbers of large and successful blues music events.
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What are we changing?
We have commenced the implementation of tools that are better suited to the way we need to work. These are Google Workspace for non-profits and a Member Management System called WildApricot.
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Several key components of Google Workspace (Google Drive, Gmail, Google Calendar) will provide better information management and communications for committee members (and will allow you to communicate with the committee).
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WildApricot will be used to manage memberships and renewals, events and ticketing, merchandise sales and more.
Although the main motivation for this change is to make administration easier, quicker and more secure, there will be direct benefits for all members.
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When does all this happen, and what will I notice?
We have the Google Drive component in place and will have the Gmail and Calendar functions up and running in March or early April. This is mostly invisible to members other than giving you the ability to send mail to a committee member using addresses that will include:
and so on. We will let you know when this is working!
As we bring the components of WildApricot online, you will see them via our web site. These will include membership and renewals, merchandise sales, events and ticketing, our band directory and more. This should start happening in early May.
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What benefits do members get?
The enhancements will include:
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An online merchandise shop where you can buy our hats, shirts, CDs etc. and automatically get your member discount.
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The ability to renew your membership online with membership renewals on the anniversary date (so no weird different payments depending on the month of the year). You will automatically get a reminder when your membership is about to expire.
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No more need to carry your membership card. You will get one electronically which you can print or store on your phone. Your choice.
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Ability for you to update your own contact details including address and email so you can stay in touch as you move.
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Automatic application of your member discount for event tickets, no need to remember a code.
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An app for iPhone and Android which will allow you to buy tickets and quickly check in on arrival for an event.
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An enhanced band directory so you can easily identify and contact bands that support the Canberra Blues Society.
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Better online access to Blues News and other information that we produce.
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Last word
This is a big deal for CBS. Your committee is having to learn new skills and tools in order for us to provide better service to you, our members and to be able to handle a growing membership and more events without undue strain on our resources. When you see these changes arriving, we’d love your feedback!
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