CORNERSTONE 5:
INFORM
We have a very limited window in which to effectively communicate important news and information to our members. Straight after singing (or before the last song) is a great time to get their attention, as they’re most likely feeling uplifted and engaged.
We need to honour and respect our members’ time by keeping these communications succinct and of value. You can do this by being prepared with some notes about what needs to be said, putting the most important items at the start and at the end.
Use this time to communicate local news and information about your choir, and also the wider With One Voice network.
- Take the time to communicate to your members any choir-specific events, important dates, or other key information.
- Publicly congratulate new members for making it through their first rehearsal.
- Announce any news about your members, including birthdays, achievements, health news, or apologies from absent members.
- This kind of information helps people feel like their part of something bigger than themselves, and helps them feel connected to the goals of the community.
WHAT IT SOUNDS LIKE:
- “Thanks so much to all of you for coming and filling this space with such a beautiful and joyous sound.”
- “I’d especially like to congratulate XXXX for making it through their first rehearsal. I hope we didn’t scare you off!
- “Please keep your attention here while I give you some important information regarding choir.”
- “We have a few important dates to discuss, so please get your calendars ready if you have them.”
- “A quick update on XXXX. They’re still in hospital, but improving steadily, and they hope to be back at rehearsal next week. Thanks to everyone who has been reaching out and sending their thoughts.”
WHAT IT FEELS LIKE:
- I feel properly informed of important information about upcoming events and opportunities.
- I feel my time is respected, and I can plan my other commitments around important choir activities.
- I feel connected to, and valued by my choir community.
- I understand how my choir functions, and what my contributions go towards.
- I am fully informed of the things I can do to help build and improve my community.
AVAILABLE RESOURCES:
We have prepared these “Weekly Talking Points” documents for conductors so you have a good starting point each week.
- Communicate important news from the national With One Voice network.
- Help us generate excitement and enthusiasm for any upcoming big sing events or national projects.
- Your members are far more likely to listen to you at rehearsal than to read our emails! We need your help to communicate important messages from HQ.
WHAT IT SOUNDS LIKE:
- “Creativity Australia wants you to know that there are some exciting opportunities coming up for With One Voice choirs around the country.”
- “Make sure you check your email and respond if you’d like to be part of the XXXX project.”
WHAT IT FEELS LIKE:
- I feel connected to the national With One Voice choir network, and understand that I’m part of something much bigger.
- I feel welcomed and included in a massive network of thousands of singers who all meet weekly to sing – just like I do.
- I understand and value the relationship between my choir and Creativity Australia.
- I am excited about opportunities to join with other choirs for performances and projects throughout the year.
AVAILABLE RESOURCES:
We have prepared these “Weekly Talking Points” documents for conductors so you have a good starting point each week.
ACCESSIBILITY:
- Be aware that some members may not have access to technology that informs them of important information.
- Make sure any important information is communicated both aurally and digitally so that everyone can feel included.
- Constant gentle reminders can be really helpful for people – don’t assume that everyone will remember everything you tell them.
- Help your members understand that they are part of something amazing!
- It is really important that your members understand that they are connected to a national network of choirs – that their contributions help people all across the country find joy and connection.
- The feeling of being connected to something bigger than yourself is a really important step towards good mental health and happiness.
WHAT IT SOUNDS LIKE:
- “Being part of a With One Voice choir means you are part of a huge network of thousands of singers across Australia.”
- “The contributions you make to the choir helps subsidise memberships for marginalised people all around the country.”
- “By turning up and experiencing the joy of singing each week, you are literally changing people’s lives.”
WHAT IT FEELS LIKE:
- I feel connected to the national With One Voice choir network, and understand that I’m part of something much bigger.
- I feel a great sense of pride and purpose in my involvement in the choir.
- I feel committed and engaged with the mission of the organisation.
- The most successful communities are ones where everyone has a role, no matter how small.
- Use this time to invite anyone who has something they could contribute to the community to come and see you.
- Create social incentives for people to join your committee and contribute their time and skills to improve and grow the choir.
- Big, ongoing jobs can be a bit overwhelming. Try and break things up into small problems, and ask people how they might be able to solve them.
WHAT IT SOUNDS LIKE:
- “This is YOUR choir. It is YOUR community. Our choir is only as strong and sustainable as the contributions of our members to keep it running.”
- “Is there anything you think you could contribute to growing and sustaining our community?”
- “Hi XXXX. I heard on the grapevine that you have some experience in XXXX. I wonder if you could give me some advice about XXXX.”
- “We have a bit of a problem with XXXX. Could you put some thoughts towards how we might be best to solve it?”
WHAT IT FEELS LIKE:
- I feel invested in the ongoing success of the choir.
- I feel my skills and experience are valued and appreciated.
- I feel a strong sense of purpose and connection to my choir.
ACCESSIBILITY:
Not every job is suited to every person. Some physical tasks like setting up the chairs, or vacuuming the room might not be possible for all your members, but that doesn’t mean they don’t want to help.
Match achievable tasks to appropriate personnel so that everyone can feel involved, valued and included.
