CORNERSTONE 6:
CONNECT
Connection sits right at the core of what we’re trying to achieve with our With One Voice program. Facilitating time and space for quality interactions, and nurturing long-lasting relationships is the most lasting outcome of our choirs.
Sure, the singing is amazing, and it is the reason we all come together. But at it’s core, With One Voice is about making people feel welcomed, seen, heard, and valued in their community.
There are many ways our choirs facilitate this. Here are a few of those ways, and some guidance about how best to achieve them.
- Create time and space for casual connection.
- Create an environment conducive to connection and community (sit around tables, have something to share.)
- Invite your members to bring something to share for supper.
- Take your time – no need to make everyone feel rushed.
- Share the load – everyone can chip in and make supper feel like a communal affair rather than a catered function.
WHAT IT SOUNDS LIKE:
“Thanks everyone. That’s it for singing tonight. I invite you all to hang around for a cup of tea and some supper. Please grab a seat and have a chat.”
“Massive thanks to group 3 who provided this lovely food.”
WHAT IT FEELS LIKE:
- I have time and space to connect socially and forge new friendships in an informal setting
- I have a chance to get to know my fellow members better outside the structure of rehearsal time
AVAILABLE RESOURCES:
ACCESSIBILITY:
- Think about different dietary requirements and make sure that you have options for as many of these as possible.
- Make sure that everyone feels included and welcomed – maybe have a chat with someone that you haven’t talked to before. If you notice that someone is being left out of the conversation, take the time to talk to them.
WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE:
- The Wish List is an opportunity to connect your members on a needs basis.
- Each week members can submit wishes (something they need, something they need help with, a connection they require, etc.)
- Members can grant each others’ wishes, or make offers to the other members (something they could do to help other members, something they have that they don’t need any more, etc.)
- These wishes can open up new connections and relationships that wouldn’t otherwise occur.
WHAT IT SOUNDS LIKE:
“Mary would love a lift to choir next week. Is there someone who lives nearby who can help?”
“Julie is offering to repair clothing! Please get in touch with Julie if you have anything that needs fixing.”
WHAT IT FEELS LIKE:
- My choir is a supportive community and I know that I can ask them for help if I need it
- I can offer my skills and expertise to help my fellow members
- I feel connected to my fellow members by a spirit of collaboration and giving
ACCESSIBILITY:
- Having a way for members to anonymously submit wishes may help those who are otherwise uncomfortable asking for help.
WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE:
- A weekly newsletter to your members is a great way to stay in touch, and keep your community feeling connected.
- Newsletters are a great way to communicate important information, that members can access when they need it.
- Newsletters make our members feel connected to the organisation, and included in the decisions of the choir.
- Newsletters can improve member retention rates, and encourage guests to become regular members.
WHAT IT SOUNDS LIKE:
Thank you to everyone who came along on Monday! It was wonderful to welcome Roger and Anne for the first time, we hope that you enjoyed the choir and we’d love you to return in the future. It was wonderful to see Julie again, who has returned to choir after a brief stint away. Brian was absent due to illness – we all pass on our good wishes to him, and hope that he recovers quickly.
- Here’s a recap of the songs we sang this week!
- Here’s the details of the performance that we have coming up later this month.
- The coordinator has a big pile of posters and postcards to help promote our choir in the community. Please grab some materials to distribute if you’re able.
- Please keep our more vulnerable members in mind, and stay home if you’re experiencing any cold or flu symptoms.
WHAT IT FEELS LIKE:
- I feel connected to my community, and I know what we worked on this week if I was absent.
- I know all the details of upcoming rehearsals and performances.
VIDEO:
AVAILABLE RESOURCES:
- Follow up with any new guests, make sure they feel welcome and encouraged to come back.
- Checking in with absent members in between sessions can ensure they feel welcomed and valued.
- Call, text, or email members who have been missing for a week or two, and let them know they are missed, and welcomed back.
WHAT IT SOUNDS LIKE:
“How did you enjoy your first rehearsal? Did you have a good time?”
“Please take a Welcome Letter and let me know if you have any questions. We’d love to see you again next week!”
“We’ve missed you at choir the past few weeks! I just wanted to check in and see if you’re doing okay.”
WHAT IT FEELS LIKE:
- Visitors feel welcome and encouraged to come back.
- Visitors feel fully informed about what is involved to become a regular member, and who to ask if they have any questions.
- Members know that their presence is valued, and they will be missed by the choir if they stop attending.
- Members feel welcome to come back to choir at any time.
ACCESSIBILITY:
- Make sure that less tech-savvy visitors are able to sign up, by offering them a paper form or helping them sign up online.
- Some of our choirs have been livestreaming their rehearsals so that members who are ill or have moved away can still be involved.
- Use WhatsApp, Signal, or Messenger to create a free chat channel that your members can use to communicate outside of choir.
- Members can use a QR code or email link to join the group.
- Broadcast the latest up-to-date information about rehearsals and performances.
WHAT IT FEELS LIKE:
- I can get to know my fellow members, and connect with them outside of rehearsals.
- I can stay up to date with any important info I need to know about choir events.
ACCESSIBILITY:
- Remember that some members may not have the technology required to access these social groups, so you’ll need to make sure that these members receive any important information communicated through these channels.
- Monitoring these channels regularly will ensure that they’re a friendly, inclusive space for your members to connect.
WHAT IT SOUNDS LIKE:
- I’m looking forward to seeing you all at rehearsal tomorrow. Remember that we have a performance on Friday – bring your t-shirts!
- I found this funny video online and it reminded me of one of the songs we’re learning at choir!
