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A.L.L. MEN’S CAUCUS FORMED
How do we increase male membership and program participation in
A.L.L.? This was the challenge presented to the Development and
Long Range Planning (DLRP) Committee by the Executive Council
of the Academy for Lifelong Learning at Empire State University
in Saratoga Springs, New York, last May. Although male membership,
like their overall membership has been increasing, it has remained
at 18%-20%, with participation in specific classes, depending
on the topic, even lower.
The Executive Council gave the green light to the DLRP to form
an all-male steering committee, subsequently named the A.L.L.
Men’s Caucus, to understand the issues and explore the possible
solutions. Seventeen male members participated in the first caucus
for a “loosely structured” brain-storming session.
According to the DLRP committee chairman, the group represented
a cross section of members, including retired lawyers, educators,
businessmen, scientists, financial professionals, etc.
This first meeting was deliberately loosely structured to maximize
the give-and-take of ideas without restrictions. The caucus reconvened
in late August to recommend formal short and long-term programs,
and some findings are already being explored.
The group was universal in its conviction that there are no subjects
that appeal to “men only” and therefore programs which
have appeal to men should be ultimately offered to all members.
Based on A.L.L. historical program participation, male participation
is strongest in programs which explore science, outdoor activities,
current events and history subjects. A.L.L. statistics, however,
indicate these have universal appeal regardless of gender. This
will be a consideration which will underlie all future programs
recommended by the caucus.
Other areas discussed were more systemic, such as the class length,
fees and fee structures, timing and marketing – all of which
will be explored for the final caucus proposal.
Ninety-five percent of the initial caucus members indicated they
want to continue participation in the male caucus. Having a speaker
for a round-table discussion as part of the caucus meeting appears
to be the attraction for keeping the caucus going.
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