1) perhaps shorter programs would be more attractive to busier people?
2) mix up the time... sometimes have it on a Sat. afternoon, sometimes on a weeknight, sometimes on a Sun. afternoon. Different people probably have different availabilities.
Wish more people had attended -- shorter time frame would help. ith so many differnt events at Xavier many people, I imagine, can only select here and there, which automatically reduces numbers for all events.
Along with the shorter time frame, I think people did not really know what GIFT was about or what to expect... when faced with the choice of spending from 1-6pm, 7pm, or later at an event, if one does not really have a good concept of what will be happening, one may be apt to choose not to attend.
We have to "meet people where they are" I think, and do some more surveying and listening to what people want, how much time they can devote, and the like.
As John said in another thread, we have to realize that Xavier is not known for coming-together or stellar communication. We did the best we could and we did a great job!! I think that the "problem" of low attendance is not something that is simple to "solve". For example, at one of my former parishes, when we had big events, EVERYONE who was anyone came out... Fish fries during Lent, Reconciliation services, GIFT-like things... that's just how it was. (It was also in Kansas City, so the whole culture there is a bit more "close-knit" and community-oriented!) Xavier is not like that. We probably won't change it! We can do what we can to increase excitement and understanding of what GIFT is all about, but we should not feel bad about ourselves if a lot of people do not come. I guess it's like I said above, we should strive to "meet people where they are" and accept people's tight schedules, "silo mentality" as Sandy alludes to etc. With time we do hope to "stretch" their spirits and mentalities, but we can't expect too much too fast. I hope this is making some sense... I just don't want us to get too discouraged.
I think the first step is to see "where people are" by active survey/conversations... I think if we are open, as I know all of us on this team are, we can meet people where they are and help foster an environment for spiritual and community growth, however that manifests.
I think I need to go to bed before I start sounding totally crazy. Hope this makes some sense here!
I had very little idea what to expect when I came to GIFT! In the bulletin I read about the virtues, but it did not seem clear at all what would actually be happening. Possibly if more people knew what was happening they might come. It seemed everyone there was a presenter or [like me] was there to see a group of friends present. I also think the topic was a little bit basic for our parishioners. Many of our parishioners are quite aware of Ignatian spirituality and might not feel the need to go learn what they already know. Make more time for discussion and for people to meet each other. We can all learn from each other. I was an observer the entire time.
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1) perhaps shorter programs would be more attractive to busier people?
ReplyDelete2) mix up the time... sometimes have it on a Sat. afternoon, sometimes on a weeknight, sometimes on a Sun. afternoon. Different people probably have different availabilities.
Wish more people had attended -- shorter time frame would help. ith so many differnt events at Xavier many people, I imagine, can only select here and there, which automatically reduces numbers for all events.
ReplyDeleteAlong with the shorter time frame, I think people did not really know what GIFT was about or what to expect... when faced with the choice of spending from 1-6pm, 7pm, or later at an event, if one does not really have a good concept of what will be happening, one may be apt to choose not to attend.
ReplyDeleteWe have to "meet people where they are" I think, and do some more surveying and listening to what people want, how much time they can devote, and the like.
As John said in another thread, we have to realize that Xavier is not known for coming-together or stellar communication. We did the best we could and we did a great job!! I think that the "problem" of low attendance is not something that is simple to "solve". For example, at one of my former parishes, when we had big events, EVERYONE who was anyone came out... Fish fries during Lent, Reconciliation services, GIFT-like things... that's just how it was. (It was also in Kansas City, so the whole culture there is a bit more "close-knit" and community-oriented!) Xavier is not like that. We probably won't change it! We can do what we can to increase excitement and understanding of what GIFT is all about, but we should not feel bad about ourselves if a lot of people do not come. I guess it's like I said above, we should strive to "meet people where they are" and accept people's tight schedules, "silo mentality" as Sandy alludes to etc. With time we do hope to "stretch" their spirits and mentalities, but we can't expect too much too fast. I hope this is making some sense... I just don't want us to get too discouraged.
ReplyDeleteI think the first step is to see "where people are" by active survey/conversations... I think if we are open, as I know all of us on this team are, we can meet people where they are and help foster an environment for spiritual and community growth, however that manifests.
I think I need to go to bed before I start sounding totally crazy. Hope this makes some sense here!
I had very little idea what to expect when I came to GIFT! In the bulletin I read about the virtues, but it did not seem clear at all what would actually be happening. Possibly if more people knew what was happening they might come. It seemed everyone there was a presenter or [like me] was there to see a group of friends present. I also think the topic was a little bit basic for our parishioners. Many of our parishioners are quite aware of Ignatian spirituality and might not feel the need to go learn what they already know. Make more time for discussion and for people to meet each other. We can all learn from each other. I was an observer the entire time.
ReplyDelete