I wrote the following news article for the non-profit organization Womanspace in Rockford, Illinois, for publication in their inaugural issue of Developments, news for supporters and donors.
Girls Grow Strong and Make New Friends With New Junior Membership Program
By Chris Dunmire
Bookgirl, a book club for girls ages 9-13 who love to read is back for its second year at Womanspace. This lively discussion group for tweens is facilitated by member/parent Monica Krysztopa with a focus on books highlighting different cultures and countries. Titles this fall include Project Mulberry by Linda Sue Park and Blue Jasmin by Kashmira Sheth.
The success of Bookgirl may come from a page out of another successful book-loving community at Womanspace called Bookwoman, but it’s one inspiring example of how this non-profit organization is targeting a younger demographic in hopes to add more youthful energy and vitality to its member core, knowing that today’s little girls will grow up to be tomorrow’s young women.
The needs of young ones in our community are many in this fast-paced, dynamic, text-message driven world. And to help meet the needs of children in the realms of leadership, creativity, and self-expression, Womanspace has launched a new tier of membership aimed at girls ages 9-13 called Junior Membership.
Monica Krysztopa, Junior Membership coordinator at Womanspace shares how this initiative came about:
“This initiative came out of a brainstorming session last summer with the marketing committee. I suggested that Womanspace needed a junior membership that would address the needs of girls 9 to 13 (as a target market).
“I envisioned a program that would develop the self-esteem and confidence of these girls while exposing them to wonderful role models (the members of Womanspace), new friendships, arts, literature, crafts, book clubs, etc. We tested the waters with a junior Bookgirl last year. We read many of the original Nancy Drew books — it was well received. We also wanted to give the junior members an opportunity to have leadership roles by allowing them to act as hostesses as the Spring Luncheon and at Reach For The Arts.”
Krysztopa adds, “I did a mini-focus group with my Bookgirl girls to see what type of programming would be of interest to this target market. Their suggestions were amazing and included: self esteem development, conflict management, knitting, crocheting, "how to know what you want to be when you grow-up", arts classes, book club, babysitting certification, meteorology, and many more.”
The results from the focus group were so promising that Womanspace staff immediately discussed how to pull the programming together, price the membership, and invite prospective junior members for the 2009-2010 program year.
And with input from her 9-year-old daughter Emma, staff member/graphic artist Pat Lai designed an eye-appealing set of Junior Membership marketing pieces, including a personalized invitation addressed to prospective members.
Krysztopa says, “We put together a target list of 75 girls to mail invites to, as well as met with three school principals (private and public) to have them hand out flyers at school registration. Lastly, we put together a dynamic group of women to act as an advisory board for programming, brainstorming, etc. We plan to meet with this group three times a year.”
Besides Bookgirl, other programs Womanspace is offering Junior Members in 2009 include “Chasing Vermeer” with Carol Valaitis, “Decorate Your Journal” with Barbara Santucci, “Express Your Self!” with Eileen McCarten, and a series of “Creative Sprouts” playshops facilitated by Chris Dunmire.
The inaugural one-year Junior Membership is $35 and includes several enticements: a sling bag, a journal to decorate, tickets to a popcorn/movie/game night, an “Express Your Self” class, 3 Bookgirl discussions, and a $10 off coupon for an adult membership.
“I want Womanspace to be a place where junior members can grow into teen members, and then into adult members,” says Krysztopa.
Your generous donations to Womanspace will help support the Junior Member initiative and allow us to continue offering positive life-enhancing programs that will go on to impact many young lives. •
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