2018 membership survey results · word clouds to help summarize responses. word clouds are an image...

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2018 Membership Survey Results

Summary: Thank you to all the members that completed the survey. We received some great ideas and gained some insights into how we can continue to grow the organization in an engaging and fun manner.

A common theme among the results was the social element of the organization. The pride and sense of community found within our ranks was evident. Rest assured that the social elements of Patio Planters will continue to expand.

Lastly, we really appreciated the fresh ideas for speaker topics, volunteer activities, service projects, and social activities.

We have included the anonymized responses to the survey in the following pages should you wish to review the thoughts of your fellow members. Many of the responses were open text so we have included Word Clouds to help summarize responses. Word clouds are an image composed of words used in a particular text or subject, in which the size of each word indicates its frequency or importance. Again, thank you to all those that responded.

36 Responses Received; 17% of membership base Timeframe: June 28, 2018 – August 20, 2018

How long have you been a member of Patio Planters?

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Why did you initially join Patio Planters?

Meet neighbors 25 Meet new friends 21 Gardening assistance 4 Support French Quarter 1 It seemed like a good idea at the time. A lot of parties. 1 Knew others 1 Get acquainted with the French Quarter 1 Learn about architecture 1 history & decorative arts of NO. 1 Social activities in the FQ 1 Serve in a good cause. 1 To help others and volunteer 1 love Patio Planters. 1 Happenings in the French Quarter. 1 Lots of parties 1

What do you believe is the primary mission of our organization?

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• To maintain the integrity of the history of the French Quarter and the beautification of the city. • Fun, fun, fun • socialize with those having patios & sharing planting ideas • I think it is evolved through the years. Clearly, to me, has an emphasis on socializing, bringing

people together, as well as raising money for the Caroling in Jackson Square. Any gardening purpose seems to be an afterthought.

• community service • "Improve the French Quarter • To maintain a residential feel to the French Quarter while accommodating a safe and vibrant

place for visitors and residents outside the French Quarter • Quality of life in the FQ with an emphasis on Gardens • To preserve the beauty of our neighborhoods. • Caroling in the Square • Community activity and bonding • To celebrate and preserve the beautiful gardens of the French Quarter with fellow residents. • Provide a social organization that provides a way to get to know FQ neighbors and provide

activities and events of interest to foster that and benefit neighbors and the neighborhood. • Sharing knowledge of information about living & history of FQ. • Beautification, preservation, connection with members. Continuation of events already planned

for each year. • Friendship, tours, caroling. Primarily to make the FQ beautiful. • Raise money to fund Caroling in Jackson Square. • Gardening tips in FQ, heat and space limitations and landscaping suggestions. • Keep FQ as a neighborhood. • To help preserve the French Quarter for its historical nature for years to come. • Put a good face on the FQ. • To foster friendships for neighbors. • Neighborhood bonding via love of gardening! FQ beautification. • Make FQ a neighborhood. • Information and event promoting. • Support preservation of French Quarter through community • Bring information to the residents concerning the things that make our homes special • Helping to keep the FQ a neighborhood in which people can live. • SENSE OF COMMUNITY • Promote the patio and gardens of NOLA French Quarter but more importantly to perform

needed service for the community in making it a better place to life. • for the greater good of the French quarter • Sponsorship of Caroling in the Square • Raise monies for caroling in the square. • Promoting the beauty and history of the French Quarter. Hosting events that bring residents

together- to maintain our neighborhood. • Social

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What do you like the most about being a member of Patio Planters?

• The Patio Planters work to preserve the beauty of the city and offer their homes and courtyards for public viewing.

• Social events • parties • The wonderful people we have met through the years. I cannot say we are very involved

anymore, as we have lived Uptown twice during our 21 years in New Orleans, so we "ebb and flow" with Patio Planters. We continue to see our good friends over dinners and etc, but not connected with PP events.

• nice people who enjoy having a good time • People • Supporting community organizations and of course Caroling on Jackson Square • The people and a reason to come to the FQ • Having things in common with other members. • The people • Some activities • Meeting people. • The garden tours - means to visit the neighborhood. • Meetings and activities. • Meeting people with the common love of the French Quarter. • Seeing neighbors, attending functions when can be arranged. • High quality of fellow members. • Speakers who talk about issues in gardening and issues affecting the FQ. • In the know about FQ. • Keeping NOLA historically for others to enjoy by volunteering in all phases of Patio Planters. • The other members. • People. • Social events, white elephant, Christmas caroling • Friendship with other members. • People and information programs. • Meeting neighbors • Light-hearted conversation and good info

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• The people involved with PP. • GOOD HEARTED PEOPLE • To have fun - and if something good comes of it, all the better • Making the French Quarter a friendly and neighborly place to live. • The people and the events are the best • non-political group..leave the issues at the door..it's a reprieve • The friendship and gatherings. • Promoting history / beauty; bringing residents together; maintaining the neighborhood. • Meeting neighbors.

What would you improve about or add to the Patio Planters member experience?

• Greater outreach to recruit a younger demographic. Young people who live in the city need to know about the Patio Planters and it's important to this group to accept new, young members.

• Nametags • Good question, but I do not have any terrific answer! Perhaps at least attempt to bring in a

gardening aspect....."field trip" to the Botanical Garden at City Park and have someone there lead the group through and discuss the history, the plants, the activities. Do the same at Longue Vue. Perhaps do the same at some private gardens. These would be member-only events. NOT open to the public. Some things outside of the FQ for MEMBERS, to incorporate New Orleans gardening info from other parts of the city. There are lot of wonderful things going on with other orgs who have gardens as a focus. Yet, PP tends to isolate themselves from participating with those. Just a thought....

• nothing • nothing • Hard to say but probably more opportunities to socialize • More emphasis on importance of gardens and history and education on gardens • Give members (or old dogs like me) the option of paper or online. • Recruiting more members of all ages. • Provide year around activities. Most activities are fall and winter events- we are here in New

Orleans January to June. • It's rather good as-is.

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• Socials with the members. Loved the recent gathering at Lafitte Guest House. • Calling members who are home bound to check on them periodically. Kudos to Tom McGinn,

then president, who came to our home with a lovely orchid and a fruit basket. • Everything is wonderful. • Speakers regarding plants that thrive in the FQ and environmental topics that affect FQ flora.

Monthly plant sales in spring and fall months across from Armstrong park in parking lot at Mary's, when events are held at Armstrong park. Could be good PR and let members sell abundant greenery that no longer need or have in patios.

• Recruit younger members. • It is well organized and a sound organization I believe, very well maintained. • ? • Contact all new residents and encourage them to join Patio Planters. • I would like to see how we can have the sidewalks in FQ cleaned. • Outreach to part time residents • Like it as is • A few more gatherings. • Seems to be very organized with many worthwhile events and information. • Looks like you are doing a great job at making it better • I would enjoy more interactive activities concerning the unique aspects of FQ gardening in

courtyards and on balconies. • Nothing great parties! One suggestion would be to have volunteers at the gates of the square

with baskets for donations. We would volunteer. • Being sure everyone (new members) feel included and need to get involved.

What groups or activities have you volunteered for in the past?

2221

1899

88

61111

Secret Garden TourWhite Elephant SaleHoliday Home Tour

Caroling in Jackson SquareFall Fiesta

Birthday PartyChristmas Brunch

I have not volunteered.Travel schedule is too complicated.

Unable to do so now due to…Sorry- I have a hectic life.

Served on Patio Planters Board

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How can we improve volunteer participation? All our activities, events, and administrative tasks are performed by volunteers.

• Keep those bloody marys coming! :) • Ask people outright. • That's tough. It's always the same people, isn't it......I really don't know. I hope people fill out

this survey and you get some gangbuster ideas regarding this. • more outreach to individuals • I have no idea • More direct communications via e-mail to members with plenty of advance notice • To know specifically the duty Iâ€™m volunteering for • Not sure • Personal reasons regarding proximity and health • Require every member to volunteer for one event/year or possibly every other year. • There are few activities scheduled in the first half of the calendar year. • It's pretty tough competing for time today. We would like to do more, but have difficulty making

time. • Just keep asking. • Works pretty well now. • Unknown • Call and ask several weeks before the event. I often can't make the meetings. Perhaps a

reminder. • Better socials for volunteers. • It is very well handled at present. • Good question. • Make it fun for volunteers. • More email communication • That's always a hard part of any organization. I don't live here full time, so it's hard for me to

make a commitment. • You must ask and put more members on committees! Plenty of us will sit back and enjoy the

ride unless we know that we are needed! Being needed will make our volunteer hours have more meaning! We want to use our limited discretionary time, where it will do the most good! Put everyone on a committee and let them know this their time will be worthwhile in making the activity successful. In other words, "Get off the sidelines and get in the game!"

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• That is a tough task. Begging & rewarding. I started the bloody mary giveaway at the SGT & HHT years ago and that seemed to help. give them something and they will come.

• The membership application lists areas in which the member would like to be involved in and volunteers but there is no follow-up. Leave it out if that's the case.

• Ask members what they would like to do. • Be sure new members are given important (key) jobs

What type of content would you like to see in our newsletter, The PUNCH?

• I like the present content. • more recipes • To circle back to one of my previous answers....Perhaps twice a year have a field trip for

members to tour something else in the city (Ex Botanical Garden, Longue Vue, etc) and have someone from that org who is an expert, talk about what is going on, what events are there, talk about the gardens. Perhaps some joint events could be organized.

• like it the way it is • ok as is • More information about events happening in the French Quarter • Itâ€™s doing a good job now • I hate not receiving the Punch in the mail. Very seldom read it online. • Be able to read it on paper sent to me. • Member profiles, even information, and gardening tips and tricks. • The articles are generally interesting. Things of local interest, of unique FQ flavor. • Upcoming meeting topics and special programs. • I love the newsletter content! • It's fine. • Personal stories about happy experiences in the Quarter. • Any articles about growing plants. Perhaps a regular entry from Dan Gill or La. agencies. • All is great. • It is also very well maintained. • ? • Gardening tips specific to patios / potted plants, gardening in hot conditions. Member updates

and news - what are they up to?

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• Good as is. • Seems ok to me. • Local issues of interest to members, i.e. construction, air bnb, etc. • New French Qtr restaurants and shops • There used to be an article by someone anonymous (but Steve Swain has such a "tell" when

he writes!) about who had traveled where and just a general town talk type article they have in small towns. That was fun

• Past events and future events! I thought this current issue was very good. I used it to mark my calendar for future events, so that I can participate.

• The last one was the best ever. keep up the good work • Plant trades/giveaways between members. Recipes involving herbs, etc. Stories about

member's experiences with FQ gardening. History of FQ courtyards. • It’s great, especially the suggestions. • Spotlight new members (short biography, pictures, etc.)

Do you have any ideas for service projects that are horticultural or French Quarter specific?

• Gorgeous Esplanade Ave is an eyesore. I realize it straddles the FQ and the Marigny,

but can't the two neighborhoods work together, block by block, getting it looking presentable? We lived on Espl and Royal for a few years, and I have to say it only gets worse and worse.

• no • weed removal on the side walks • Not specifically but anything that helps beautify the French Quarter without stepping

on city government • Working with VCPORA on the Plessy school • Every year is different. Wherever the need is. • Since there are many transients, California has a program to care for pets belonging to

the homeless at vet care. Would be nice if we had that. • Graffiti cleanup, cleaning up neutral ground on Esplanade. • Not at this time. • I think the Plessy School interaction is a good idea.

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• Suggestions for how to eradicate unsightly weeds growing in our sidewalks and based of trees, etc. Private gardens are beautiful, but many sidewalks are shabby. Does not send a good message to our visitors. If it’s the responsibility of the city it just isn't happening.

• I believe we are involved in the Plessy School. That seems to fill our plate. • Would advertise good works if volunteers could report to Homey Plessy school, public

buildings landscaping, etc. • Just to keep all areas clean and beautiful. • Nope. • Neutral ground and park clean up and beautification events. • Beautify Esplanade Ave. neutral ground. • The sidewalks are filthy and embarrassing to bring friends to French Quarter. • Work with local museums on garden exhibits • ? • Along newly renovated levee. • Signs to encourage citizens and tourist to place trash in the trash bins which are

numerous on every block. Maybe a colorful community message place on the garbage cans, depicting the importance of a clean environment. Also, recycling bins on each block! Secondly, sidewalks have numerous tripping hazards which are very unsightly for tourist and residents. Some will cost less than $10 to fix and a few hours to complete. Yet, month after month they are left unattended to! Third, the homeless population is ugly and embarrassing for our city. What is being done? Fourth, parking on streets is very erratic. Lots of gaps taking up valuable space. I would like to see lines designated uniform parking spots.

• the garden at the Mc15 school • Decorating public FQ spaces such as FQ lamp poles during the holidays. Xmas tree in

Cabrini Park. Provide Xmas tree for police station....holiday baskets to District 8 police. • The weeds growing in the sidewalks. Have an email blast for a particular weekend to

pull them.

How many meetings have you attended in the past 12 months?

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• 8 • Hate to admit, none. I am not a meeting person. Horrible to admit. • 7 • none • 3 • Maybe 2-4 • 2 • 0 • 0 • 0 • 2 • About 5 or 6. • None. Not in town on meeting dates. • Cannot attend- this year has been rough. • All • 4 • 0 • I am a part time citizen, so I am not able to attend meetings during the week. • 2 • 10 • None - only because I work late. • 6-7 • 5-6 • 3 • Maybe 6. I have had a schedule conflict lately. • 0 • 1 • 1 • Three • embarrassed 1 • all but one • I’m embarrassed to say very few. • 0 • Zero - When I am in town I won't walk across the VC, especially at night.

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How can we improve attendance at monthly meetings?

• Not sure....Really no idea. Are monthly meetings for anyone other than board

members really necessary? Every other month perhaps? • ? • no idea • Nothing specific • The topic matters a lot to me. Also, the energy level is important and its good! • I'm not real fond of some of the speakers- kind of drags things out. Not all though. • Parking is an issue. • Meetings are fine. Other activities have precluded attending meetings. • Not sure. • Meet every other month. • Be a little more attentive and welcome to old members when they come back and

welcome the new members. • More wine give away. • A reminder in mail or email or phone call. A calendar of yearly meetings of what's to

come. • ? • Perhaps have some on weekends for out of towners. • 6 PM is a difficult time- it makes meal time absurdly early or late. • Continue to have interesting speakers. • Make it fun - door prizes - game of trivia. • More frequent email reminders • Not sure • I am out of town about 6 month each year." • I HAVE A STANDING FIRST WED. COMMITMENT • Require members to attend two yearly. • Also, make sure new members are introduced around to old and new members.

Several meeting I attended, I was completely ignored! • Thirdly, have a segment where members are given an opportunity to tell their story!.

Ask in advance one member to prepare to speak. Of course, you must limit this time, but it would be time well used for meaningful membership content."

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• If food, wine & giveaways doesn't get them out, nothing will. • more interaction between members...less repeating of speakers...for example, every

year we hear about the Joan of Arc parade and their handouts. • Most of the members are retired? If so, maybe a little earlier.

What speakers have you enjoyed in past meetings?

• Covenant House, McDonough 15 School, B.B. St. Romain • all • French Quarter Festival • did not attend any meetings • Unknown • BB St Roman • Plant related only. • NA • Plessy school representatives, FQ Fest representatives. • Dan Milham (weatherman), Bob and Jan Carr (authors) • Landscapers, balcony designers, FQ Fest people, Plessy school reps, others • Lady who told group how to arrange flowers in low budget flower arrangements. • Brian Batt • All historical speakers on the city, also on gardening. • All have been interesting. • All • BB St. Roman on homeless population. • All of them. • Lighting improvement project, • Jenny Tilbury, and lady from Vieu Carre' Commission • Speaker who talked about a Mardi Gras parade. It's inception, the meaning, and

continued work to keep the parade moving actively year after year. • LSU AG center, city council, law enforcement & Pat Kahn • Loved BB • All very interesting.

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What speakers or topics would you be interested in learning about?

• Quarter Parking rules. • I would love to hear someone from the city and/or police dept talk about what is going

to be done with these wandering kids sleeping all over the FQ and in the neutral ground of Esplanade Ave. The whole thing is a huge eyesore and turnoff to visitors. All the gardens in the world will not over-ride this very big issue. Something needs to be done. Visitors perceive them as dangerous, period.

• upcoming events in the area • Historical and Architectural aspects of the Quarter • Helping gardens thrive after severe weather (freeze, heat, etc.) • "Gardens in the FQ. History and personal experiences with garden development. • Early garden drawings. Maybe working with HNOC or Spring Fiesta house on garden

history seminar • Plants that do well in LA. • Occasional historical topics would be interesting. • Antiques 1700-1900; political history; cooking, modern and historical; gardening inside

and out; study abroad tour visiting European gardens and homes. • History of the FQ and the city in general. • Timely speakers, winterizing, accounting for heat and drought in gardens and

balconies. • The 300 anniversary, all history of NOLA • Businesses in quarter. • Things of interest to FQ residents. • How much of the taxes collected from the FQ go toward improving the FQ. • History of gardens in French Quarter • History about properties, gardens • With the Tricentennial going on, something about FQ history • All NOLA history! • F.Q. activities • tips on how to protect and grow our FQ plants during freezes, heat, storms, etc.

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• Container gardening

How many of our event have you attended in the past 12 months?

What types of events would you like to see in the future?

• I like the new monthly get-together. I also enjoyed the Tricentennial event at the

Convent. • more happy hours • See earlier answers • social hour • no idea • More social events like happy hours • The current mix is plenty. • Cocktail parties with live entertainment (local) • Same as now - events are good.

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• How about a spring blood drive? • Meet for socials at different establishments throughout the FQ. No speakers or

agenda needed. • I think there are enough now. • We have enough I think. • Better entertainment (music) for Christmas brunch. • Have enjoyed all events that are planned. • Garden parties in cool weather. • I think the bring a covered dish event is outdated. A dinner out in someone's home is a

fresh idea. • ? • The cocktail party at Lafittes guesthouse was a great idea. Something you can go to

yet still go home to dinner. More of those • "Something done for the homeless! I was giving out money but stopped because I

figured these funds would probably be used for alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. • Join an effort with churches and humanitarian groups to improve this situation. " • love the idea of the socials even though I did not attend • What about a guided tour of a FQ courtyard for members. Plants could be identified,

and gardening tips and the history of the home could be passed along. A little wine would be nice too.

• I like what you are doing to gather people on Thursdays. When groups get to know each other, they feel comfortable working together.

How do you prefer to receive news & announcement from our organization?

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How do you prefer to receive communications on the need for volunteers?

• email as you've been doing! • Email • usps • Email • email • e-mail • e-mail • Email • Email • Phone call • The Punch • Email • Newsletter is always helpful. But email is often necessary. Social media may be good

for passing information but falls short in actually getting volunteer commitments. • Email • Email • Email is fine. • Meetings, email • Email, text • Email • Email • Email • Email • Phone or text • email • e mail • At meetings and by email • Email or phone call. The human voice is hard to say no to! • E-mail • Letters or phone calls.

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Do you follow us on social media (Facebook)?

How often do you visit our website and/or Facebook page?

• I don't have facebook! • Twice a year. • very seldom • Website, occasionally. Facebook never. I worked in technology out in CA and believe

me, I would not get involved with Facebook if it is was the last bit of social media available.

• periodically • 3-4 times per year • None • Never • Almost never • N/A • 1-2 times per month.

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• 3-4 times per year. • As often as we can. • 0 - no computer • N/A • 0 • Every month. • 0 • Not often, prefer email or mail. • Never. • None • 2-3 times a year • Didn't know you had one, but will sign in there • Never • Did not know you had a Facebook page till now! • Haven't yet, but just liked facebook page • website -- once every other month • rarely • Never • As seldom as possible.

How do you prefer to meet and get to know other members?

• What about block parties? • Fund raisers • Would enjoy meetings occasionally in someone's patio for "show and tell"

demonstrations like "how to care for orchids, etc.". • Christmas Brunch • Special parties

61.10%

52.80%

63.90%

Monthly GeneralMembership Meetings

Volunteering Monthly Happy HourEvents

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How likely are you to renew your membership for 2019?

How likely are you to refer a friend to join?

2018 membership survey results · word clouds to help summarize responses. word clouds are an image...

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