On September 14th the 107IST board assembled in the Axe and Rose to chat with membership, check in about organizational progress, and engage about the organization’s ethos statement. Below are some key takeaways from our discussions, and some highlighted themes:

• Organizational Health & Growth 

• • Community rebuilding successfully with returning members.

  • Average member tenure exceeds 8 years indicating deep connection with the Clubs and community.

  • Axe and Rose investment has been validated through match day traffic in retail space and Legends.

  • Away viewings at Legends are good, low-stakes gathering opportunities for members to interact

• Operational Challenges & Solutions 

• • Communication gaps identified requiring improvements around newsletter format

  • Org is currently working with an architect to have the space reclassified as an assembly hall, permanently raising occupancy cap rather than relying on monthly permits (which are expensive)

  • Volunteer workload concentration requires new member integration, and our volunteer force has grown tremendously this year.

•  Member Experience Improvements (28:53 - 01:05:11)

• • Discord integration has been successful, but needs to be advertised more and have some added resources for new members.

  • Event planning requires advance notice, we’re navigating creating and publicizing scheduling

  • Recognition balance sought between individual appreciation and collective culture.

During the second portion of the conversation, which was more free-flowing Q&A. Some of the highlights included:

• Optimal newsletter frequency and format - should the organization move to multiple shorter emails?

• • Newsletter restructuring - shorter, focused emails with specific timing optimization.

  • Digital newspaper format - visual, infographic-style newsletter with minimal text.

  • Landing page strategy - create a newsletter with brief hooks linking to detailed web pages.

• Volunteer recognition approach - how to balance appreciation with culture?

• • Behind-the-scenes content - social media documentation of match-day preparation.

  • Job fair integration - combine appreciation events with volunteer showcases.

• New member integration - what resources best support onboarding?

• • New member primer - quick reference guide for newcomers.

The final portion of the evening was spent discussing the organization’s ethos statement, a draft of the statement can be found here. While this was a fantastic exchange, and included both validation and pushback from membership, much of it already being integrated, we want to use this portion of the recap to invite you into the fold.

• What questions do you have about this ethos?

• Do you feel as though it accurately reflects our ethos as an organization?

• What would you add, subtract, or alter?

• How would you want to see it ratified or shelved, a board vote? A member vote? Another way?