In 2013 ValleyPBS was looking for new and innovative ways to grow its membership base. We had more members over 100 than under 30, so we launched ValleyPBS Family Circle in June 2013. The pledge drive generated 40 inaugural family members in the first month of the program – all of whom attended the first private ValleyPBS Family Circle event, Super Why Movie Night at the station in July 2013. Family Circle is priced at a sustaining membership ($10/mo.) with benefits including a newsletter, member cards for each child, event discounts, a special Facebook group and monthly Family Circle events.
We now have 200 member-families (2% of our total membership) providing $2,000/mo. plus $1,500/mo. in sponsorships. ValleyPBS continues to host members only events each month with a growing list of community partners donating their family friendly businesses or locations for the events. Members have been to the ice skating rink, the Zoo, a kids gym, area parks, museums, the river, a farm, the library and so much more. All in all the ValleyPBS Family Circle has hosted 48 family friendly events since launching in 2013. The membership program has also secured both in-kind and cash sponsors who bring additional revenue and resources to the program.