Committees

The mission of The Blues in Schools program is to perpetuate blues music education and performance in every education outlet in the Memphis area. Liaison with school system administrators and educators and solicit funding and sponsorships to enable the program to become self-sustaining. Coordinate Blues music programs with schools, including curriculum development, cultivating support from local and special guest musicologists and other academics, and booking performers.

Organize entertainment for MBS activities and other sanctioned events.

Identify sources of long-term and short-term funding for MBS operations, programs, and special events. Funding sources include regional and national organization grants, personal and corporate donations, and in-kind contributions. Establish policies and procedures, and coordinate annual fundraising strategy. Create activities, events, and partnerships that promote the Society's mission and raise funds to continue our efforts.

Group that organizes local jams for musicians here in the Memphis area.

Establish policies and procedures and execute strategies to maximize the value and exposure of the MBS "brand" to enhance participation in fundraising activities. Forge mutually beneficial relationships between MBS and its members and potential members, corporations, musicians, government funding agencies, and other non-profits. Design an annual marketing plan. Develop marketing materials to promote the use of the MBS logo through licensing arrangements and to promote fundraising initiatives. Coordinate and increase advertisements placed in the MBS newsletter, website, and other media outlets.

Develop policies and procedures to coordinate membership and recruiting processes. Design strategies for maintaining and expanding the membership base. This committee is responsible for all member communications and for negotiating perks and discounts with businesses for members. Develop and constantly improve membership benefits package. Host the MBS website and maintain the currency and accuracy of material on the site. Develop fundraising opportunities to include merchandising, on-line donations, and advertising sales. Make recommendations for improvement.

Identify, order, price, and control inventory of suitable merchandise bearing the DCBS logo or proprietary images. Discover new markets and products to better serve our members and Blues fans in general through Blues merchandising. Identify and coordinate merchandise display venues, sales, and maintain records.

Quickly Communicate with as many jam participants as possible

Produces an informative monthly communication for MBS members and the larger Blues community. Develop commercial sponsors and solicit advertising for newsletter. The Newsletter Subcommittee also coordinates editing and printing.

Establish policies, procedures, and strategies to advance awareness of the society in general and specifically promote all MBS events. Cultivate relationships with media representatives and create promotional materials. Develop and maintain a list of media contacts, supportive associations, and corporations, and create press releases for MBS activities and events.

Identify, recruit, and organize volunteers to support the activities of the Society. Other responsibilities include developing policies and procedures, conducting training of volunteers as required, and designing recruiting and volunteer appreciation activities. Maintain a current list of volunteers with contact information and areas of interest and expertise.