Dear Friends of the MTAG,

If you are reading this, its probably because you have some interest in the Morris Theater Advancement Group (MTAG).

I am the treasurer on the MTAG board and wanted to share with you about what the MTAG is, open up some space for brainstorming, and share where you can find more information!

For those of you who don't know me, my name is Syd and I am serving as the inaugural treasurer of the MTAG board. I wanted to be involved with this group to learn more about the process of building resilient, culturally relevant community spaces. I am excited to be actively doing this with the Morris Theatre! I am excited to be a part of inviting you along!

The Morris Theater Advancement Group is a 501(c)3 non-profit developed over the last few years with the goal of preserving and enhancing the Morris Theater to serve as a cultural and community engagement hub in Rural Minnesota. In short, we are attempting to open up new avenues of resources to support our beloved and historic Theater. We will be applying for grants, connecting with the community, and researching other (unknown to us yet!) resources.

The MTAG is starting off this venture with three main focus areas: building improvements (roof, signage, projection needs), accessibility (bathrooms, entrances), and community engagement (events, conversations, brainstorming!).

In terms of brainstorming, it would be wonderful to hear YOUR ideas about the Theatre!

1. How would you like to be involved (ideas: concessions volunteering, grant writing, tabling at events, an idea of your own)?

2. What specialties do you have to offer?

3. Who do you know that might want to make a tax-deductible donation, is it you!?

4. What grant opportunities are you aware of?

5. How could the Theatre be engaging with the public in ways that appeal to you?

Your homework, as a friend to the MTAG, is to send us an email (info@morristheater.org) answering at least one of those five questions! We value your ideas and input, they will transform this effort from good to great!

Finally, I wanted to share some places where you can find more information:

• The Morris Theater Advancement Group website is https://www.morristheater.org!

• The Morris Theater website is https://morristheatre.net!

  • You can also follow them on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MorrisTheatre) or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/morristheatre).

  • If you are not already a member of the Co-op you can learn more about that, and the Club Memberships on their site as well (https://morristheatre.net/blog/join-the-co-op).

• If you are interested in volunteering for concession shifts, you can sign up anytime at the Give Pulse site (https://www.givepulse.com/group/1421684-morris-theatre-volunteers)!

Finally I wanted to invite you all to the upcoming Morris Theatre Co-op Annual Meeting happening on Tuesday, February 3rd at 6PM at the Morris Theatre. This annual meeting is where important updates and decisions about the Theatre are made. Only Co-op members are allowed to vote on decisions, but anyone is welcome to attend and discuss!

We are excited to be taking official steps to benefit an important hub of our community. We look forward to hearing from you, don't forget your homework!