Dear Editor,
I purchased a home in Big Sky two years ago. With the exception of receiving some email solicitations from nonprofit listservs that I proactively signed up for, I have never been personally asked to donate to a local nonprofit, support a county initiative or do anything to support our community. This has left me wondering whether other newcomers are being overlooked and if there are ways to better engage our new residents. I have been pondering possible opportunities. I would like to hear others’ perspectives. Please email me at elizabeth@mergelane.com or attend the Big Sky Community Ski and Snowboard Day on April 26 to share your thoughts.
These are a few of the questions I am pondering:
Have other newcomers been overlooked? If you are new to Big Sky, I would love to hear if and how you have been invited to support the community.
Can we ask newcomers to opt-in to local communication channels?
Like most new residents, I was unable to obtain a post office box when I first moved here, so local organizations could not reach me by mail. I shared my email address and phone number with my realtor and BSOA. Can we better utilize those two or similar touchpoints? At a minimum, I think all new residents should be encouraged to sign up for Explore Big Sky’s Town Crier so they can stay apprised of local news and events.
Can we organize community welcoming events?
I am helping to organize the Big Sky Community Ski and Snowboard Day as well as a few organized hikes for newcomers this summer. Are there existing community welcome events I should know about? Newcomers, would you attend community welcome events? What kinds of events and during what time period would you be most likely to attend?
Do we need to create a culture of proactive outreach?
While I understand why it may be difficult for local organizations to identify new residents, I have not been contacted even when I have shared my information. I helped to organize the Big Sky Community Ski Day hosted last year. I shared with the group that I was new and eager to support the community. My email was shared with nine nonprofits. I did not receive a single direct solicitation to donate. When I asked some nonprofit leaders why I was not directly solicited, some shared that they were afraid of turning me off by appearing too aggressive. Nonprofit leaders, do you share similar fears? Newcomers, have you been turned off by aggression or passivity?
As someone who has lived in more metropolitan areas for most of my life, I am accustomed to a more direct and assertive approach. I admire bold and proactive outreach, and passivity actually makes me less likely to lend support. Do others feel the same?
I am open to the possibility that the approach I’ve seen work in other cities may not work here. I know that the approach that works best for me may not work for others. I hope to hear your thoughts. I can be reached by email at elizabeth@mergelane.com. I also hope you will join our Big Sky Community Ski and Snowboard Day so we can continue a lively discussion on the chairlift.
Big Sky Community Ski and Snowboard Day
A collaboration of several nonprofits will be hosting the Big Sky Community Ski and Snowboard Day on April 26, 2024. Participants will be assigned to groups of no more than eight skiers based on ability, speed, and terrain preference. Groups will leave from the base of the Swiftcurrent chairlift at 10 am sharp. These events are open to intermediate to expert skiers, age 16+. Register at https://bit.ly/BigSkyApril
Elizabeth Kraus
Big Sky, Montana
