EBT Card to Culture WEBINAR June 9, 2017 at 11:00am Please remember for audio to call in! 866.740.1260 Access Code: 7273668
Welcome! Anita Walker; Executive Director, Mass Cultural Council
Anita Walker; Executive Director, Mass Cultural Council Kalyn King; Program Officer, Cultural Investment Portfolio, Mass Cultural Council Thomas E. Mills; Director of External Affairs, Department of Transitional Assistance Charles G. Baldwin; Program Officer, UP Inclusive Design Initiative, Mass Cultural Council Maria Cabrera; Supervisor of Community Relations, Museum of Science
Mission The Massachusetts Cultural Council promotes excellence, access, education, and diversity in the arts, humanities, and sciences to improve the quality of life for Massachusetts residents and contribute to the vitality of our communities.
Objectives To unify a method of increasing access to cultural experiences for low income families To frame the outreach as an invitation rather than a charitable event To build capacity and inspire a sense of belonging To recognize the importance and relevance of accessing arts and culture
Guidelines Offer discounted or free admission Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cardholders Offer the discount for regular admission or every performance, to be used at any time Offer a discount to the adult individual or family holding the EBT card Advertise the discount on their website, and offer it through regular admissions process Train staff on the program and the discount particulars Commit to offering the discount from July 1, 2017 until June 30, 2018.
Housekeeping Discount in place by Saturday, July 1 Before then: Put information about the program and discount on your website Train your staff about the program and your policies for the discount Sign up & send copy of your logo by June 30
EOHHS About the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Thomas E. Mills; Director of External Affairs, Department of Transitional Assistance
DTA Mission The Department of Transitional Assistance s mission is to assist and empower low-income individuals and families to meet their basic needs, improve their quality of life, and achieve long-term economic self-sufficiency.
DTA administers three main programs: SNAP: the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program TAFDC: the joint state and federally funded Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children EAEDC: Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled, and Children (EAEDC)
EBT Card Stands for Electronic Benefit Transfer Card Massachusetts examples:
FAQ s How does someone qualify for benefits and an EBT card? How many people in MA have an EBT card? Is only one card issued per family? Can children be issued cards? Do we ask for a photo ID in addition to the card? How do they pay? Can the EBT card be used in our gift shop, cafeteria, farmer's market, etc.? Can I accept an EBT card over the phone, or through an online ticketing system? Do they have ID numbers? Is someone going to be ashamed, self-identifying as a person with an EBT card? Should we call it something different, or give passes to libraries instead?
Questions? Type questions into the chat box on your screen, we ll answer them at the end of this webinar or will get back to you individually. EOHHS http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/ DTA http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dta/
Customer Service Staff/Volunteer training & best practices Policy, empowerment, and flexibility Communication and Promotion Information & Know Before You Go Integration and Cultivation Want to do more?
Staff and Volunteer Training New staff, as well as regular and ongoing All staff, volunteers, interns including box office and telephone operators Cheat sheets/check lists Language specifics/consistent messaging
Policy and Flexibility Free or discount admission Regularly scheduled hours, regular admission Individuals and/or families ID Fraud
Communication and promotion Website, clear simple language FOH flyers for cross promotion Fairs and Community events One size doesn t fit all Value and trust
Information & Know Before You Go Directions & Wayfinding Multiple platforms, multiple languages Social stories and expectations Access enhancements for people with disabilities Logos and images
Integration and Cultivation Authentic engagement and the long view Developing relationships and a sense of belonging
Examples EBT cardholders receive admission for $3 per person, for up to four people at both Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo. Simply present your card at the Admissions booth to receive this discounted rate. Offer is only valid for Massachusetts residents. Admission with EBT card: $5 per person - up to 2 people per card. Reserve in person. Free Admission for up to four adults/youths when you show your EBT card (not valid with other offers). Free admission to all concerts, depending on availability. Tickets must be redeemed in advance. Card holders may use promo code "FREE-BPO" online or over the phone. Massachusetts EBT and WIC cardholders can show their EBT or WIC card to pay only $2 per person cash admission. The discount applies for up to four people per card, per visit. The Museum does not process EBT or WIC transactions; cash or other payment must be provided for admission. 20 tickets available per performance, FREE, 2 per card
Data Museum of Science: EBT card use, annual totals FY14 3,253 FY15 11,551 FY16 11,916 FY17 13,893
Want to do more? Extend discount to WIC, Transportation Access Pass (MBTA card) Offering discount to social workers and care providers Tickets and passes at local food banks. Offer additional discounts: membership, gift shop, café (If eligible) join Museums for All initiative, by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Association of Children s Museums
Questions? For additional information: Kalyn King, Program Officer, Cultural Investment Portfolio kalyn.king@art.state.ma.us Charles G. Baldwin, Program Officer, UP Inclusive Design Initiative charles.baldwin@art.state.ma.us Interested in registering for the Initiative? https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/mccdtapartners
Thank you.