First off, Doug that was a well written letter. After reading it, it left me focused on the resolution issue rather than the complaint issue, exactly what you intended, I believe.

All organizations all face the same issues from time to time and there is no easy fix, the causes are as diverse as the problems.

While I hate to agree with Benedict (It’s much more fun to argue with him- even if he’s right) but his point has merit. We should align ourselves more with the ANA and have a presence at their convictions and shows whenever/wherever possible and thus exposing ourselves to a greater number of people around the country and the world. With increased membership comes greater budgets and stability. This will not happen overnight but with time, I believe, could be beneficial.

I see local chapters as a benefit. We have local chapters now but they are very few. I have no idea how to spur more people to form local groups, mainly because we are so scattered and thin (in many geographical locations).

Incentives promoting new memberships might help, maybe the first year or percentage of the first year’s dues could go to the sponsor or possibly be used to reduce the sponsor’s dues for that year. In a case of a LM then a cash value be set. An incentive of monetary value is just one suggestion, clearly not the only one.

A percentage of dues could be invested and the yield be folded back to build and at some point in the future used as a supplement to membership dues during those ‘weak’ years where membership growth declines. Maybe it’s a good idea, maybe not, but it’s a suggestion.

In order to make more nominations for BOD, spell out exactly what is required of the office. Many people may feel intimidated by what they perceive is required of them. (Simply list all the things you do in a particular office in a normal month). I for one have no Idea, and before I threw my name in the hat I would have to know EXACTLY what I had to do and I am sure others are in my same boat.

There are a great many highly motivated people in the BOD and how we got them I have no clue- we were just lucky I guess. We could always use more.

So, while I have no complaints or ax to grind, I offer the following suggestions:

1. Communications
2. Presence
3. Incentives

We already have a great group of people, but there are a lot more of them out there who have never heard of us. No doubt the BOD hears a lot of suggestions and may have to hear a thousand unworkable ones, but just one that works wipes out all the bad ones. Look what one well written song does for a no name country singer!

Bigger advertising budgets are great but a house is build one board at a time.

OK, I’m finished rambling……..Benedict you have the Floor