[sac-forum] Re: 2 subjects-money and Holiday party

Stanley A. Gorodenski wrote:

>Why is it that EVAC is always considerably cheaper than SAC? Their dues
>are now $25.
>

I'm finding this whole thread most interesting.

Since I tried to discuss this before and offered several suggestions, 
some SAC  board members seem to be not interested in raising money 
nor in increasing the membership. However, higher dues seemed fine.

It addition, SAC is unable to show tangible value to membership for 
paying dues. Even simple things like issuing membership cards and 
inexpensive name tags could go a long way in member perception of 
getting "something" for their money. I thought it was my deafness 
that prohibited me from knowing more than a handful of club members 
(I still don't know who AJ is), but I have found at least several 
other who are in the same position and hear fine. Name tags would 
certainly help and I'm not talking about the fancy engraved ones.

For additional income the club's web site is begging to provide a 
means of significant income (sale of books, tee shirts, donated 
items, items for sale by members with a small % $ donated to the 
club), but some board members cannot seem to see it. There are many 
inexpensive ways to handle that. I know. That is part of my business 
to develop such sites.

Unless something is changed (and many seem against any change), I 
suspect the membership will continue to decline and dues continue to 
rise. Regardless of what EVAC does, SAC has the potential to become a 
really great club, lower dues, have a bigger budget and do much more 
in the world of astronomy.

BTW, I find it impossible to understand the financial report in the 
newsletter. The rows have no labels. There was mention of a $1300 
check for a scholarship fund given to Challenge SCA and two club 
mirrors sold for $900, but these amounts are nowhere to be seen in 
the report. To me the report is the page with the $$ figures. This 
does not instill confidence in me that the club is on sound financial 
ground nor give me a positive feeling of the future of the club. The 
financial report is the key to seeing if the club will prosper, just 
survive or go under. It may seem raising dues will solve some 
problems, but then I don't think that has been thought out. Raising 
dues most likely will cause a further decrease in membership and land 
the club back in the same financial canoe. I hope this can be 
corrected and SAC can prosper.

Jeff
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                                           Jeff Hopkins
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