If it is that vital, why are we having issues? My take: This competition is vital, therefore the WDA will allocate $10,000 every year to cover the cost. This money will be generated by the following means....a....b....c.....etc. That looks like a viable way to cover a vital expense. Waiting for donations when the time is running short, and when the risk of being removed as the representative for the US is present, it shows lack of organization and management. Sad, as the team intentions is to represent the US. What a letdown. Just my opinion, of course. Ileana In a message dated 8/5/2009 1:04:31 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, vande001@xxxxxxxxx writes: I understand what you mean, Diane, but, the WDA competing in world events is more than just some fanciers pursuing a hobby. It is a vital part of the GSDCA remaining part of the world union and holding USA at bay. If we, as the GSDCA, stop competing, then we run a huge risk of being removed from the world union and USA being the United States breed representative body. If the GSDCA feels that it is willing to give up its seat on the world union, then so be it, but until that happens I believe we should all understand the finances involved for this endeavor and where short falls (if any) occur and develop a sound plan to assist our team. This can take many forms...I am not necessarily promoting a handout here. I think that we first need to understand the finances and issues; which means that the WDA has to be more open and honest with the GSDCA membership. Cynthia Ileana ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2008. All material remains the property of the original author and of GSD Communication, Inc. NO REPRODUCTIONS or FORWARDS of any kind are permitted without prior permission of the original author AND of the Showgsd-l Management. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ALL PERSONS ARE ON NOTICE THAT THE FORWARDING, REPRODUCTION OR USE IN ANY MANNER OF ANY MATERIAL WHICH APPEARS ON SHOWGSD-L WITHOUT THE EXPRESS PERMISSION OF ALL PARTIES TO THE POST AND THE LIST MANAGEMENT IS EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN, AND IS A VIOLATION OF LAW. VIOLATORS OF THIS PROHIBITION WILL BE PROSECUTED. For assistance, please contact the List Management at admin@xxxxxxxxxxxx VISIT OUR WEBSITE - http://showgsd.org NATIONAL BLOG - http://gsdnational.blogspot.com/ ============================================================================