Public Relations Seat on Presidency.

Dave, good piont about the price of the booth.  Maybe in the long run, it would increase our members enough that we wouldn't have to worry about it.  Or we could try to get LFS to pitch in some cash and we could refer members to them.  I'll bet that Kris @ Fish 4 U would help.  Maybe Brad and some of the others would want to be a part of it once another store did.

Who is going to volunteer to go to public events to promote the club?  Last elections we had to swindle people into accepting positions.  If we have people that are willing to give that much time to the club there are other things that need to be done (like a Sea Star editor/organizer).

I've been involved with NPOs since I was 11 years old. Some more effectively managed than others, but overall the drive for money was only to improve the quality of the NPO and its services to its members. If money only comes from the members, then usually members leave as they are not getting their monies worth. More often monies were gained through fundraisers. From large ones (like banquets or a sports event) to smaller more localized (less publicized) like bake tables, or boothes. These fundraisers do require members, but mostly for getting the word out. I've participated in a large Run/Walk event organized by approx 20 people that have raised a few grand.

Also, members mean work. The more members, the more work. There always seemd to be a natural ebb and flow of how many members there were; due in large to the organization of the club. For example a small group of experienced dog handlers pick up a few members at a park. These new members have a good chance of being nurtured in the club. Now if that same experienced group had 30 new members gained from a dog show, there would be a huge difference in the ammount of work imposed on the professionals. (Probally a new place to meet, membership dues, logos, lectures, etc) The existing members formed the group to discuss dog issues, and share experiences. They want all members, new and old, to be involved and enjoy what the club has to offer. If that first small group is organized and manage the transition from a small group to a large group, then many people gain and there will be little loss. However, if managed poorly there may be bitter feelings had by both old and new to the detriment of the club. (I was in a sign language club that died of this)

So my point.....I love dissertations.....just kidding.....What is the purpose of the club? I think it was the dissemenation of information on marine aquaria with a group of individuals who enjoy one annothers company. (If this has changed please let me know!!!) It is the presidencies job to make sure that happens and as smoothly as possible, why...because they want to and it is fun. The maintenance of the club does take money (place to meet, copies, phone calls, etc.) therefore we have dues, raffles and fund raisers (GO REEF TOUR!!!!). In the year I've been involved with WMAS the membership has swelled to over 80. IMO the challange right now lies not in getting new members, but in maintining member expectations and helping those newbies into the fold (sorry for the reference Jon...I couldn't resist) Can improvements be made? You bet, and as a group we are trying new things, while sticking with things we know work (Monthly meetings, the BBQ! and the REEF TOUR!!)