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Regarding dues and Houston
Dear Braille Forum editor:
In the May 2002 issue of "The Braille Forum," President Gray presented some information regarding the issue of member dues and voting at the national convention. I agree with his opinion that this issue is very controversial and could take center stage during the upcoming convention in Houston.
After weighing the facts and giving it some thought, I have concluded that a "middle of the road" approach may be the best alternative to resolve this dilemma and come out with a win/win solution that benefits both ACB and the state affiliates. In a spirit of cooperation and compromise I would like to place an idea out on the table of public discussion.
As it stands now, in 2003, ACB will collect $5 for each member of all affiliates up to a maximum of 625 members. This will generate income of up to $3,125 to ACB from each affiliate. In exchange each affiliate receives one vote for every 25 members up to a maximum of 25 votes.
Certainly asking large affiliates like California to pay the full $5 for every last member while maintaining only 25 votes is unreasonable. It is also unreasonable for large affiliates to only be paying dues for a portion of their respective members. Therefore I would like to suggest we have a two-layered dues system. I propose that each affiliate pay $5 for each member up the current maximum of 625 for which they will receive the right to cast one vote for every 25 members. In addition I propose that affiliates pay dues of $1.50 for each member over 625 members. Under this structure every member of ACB would pay dues of $1.50. The additional $3.50 would be levied on the first 625 members as voting rights. This would still allow affiliates to retain $3.50 from every member over 625. This figure is 50 cents more than they currently retain under the $3 dues collection, which expires this year.
Using California for an example, here is a breakdown of the numbers. I chose California because it was also President Gray's first example and of course they are the largest affiliate with the most to lose or gain from any changes.
In 2002 according to President Gray, California had approximately 3,000 members for which they collected a total of $9,000 ($3 times 3,000 members) in dues. Out of this California paid a total of $1,875 to ACB for dues and also donated a generous additional amount of $10,000. This left them in an approximate deficit of $2,875, meaning they collected $9,000 in ACB dues and paid out $11,875.
Under my proposal, assuming the membership numbers and donation to ACB remain the same, California's situation would look like this in 2003. They will collect a total of $15,000 ($5 times 3,000 members). They would then pay $3,125 for the first 625 members ($5 times 625). In addition they would pay $3,562.50 for the remaining 2,375 members ($1.50 times 2,375). If they then also made a gift donation of $10,000, their total would be $16,687.50. This is a deficit of only $1,687.50 compared to the current deficit of $2,875. California would have a net savings of $1,187.50 and ACB would see its revenue increase by $4,812.50, going from a total of $11,875 this year to a total of $16,687.50 next year.
The bottom line to all of this is simple. California, my example, would increase its contributions to ACB by $4,812.50 while at the same time reducing out of affiliate treasury expenses by a total of $1,187.50. In my opinion this is a win/win for everyone. See you all in Houston.
-- Glenn McCully, Auburn, Wash.
Thank you
Thank you for publishing our ad in your May edition. We sold the machine even before the newsletter came out and received more calls also. Thank you for providing this free service that benefits individuals and organizations for the visually impaired. The lady who bought the brailler was pleased to find a machine she could afford to buy. Keep up the good work.
-- Joanne Martin, Dodge City, Kan.