I promised you I would write a blog....so here goes. This is my first attempt at doing this. I look forward to this being a forum where we can discuss issues and ideas and ask and answer questions.
At the convention many of you were concerned that members might have difficulty paying their dues this year. So I thought I would pass along some of the innovative ideas that were being discussed by chapters.
- Members could pay their dues on the installment plan. They could pay so much a month for three to five months. Only the state and international dues must be paid by October 30.
- Collection of dues could begin July 1 each year so that would give members four months to pay.
- Chapters could waive chapter dues for members who are experiencing hard times.
- Members could pay state and international dues for an individual member who was experiencing hard times.
Does your chapter send out a statement for dues indicating the amount and date they are due? Many chapters find that modeling after other professional organizations in this way, produce effective results. I am sure that many of you have innovative methods of collecting dues. I heard of an Iowa chapter who used the theme "Dew the Dues" and distributed cans of "Dew" (Mountain Dew) to members as they paid their dues. A chapter in West Virginia held a "Dues Tea" in the various counties of their chapter area in August. Members came together for a social event (a finger food picnic in one county and lunch at another) and brought their dues to the event. Many who could not attend even sent their dues with others. Fun and fellowship always help. Share your ideas.
Carolyn
