[QCWA] The 14 Point Memo

[Matt Tinker]

First, let me say that Gene has presented to the membership a long list of 
important concerns that all QCWA members need to address either on a local 
or national basis.  Membership has declined, and it is declining in a 
number of other organizations as well, not just the QCWA.  The national 
trend has a lot to do with the economy, the times we live in, and what 
people do with their free time.  I can remember when joining organizations 
like the Lions Club, PTA, the ARRL were the thing to do, however, today 
joining is not what it once was.

The old saying, FOLLOW THE MONEY, has an important concern for all 
organizations, and our QCWA.  Gene addresses this in his option to reduce 
the yearly dues by 10%.  Nothing wrong with lowering the cost to our 
membership, and new members.  I would like to see the financial books 
before I made a decision on this proposal.  I do not know what it takes to 
run the QCWA on an annual basis, and without that data, an informed 
decision cannot be reached at this time.  Let me say, if we can reduce the 
annual dues, than we should.  Our members are a little older, retired, and 
some on fixed incomes, we need to address this issue to insure that 
everyone can be part of the QCWA.  The same for the quarterly Journal.  We 
need to see what the operating costs are, how we go to press, and what 
additional costs are associated with the publication.  Can we improve the 
efficiency of our operation ?  Can we lower the costs to do business on a 
daily basis ? Can we improve the services to our Membership and Chapters 
?  Can we have programs on a national basis that will attract our current 
membership, and new members ?  Can we have a larger voice in Amateur Radio 
?  Do we need to take a more active role in the direction of Amateur Radio, 
not just go along ?  The answer to all of the above is YES !!

I am a candidate for Director, and I believe that we need to look at what 
Gene has presented, not as a 14 point plan for action, but as a working 
guide to analyze our organization from top to bottom.  We need to see what 
our real costs are, determine how we can more effectively operate the 
QCWA.  With a full cost analysis, we can then begin the process of looking 
at annual dues, the Journal, improved programs for our membership, becoming 
active in communities, becoming more active in the direction of Amateur 
Radio, becoming an International organization for all 25+ year Hams around 
the world.  Throwing the baby out with the bath water, does not really work 
all the time, but a little revolution is good sometimes.  Lets begin with a 
real look at our organization, not the status quo, but a real look at how 
we operate.  Lets be honest with ourselves, correct the problems, and begin 
to look to new ideas that will help our membership, and attract new members 
around the world.

Thanks for the opportunity to voice my opinion.

Regards

Matt Tinker
W9PW