[QCWA] QCWA - Associate Membership

[VE3JX]

Greetings All,

I realize that the majority of this discussion was taking place on the QCWA 
Hotlist reflector (a reflector for Chapter Presidents, etc.)  I am glad to 
see that it has now hit the general members' reflector as well, so that all 
of us know that this important straw vote is being taken.

I believe that the reason this idea is being floated once again at this time 
is due to the rumoured critical financial condition in which QCWA finds 
itself.  The Associate Membership idea wouldn't see the light of day if it 
wasn't for the fact that QCWA needs cash-flow now!

I also believe that our President who called for the "straw poll" did not 
want to reopen the discussion, since both sides have argued this off and on 
for years.  However, he apparently was relaying an idea presented by the 
auditor to help improve QCWA's financial picture, and wanted to test the 
waters before the Board even discussed it.

And so, the question is:

Is Associate Membership the panacea for QCWA's financial woes?  If not, then 
how can we get past (& current) members to renew?

Our membership has been slowly decreasing over the last few years.  Why? 
How can we reverse the trend?

There is talk of dues going up to $30/yr. sometime in 2012.  Will that help 
our financial picture, or will it shut off the influx?

How bad are QCWA's finances?  None of us really know (outside the Board of 
Directors) since we have yet to see QCWA issue meaningful financial 
statements to the membership.

The Board of Directors (and rightly so) have to consider all options in 
order to save QCWA.  Associate Membership may not be a good idea, but I 
understand it is presented in the light of the current fiscal situation.

Just some background information; the little I know which, admittedly, is 
not much.

Dave Hayes VE3JX