Lmad

Lisa Fishman · #1 10-18-2001, 06:55 PM

Headquarters has recently done away with Life Member Alumnae Dues. This is with in the past two years or so. Alumnae are volentaraly asked to send IHQ $30 a year for membership dues. This is not tax deductable. As I understand, the money is used to keep competive with other NPC groups. Also, in many cases, the local Junior Circle/ Alumnae Club or Chapter may ask for local dues. Just thought I would pass this information on. Thanks, Lisa

AlphaGam1019 · #2 10-18-2001, 07:01 PM

Lisa,

I had not heard about this! I didn't see it in the Quarterly etc...maybe it's just taken out of new member education...

Nina

Lisa Fishman · #3 10-18-2001, 08:17 PM

Nina, Hi. You are probably right. They probably deleted it just from New Member Ed. The information is in a past Quarterly. I think it's been a while though. All of the information I posted regarding LMAD was given to me by someone in the Birmingham Alumnae Chapter.

AGDLynn · #4 10-18-2001, 08:48 PM

Yea, it was big deal at Convention..you got a white ribbon to wear on your name tag...Lisa's right, it's in addition to any local alumnae dues you pay...

So, I guess you could say it's LMAD every year, lol!

AlphaGam1019 · #5 10-18-2001, 08:59 PM

Lynn, you got a white ribbon for what? Giving $ as an alum?

I've been searching the past quarterlys for any info on the doing away with lmad!

lookin at old quarterlies though- why do we have a zta working for our ihq? lol

Lisa Fishman · #6 10-18-2001, 09:27 PM

Lynn, I heard about the big stink about the dues issue at Convention in Atlanta. Our Birmingham Alum Delagate filled us in on that.
I would think that paying dues anually would push sisters away from the organization all together. Especially after most of us have paid for "life". Though $30 isn't alot to ask of someone to pay.

AGDAlum · #7 10-19-2001, 07:22 AM

An announcement about alumnae dues was in the Q last spring. One paragraph, very subtle. (IMO the Q has interesting news but it's all positive PR stuff -- "let's not let on to anyone that anything could possibly be troublesome.")

I sent $30 but received absolutely no acknowledgement of the contribution -- until last month when I got a postcard that said, "Just a reminder that your alumnae dues are due. The fiscal year begins July 1."

I've had experience with fundraising (as a "giver" and a "getter") and I understand perfectly well where they're coming from with this program. LMAD was $20 when I was initiated in 1971 and even then I realized that was a bargain for the member. Relying on alumnae to be generous is not going to bring in the funds needed to maintain the international organization, let alone permit it to try new initiatives. Fundraising is sophisticated nowadays and AGD needs to get into the line with colleges, churches, and other organizations with a coordinated and consistent campaign.

Perhaps the rocky start to this program is because there's no executive director?

AGDLynn · #8 10-19-2001, 05:37 PM

Yes Nina, you got a white ribbon if you paid your $30.

IHQ has to be careful on how they "push" "voluntary" dues since they also want our money for Foundation. Too bad "credit" isn't applied when you are actually working WITH a collegiate and/or alumnae chapter/club, lol! But then, that is "voluntary" too, lol.

jeannine · #9 10-24-2001, 05:21 PM

I do see that there are many concerns with annual dues charged to alumni. I would also agree with the point that the lifetime membership dues are perhaps low in comparison to some other fees.

Some that I know feel that this will take away from alumni donations to the foundation. (And at least that is a donation for taxes,etc.)

The only real reason why I would ever encourage paying dues would be:

1) The members only section becomes a real tool for us where its use is excellent. For example, having access to the Rosevines info, having access to members only chat areas (not that I am trying to take all of us away from this forum, but it would create some privacy!) Having on-line newsletters from different Chapters, etc.

2) The fees at events such as convention would be less for a dues paying member. Then there would be an actual incentive for paying the yearly fee, and not just to have a ribbon on your name tag during convention.

I would have to agree that recognition is very important.