LNC Meeting Report - Dues, no longer debated

There were two proposals to revisit the dues debate, both brought by regional representatives on behalf of members. Region 1E Representative Dan Karlan (New Jersey) offered a motion submitted by the Massachusetts LP to set dues at $30, while Region 4 Alternate Trevor Southerland (Tennessee) put forward the plan of Jack Tanner of Florida to set dues at $0.0001 (one mil) along with a pledge to donate $100 to cover the fees for the first million members.

Squyres objected to consideration of both proposals, which very swiftly passed by a show of hands, 10-5 (two thirds required). Thus the LNC affirmed its will to have zero dues starting January 1, 2006.

At the beginning of the meeting, Dixon cited California and Indiana as positive examples of forward thinking in their response to zero dues, and asked both those state chairs to tell the committee their stories.

Starr explained that California had implemented pretty much what he had proposed to the LNC at the beginning of the year, $25 for a new state membership and $50 to renew. He said it is important to recognize that the transfer of our members’ relationships from national to state is not automatic, so attention to building new relationships is required to generate dues. Their goals are to convert 50% of national members to state membership and develop their own membership database program.

Rutherford spoke for Indiana. They are going the opposite direction, choosing not to charge dues in favor of other fundraising. They have contracted with a development specialist for their fundraising program. This change will require revisions of their bylaws. Rutherford cited one great advantage, relieving their county affiliates from the task of member recruitment.

Nelson pointed out at the end of the meeting that the Policy Manual obligated the LNC to provide membership cards to new members. With zero dues set to take place, this obligation would continue with no means of funding. Karlan moved to delete that section of the Policy Manual, which passed on a voice vote.