Dear All:
 
I'm sorry I couldn't be present on last Tuesday. Sounds like a lot was accomplished.
 
I work in a membership organization, so I've got a couple suggestions about dues.
 
Trying to keep track of a different registration date for every member is a nightmare. For the administrators and the members.
 
At my organization, our year runs from July 1 through June 30. The model goes like this:
 
 
 
 
For a year that runs from October 1, 200x through September 200y, we'd have to pick different dates for triggering half-year dues and for starting to collect full-year dues for the subsequent year, but the model would remain the same. Using holidays for the triggers can help everyone remember.
 
The thoughts of one.
 
Best,
 
David
> Date: Mon, 9 May 2011 06:09:37 -0400
> From: messedrocker@gmail.com
> To: wikimedia-dc@lists.wikimedia.org
> Subject: [Wikimedia-DC] Details on membership
>
> Hello all,
>
> The last meeting ended with agreement that membership dues would be
> set at $10, with the fine details on how membership works to be
> decided at a later time. I have determined that we can use the mailing
> list to debate these details in a way that is congruous with our
> bylaws. Here is how. We will debate the details on this mailing list,
> with no action being taken (as action can only be taken at meetings
> held in the meatspace). As a result of the debate, someone will
> prepare a motion that will be introduced before the Board at the next
> meeting. Debate will certainly be allowed on it, but the idea is that
> since much of the debate will have already taken place on the mailing
> list, we won't be at square one. As this is a member organization I
> believe the actual membership structure should be in place as soon as
> possible, and by debating it on the mailing list we won't have to
> delay that debate until the next meeting.
>
> Here are the current issues:
>
> 1. It was agreed that membership is to be on an annual basis; i.e.,
> each member pays $10 per year. But how will that work out? Can someone
> sign up at any time and then there will be rolling renewal? Or will
> all registrations and renewal take effect at the beginning of the new
> fiscal year on October 1? I personally recommend the rolling renewal
> system, since those who will want to take part will be able to do so
> right away. Someone who is interested in March may lose their
> enthusiasm by the time September comes along. Furthermore, a system to
> keep track of registration dates should honestly not be that difficult
> to make or maintain (I could create a tool on the toolserver that
> sends reminders).
>
> 2. If we agree to adopt the plan where registrations and renewals can
> only take effect at October 1, what should be done for registrations
> in the interim period between now and the next meeting? Should there
> be discounted registration, or perhaps free registration which expires
> September 30? (In other words, you would be able to register for free
> for the four month interim period, but to be a member through the next
> fiscal year would cost $10.)
>
> Any other issues regarding membership? (If anyone is unsure about
> payment, I as the treasurer am willing to collect dues via cash, check
> made out to Wiki Society of Washington, DC, Inc., or possibly PayPal.)
>
> Discuss.
>
> --
> James Hare
>
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