Anthony wikimail@inbox.org wrote:
[...] But frankly I don't even understand what you mean by having all local or regional activities under a single umbrella. If I, in Tampa, want to run a "scavenger hunt and free content photography contest", why should this be organized by someone in New York City? Do I get a checking account here in Tampa to buy the refreshments, or do I have them send me a check from New York City? I guess I have to have a checking account, because when someone donates $10 in cash towards the event, I'm not sending the cash through the mail, and I'm not buying a money order or sending it Western Union. I guess I could put it all under my pillow. Let's hope all of it gets spent on project funds, cause there's no way some bureaucrat in New York City is going to figure out if it doesn't. After all, the national organization, run out of New York City, has to appoint me as an officer, so that I can have checkwriting privileges. And most likely without even having met me. [...]
In Germany (and probably in the SEPA at large), transferring money seems to be a lot easier (and cheaper) than in the US. And most members of an organization regularly put up front minor expenses (for refreshments, etc.) and have them reim- bursed later on. That makes it difficult for foreigners where checks are something your grandparents tell you about to grasp the intricacies of founding US chapter(s).
So, hats off to those who succeed!
Tim