At our December meeting, the Tech Valley chapter voted to change the way we handle dues. Like most chapters, we have been operating under the current system. The dues notice is generated by State. Once a member receives this notice, the member can either pay their dues online from the State web site or send a check to our treasurer. Our treasurer then mails State the portion of dues they are owed and State sends us the portion of dues we are owed for anyone who paid online.

After some discussion, we voted to allow State to take over all aspects of dues collection. Our chapter determined that the current system is not efficient and that it made more sense for the State to send out the dues notice and receive the dues payment. Then once a month, the State will send our treasurer a check for whatever local and region dues are owed to us.

Our chapter is focusing on exploring new ways to attract new members. We felt that it was more appropriate for the State to handle dues because in most organizations and associations, the State level deals with dues processing. The local levels are left to focus on programming and finding new members. Our chapter felt that we did not need to deal with the administrative hassle. We have the benefit of being part of a larger organization, so why not let the State do the administration?

We would like to strongly encourage other chapters to vote to have State take over the administration of their dues. We think you will find that it will enhance your local productivity and allow you to focus on matters that truly matter to your chapter.