<CORSA Chapters> Another Q or two

[tim mahler]

Trying to get some early feedback.  The CORSA board is looking at the CORSA 
budget and are seeing a big shortfall.  Some of these were asked,  partially 
in the survey last year, but,  I am going to ask again.

The biggest cause is the continued decline in membership numbers -- which 
translates to fewer dues coming (lower revenue)
Expenses, of course,  continue to rise,  some faster than the consumer price 
index (postage)  some less .  The management and editorial fees are actuall 
rising slower then the CPI, but still rising.

It is either time to raise dues -- The finance committee suggested by $7 a 
year.
One thought was to offer a electronic only membership at a lower rate --  
saves postage and printing.  even after the survey, I am not sure how well 
this option would be utilized.

and / or reduce expenses

Reducing expenses,  by the amount needed over the next 3-5 years,  means 
reducing what is provided to the member, or requiring members to do more.

One item on the list that reduces printing expenses but still provides the 
same amount of content is printing two different size Communiques -- One 
with 20 numbered pages and one with 28 numbered pages (average 24 numbered 
pages as today)
Saves about 2k.   Is that a reasonable consideration?  or would the low 
numbered pages cause members to be upset?

More drastic measure would be to print bi-monthly or even just quarterly --  
more pages per printed edition, but fewer editions.  saves both postage and 
printing expenses -- enough to prevent a dues increase.  Should that be 
considered?
Should an electronic "newsletter"  be published in the non-print months?

OK.

Keeping the Communique at the current 24 number pages, printed monthly. 
Another option would be to drastically reduce the services we contract . --  
Say,  having membership renewals processed totally by volunteers.   Having a 
help desk for the membership center staffed by volunteers (separate from the 
current VV-help group), and having the database maintained by volunteers. 
It is a lot of work.  Are there volunteers out there to pick up that work? 
I haven't been convinced this is a good move at this time,  but I have been 
wrong in the past.

OK,  enough Qs for this email

Happy holidays everyone

tim mahler