The decline in membership that Jim cites is about 3% whereas the dues increase (either $5 or $6 for most members) was 15% or more. As a very rough gauge, historically we have seen membership decline by 1% for every dollar of dues increase. Until the past two months we were doing somewhat better on membership than anticipated, largely the result of better-than-expected renewal rates even at the higher dues rates. Renewals have begun to come in at a somewhat slower pace; we suspect a hiccup in the postal distribution of a large batch of renewal notices earlier this year and are planning an additional mailing to those members. Dave K1ZZ -----Original Message----- From: W5JBP@aol.com [mailto:W5JBP@aol.com] Sent: Monday, June 10, 2002 4:54 PM To: arrl-odv Subject: [ARRL-ODV:7320] Membership I was looking at the membership numbers today and quite frankly, I am really puzzled. We are down 5,089 from a year ago. Even at the old rate of $34 that is $173,000. At the $39 rate it is $198,471. The only good news is that Director Coy Day, N5OK just copied me on a message that he signed up 48 new members and 27 renewals and one family life member at Hamcom this past weekend. What is disappointing is that we have more to show why a ham should be a member now than ever before. As an organization, we have been very proactive as of late and maybe it is that we should be telling people that more in our forums. Director Bellows and Director Walstrom are fix'n to get a full dose this coming weekend. So, get ready for a good old fashion "come to meet'n with Jesus" at Soux City this weekend. Make sure you have plenty of membership applications on hand. The next tent revival will be at the Bryce Canyon, Utah. I understand there is a river near by and I have made note of several scriptures from John the Baptist. Seriously, we all need to get a bit more positive and less hesitant about talking about all the good things we have done lately. 73 Jim Haynie, W5JBP