The int’l STC body has changed its funding model to the chapters, distributing a bit more money to each chapter based on member numbers. The funding model used in the past was very controversial and was seen by many chapters to be unfair.
Most of the information used in this article is from a recent email from the STC Tieline. If you would like the full, long email, please let me know at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
The Old Model
From the Tieline:
Under the previous system of funding, the amount rebated to a chapter per member dropped as the chapter grew. Last year, for example, chapters received rebates of $24 per member for the first 100 members, $16 per member for members 101 through 200, and finally $8 per member for members 201 and higher. Under this model, larger chapters had no monetary incentive to recruit more members because their return on investment was small.
Basically, the more successful a chapter was, the less money it received from the STC. With about 220 members last year, the CWC chapter would have received about $4000 (just looking at the numbers above but not confirming with the actual budget). The CWC chapter raised money from our bi-monthly meetings and professional development workshops.
The New “Pass-Through” Model
From the Tieline:
The basis for the pass-through funding model is simple: When STC members join or renew their membership, they join or renew membership in both the international Society and in chapters and SIGs at the same time. The chapter portion of calendar year 2008 STC membership dues is $25. Members pay this amount and the Society portion of the total dues to the STC office. The STC office processes the payments, updates its membership database, and then passes the $25 chapter dues back to the chapter designated by each member.
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Under the new pass-through funding model, chapters can now recruit with the knowledge that they’ll get $25 for each member they recruit.
How This Affects You
Based on the Tieline email, the STC receives about 58% of its funding from dues. If the STC is passing more money to chapters, this means that your dues will be going up. Starting with the upcoming renewal season, rates will be $175 for a Classic Membership (Plus $15 for Canadian mailing), $165 for E-Membership, and still $75 for Student and Retired Memberships.
STC members will not have the option of opting out of a chapter membership this year. Anyone who signs up will need to select one chapter. One chapter and up to three SIGs are included in the membership cost.
How This Affects the Chapter
The treasurer and I will need to look at the budget to see how this new pass-through scheme affects us. We normally approve the budget at the Annual General Meeting, so you can see the budget there and I’ll try to give you another update via the Coast Lines.
The Whole Story
Again, if you want the whole email, I’m happy to share it. .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
