The International Headquarters collects all dues; Society, district, and chapter. We keep a small processing fee and then provide the money to the chapters and districts. We do this monthly. We also arrange for liability insurance for the entire Society, to include all chapter activities, and predator insurance for our youth programs. This collective approach guarantees the lowest rates possible. Our 1-800-876-SING phone number generates more than 3500 calls per month, even in this age of free long distance and cell phone mania. Currently, we assess the chapters a small fee for the 1-800 number and we also bill the chapters once per year (January) for their liability insurance.  Where do we go from here?

Dues collection and liability insurance will remain as they are.  However, some chapters are unhappy with paying a fee for the 1-800 service.  Beginning in January, 2011, we will discontinue this assessment. Of course, this is a worthwhile (3500 calls/month) and legitimate expense, and the money will have to come from somewhere.

I asked the Society Board to approve a dues increase to make up this lost revenue, and cover the small increases in costs across the board, and they approved the increase on Oct 30.  We kept this increase under $5.00, and will accomplish our 2011 goals with a dues increase of $4.00!  Regular dues increase from $101 to $105, and dues pegged to this rate will increase accordingly.  (Youth and Associates $52.50, for instance.)

-Ed Watson, CEO