As president, part of my job is keeping you, the membership, informed of what is happening within the organization. I feel that in my first real message to you, I can best serve you by letting you know how your dues are spent.
One of the most obvious expenditures is the newsletter you are reading. Dues money covers the cost of printing and postage. Jim does not charge us to edit, nor are contributors paid.
Your dues are also used to help finance the Spring Conference. Most presenters are offered free registration, so costs are kept down. As members, you also receive discounted registration fees for the conferences.
Part of your dues money also goes to pay mileage for officers to attend executive council meetings. We have two or three per year to plan conferences and the SDEA program.
This year part of your dues money will be used to send me to the National NCTE Convention in San Diego. We are required to send a representative to the board of director's meeting at least every three years. If no one is sent, we can no longer claim affiliate status. This year marks our third year of being an affiliate, so we need to send someone to the convention.
If you've ever wondered where your money goes, those of us on the executive council want to assure you that we understand. We want you to see that your money does work for you. You are more than people who pay dues. You are important people within our organization. We look forward to seeing you at conferences and hearing your ideas about making this organization what you want it to be.
Until next time,
Kandy Punt
President, SDCTE