Attendees: National Commander Steve Zeitz; National Membership Chairman Bob Richter NJ; Gerry Alperstein NY; Erwin Burtnick MD; Maxwell Colon CA; Michael Corbett FL; Elliott Donn CT; Don Feldman PA; Harvey Fox NJ; David George MI; Norman Hanenbaum CT; Larry Holman PA; Joe Kraut GA; Robert Lasky GA; Marv Levine PA; Barry Lischinsky MA; Mike London TX; PNC Monte Mayer NY; Michael Menschel NY; Don Rothman OH; Allen Rubin MA; Buddy Segal FL; Herman Sherline MI; Bernhard Storch NY; Sid Wakser OH
Staff: NED Herb Rosenbleeth; DOO Larry Richardson; Ruby DesChamps; Cheryl Waldman
Subject: Membership
- Recent changes in dues structure were approved in August 2009 to go into effect at start of 2011 membership year
- Highlights of new dues structure
1) Multiple year pricing for membership will be incorporated, giving a lower per year cost (like magazines and the Museum does) with the purpose of making it more attractive to have more than a one year membership. The changes approved at the last NEC meeting in August of 2009, are: Single year dues at the National level will stay at $35, two year dues will be $65 and three years dues are to be $90. The three year dues rate will be a saving of $15.
2) The single year "Member at Large" dues will be raised from $45 to $50. This was done to put those dues at the same level as most Post dues.
3) Life membership dues will be changed from a single payment of $200 to $500, with a payment option of 3 years as follows: An immediate payment of $200, a payment of $150 for year two and a payment of $150 for year three.
4) Patron dues will be the same as that for a member.
- Members at large (Post 100) dues are now $50/year to provide parity with Post members
- To boost membership some Posts pay dues for first year's membership if member attends minimum number of meetings, and pays half of second year dues
- There is confusion among some members regarding amount of Post and Department dues to be added to National dues on multiple-year schedule
- Suggestion for membership increase opportunity is to have VA come to give vets free physicals and recruit veterans who participate
- Get help from synagogues and JCC's to recruit members; can ensure that JCC's will contact Posts if anyone calls asking about veterans' groups
- Check Post 100 roster for potential Post members
- Get roster with names of previous members who have not paid dues lately and send them personalized letters
- Active participation in scouting program is good way to reach potential new members
- Use social media to recruit new members
- Members should keep an application in their wallets so they will have it with them if they meet a potential new member
- Vietnam Vets are now of retirement age and might wish to become active
- Pursue in-service members
