THE NUMBER ONE QUESTION CURT AND I CAN COUNT ON BEING ASKED IS:
"How much do I owe?"
Our number one answer:
"Nothing."
That answer causes a range of reactions, as you can imagine. For those who have attended most of our rallies, it's old news. For first timers, it is always a surprise.
When Curt and I first discussed how we wanted to organize "SOUTHWEST BLUEBIRDS and friends", we chose to keep it informal with no dues, officers, bylaws, bank accounts, etc., etc., etc. The 'KISS' principle is our mantra.
All we ask is you come to our rallies and have fun.
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True, there are out-of-pocket costs that Curt and I have been paying -- window cards and name badges, and ink for printing them; deposits that RV parks may require to hold a block of sites; setting up and maintaining this website cost an initial name registration fee, plus the ongoing monthly hosting fee; the photo sharing website requires a yearly fee; plus miscellaneous other costs -- are all examples.
To pay for these costs, we could charge dues, registration fees for each rally, or simply by passing the hat, but that gets us into an area we don't want to go -- formalizing the organization, electing a treasurer, financial reports, etc.
Because the group is growing in number, some of these costs are increasing, so I have been working on solutions to help reduce, or eliminate, some of them without charging dues or registration fees.
To help defray some of the costs Curt and I incur, this is the page to watch. As I find solutions, or other ways you can help, I will list them below. As always, participation is voluntary and no one is obligated in any way.
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Window cards and name badges represent the highest expense incurred during each rally. As the number of attendees at our rallies increase, so does the cost of providing printed window cards and name badges. I've arranged for the production of permanent, personalized, window plaques and individual name badges, using our logo. Click on this link to go directly to the order page-- "Order Your Window Plaque and Name Badges" -- or the blue title listing below to see more photos of the items, and the link to the merchant's order page. Order a set to keep in your coach and display them when attending a rally. The one time cost of these items is less than we'd have to charge for dues, and helps eliminate a large recurring expense.
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Maintaining a photo sharing website requires a yearly fee. But, it is the easiest way to share the hundreds of digital photos taken at our rallies, so is well worth the cost. All of the photos of our past rallies are now on our new photo sharing website, SmugMug©. The new site is more attractive and much less complicated to use.
Plus, it offers a way you can help defray the cost of maintaining it. Click on the blue "SmugMug Sign Up" title below for more information.
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Remember, all this is voluntary and you are under no obligation. Curt and I appreciate and thank you for your continued support.
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Finally, a quick word about members who volunteer to organize and conduct activities at our rallies. During our 2008 'Q' Rally, several members stepped forward to organize and lead activities that helped make the rally a huge success. These volunteer efforts help Curt and myself concentrate our time coordinating the "big picture." If you have an idea or activity you believe would add to the fun, and that you want to organize and conduct, feel free to submit an outline so we can include it in our rally schedules.