63 replies to this topic

[BenBurton]

From day one Section 8 Chicago has been an open organization, free of charge and open to all and we always want it to remain as such. Year in and year out, the need or usefulness of an optional "membership" grows. We always shy away from the word membership because it starts to sound exclusive, but I think it's time to discuss the issue.

Tom made a great point, that NPR is run on a totally volunteer membership basis. I would like us all to consider something similar.

Not to dig up the past, but last year our efforts were hampered by our reliance on the Fire. I think it only makes us stronger if we can move to complete self reliance. We're investigating sponsors as well, but membership is a strong option as well.

The different groups are where a mandatory annual fee should be, if anywhere. How do people feel about a non-mandatory, optional donation with benefits for Section 8 Chicago?

[radmonkey]

I just pictured an NPR/PBS style S8 membership drive, with phones banks, tote bags and DJ with his helmet and drum.


But it seems like a fair idea, I'm sure people would bitch about it. But people will bitch no matter what*. But hopefully pointing out that it's voluntary would help. There would have to be benefits, you know...to sweeten the pot.

*Although they'd probably bitch if there were no playoff buses or ISA subsidies even more.

[tonyz]

I have always been in favor of this , I have no problem with it. Designate a special scarf from the new run that is being made ,charge about 30 $ and that would include your scarf and membership to S8 ,and access to our boards.

Or create a card for S8 members that they can buy and save some money on Merch and S8 events such as road trips. if people disagree so be it .
those that choose to be Exclusive and donate to the cause like me have no problem.

[cikinit23]

I have no problem at all with paying membership dues/donating or however the arrangement ends up being. To be honest I think we should have done this long ago, create some sort of optional membership that would give those who join better deals on away tickets or merch. Personally if the money went towards tifos I'd be completely happy with that. I think its a good idea as long as we dont say you must become a paying member to be part of the Section. We all want this Section to grow and improve and become the best it can be and membership would certainly help that happen.

[AcmeComics]

We'd need something for a "premium". Something low key but at the same time something the people would like.


Lapel pin, car badge, Masonic type ring something like that.

[penguinopph]

We'd need something for a "premium". Something low key but at the same time something the people would like.


Lapel pin, car badge, Masonic type ring something like that.

One ring to rule them all? Or is this more of a Stonecutters type deal?

[BenBurton]

One thing I do think it will help with is that there are people who appreciate what we do, but aren't involved on a day to day basis. These people might want an easy way to help. There are also the Section 80 types who "retire" and might want to keep helping.

Still, if it were to happen it has to happen in an openly voluntary way. That's always been my fear.

I think to a lot of us, it makes sense. I hope to get some feedback from those of you who think the idea sucks though.

[goldstone97]

My thoughts in depth on this are here. I've tried to set out the fiscal situation with some figures form our budget to explain why this is on our minds as a board right now. It has to be voluntary and we can never exclude anyone from the section based on a membership card, but like for the model of public radio, some who can pay can help us support everyone better. Members would get some perks, but that wouldn't exclude anyone from the fundamentals of what we do.

[sopot26]

Ben I do have some reservations, I will look for you next Sunday and we can talk.

[Es Brennt]

What do ya think is the % of those that participate in our sections that read/post here?

[goldstone97]

What do ya think is the % of those that participate in our sections that read/post here?

That's really hard to say, cos it's so hard to define what participating in our section is exactly. It's very hard to say how many people are "in" our section at all...

One valid concern we've been worried about with this is the word 'member'. We've had a few suggestions already, but can anyone think of good alternate terms that make it clear it's not a supporters group you're joining?

[Eiki]

One valid concern we've been worried about with this is the word 'member'. We've had a few suggestions already, but can anyone think of good alternate terms that make it clear it's not a supporters group you're joining?

How about calling it a "Section 8 Discount Card" and then having one of the perks be a discount on road trips? From what I'm gathering, the big impetus behind asking for an annual membership donation or whatever you call it is the fact that the Section needs money for busses upfront. So if you get people to buy these discount cards before the season, you'll have money to pay for busses (maybe some merch too), people will get a sweet deal, and the whole thing would be voluntary.

Of course, that's what the idea behind the AST is, and in order to get people who might not be planning on going on any road trips to want to get in on the action, it'll have to include some other kind of perk. Maybe a discount on merch or good for a free lapdance at Polekatz?

Just an idea I thought I'd throw out there. Someone else mentioned deals on away game tix and merch already, I just took that idea and ran with it, so credit goes to you.

[AcmeComics]

15% tops?

[tzimaki]

One valid concern we've been worried about with this is the word 'member'. We've had a few suggestions already, but can anyone think of good alternate terms that make it clear it's not a supporters group you're joining?

Patron
Associate
Booster
Backer

[soccer_john]

We'd need something for a "premium". Something low key but at the same time something the people would like.

I have no problem, for someone like me, I cannot always donate my time but this sounds like a great idea.

For a "premium"- all donating members get a hug from Ben!