Posted by Lorien Mader on October 5, 2016 at 5:26pm
Hello All,I am in the interesting position of being an individual Associate Member of the ASA, unable to vote on the proposed structural changes to the ASA.While supportive of the updates to governance proposed, I can only post a discussion topic in opposition to the membership fee increase that attends the proposed Associate-to-Individual Membership class.I can't speak for others, but the term of my membership and the investment that I've made as an active member doesn't translate into any grand leaps in salary along the way.I simply wouldn't be able to afford the proposed $290 p/a and consequently wouldn't renew.In these 'fiscal times' and with the fond hope of increasing the membership I'm not convinced that an increase is wise and I'd like to understand how it might be justified.Solidarity brothers,Lorien.
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I will find it hard to cover the cost of the increase and may not even be able to cover the fee for 2017. My budget will be slashed a lot as others in the school will be too. We have had two new building in two years and they have to be furnished.
I think this structure will have to be looked at. I put in my budget a couple of weeks ago and didn't allow for any increase.
as Julia mentioned there has been no change to your current category of membership (Institutional B).
Cheers
Angela
Julia Mant > Mrs Carol LanderOctober 25, 2016 at 1:05pm
Dear Carol
The good news is that current Associate ASA members will pay the same membership fee as this year - $190. There is no increase in 2017 if you are an existing Associate member for at least one year, and we will review the fees at the end of next year and may continue the discount for those who are currently Associate members.
If you are not yet an Associate member of the ASA you might like to take out membership before 31 December 2016 in order to ensure you pay the 2016 membership fee rate!
Similarly Institutional B members will pay the same rate as 2016 - there has been no change to Institutional B membership (ie schools, not for profits, local historical societies etc).
Apologies for the delay in posting again - I've been out of action.
Thanks for the responses, Kylie, Angela, Louise. I'm pleased to know that there is an opportunity to vote on subscription rates.
Ultimately, 'lay-by' option (and the usual 'claim on tax') or no, $290 is $290 and I couldn't afford it.
Glad to know that part-time students will, if changes are passed, be included in the student concession rate. It would be interesting to keep stats on how many students would be able to upgrade to Individual membership once their studies were completed.
Hope all goes well at the AGM for updates in governance.
Solidarity etc!
Lorien.
Julia Mant > Lorien MaderOctober 14, 2016 at 3:15pm
Hi Lorien
The ASA is always seeking ways to improve member benefits and we value feedback from members on their experiences as an ASA member and what more they'd like to receive from us. Professional development opportunities like Branch meetings, Archives & Manuscripts subscription and discounted registration to the ASA Conference are all benefits we've hoped you've enjoyed as an Associate member. In addition, while membership is a real investment by members, the ASA membership fee proposition of $290 is in line with and in many cases less than the fees for other comparable professional associations.
In addition, it is possible to pay your membership fees by installment, to stretch it out across your budget. Obviously it would not suit the ASA finances if everyone did that because it involves extra work in the accounting process. However it is there as a possibility for members who really cannot get the whole fee together at one time. Members should have a personal chat with Angela McGing, Membership Officer, because she may be able to suggest a payment pathway which helps the member solve this problem The ASA is very keen to keep its members and to assist them to remain members!
Louise Trott
ASA Councillor
one aspect of the fees for associate membership that has troubled me is that associates who are working but earning under a certain amount of money were not given a discounted membership fee - professional members were. If these changes get though any member earning under $37,000 will pay a discounted rate. SO although the fees are going up for some associate members they will be going down.
It's true the current rules only allow for Professional Members to vote on rule changes such as the motions proposed at the 2016 AGM. Hopefully the changes will be adopted, then all individual members will be able to vote on future rule changes.
However it's not true that you can't vote on the fees. Even under the current rules, all members are able to vote on subscription rates.
ASA Council has modelled various scenarios for a flat fee structure for a single category of individual member - to determine a figure somewhere between $190 and $330. It's a balancing act of being fiscally responsible towards the Society; benchmarking with other similar professional associations; supporting a more equitable member structure; and ensuring affordability. I acknowledge that the proposed rate of $290 still won't please everyone but it has mostly been well received in the feedback to date.
In addition Council has cushioned the impact on current Associate Members by proposing their $190 rate is maintained for next year in the first instance. Subscription fees have to be considered at every AGM - even if there is no proposed change - therefore the 2017 AGM will be able to revisit the cushioning strategy. Student and concessional rates will also remain or be further extended (eg. part time students will be covered not just full time students).
Replies
Good morning
I will find it hard to cover the cost of the increase and may not even be able to cover the fee for 2017. My budget will be slashed a lot as others in the school will be too. We have had two new building in two years and they have to be furnished.
I think this structure will have to be looked at. I put in my budget a couple of weeks ago and didn't allow for any increase.
kind regards
Mrs Carol Lander
Achivist
John Wollaston Anglican ACS WA.
Hi Carol,
as Julia mentioned there has been no change to your current category of membership (Institutional B).
Cheers
Angela
Dear Carol
The good news is that current Associate ASA members will pay the same membership fee as this year - $190. There is no increase in 2017 if you are an existing Associate member for at least one year, and we will review the fees at the end of next year and may continue the discount for those who are currently Associate members.
If you are not yet an Associate member of the ASA you might like to take out membership before 31 December 2016 in order to ensure you pay the 2016 membership fee rate!
Similarly Institutional B members will pay the same rate as 2016 - there has been no change to Institutional B membership (ie schools, not for profits, local historical societies etc).
All the best, Julia
Hello,
Apologies for the delay in posting again - I've been out of action.
Thanks for the responses, Kylie, Angela, Louise. I'm pleased to know that there is an opportunity to vote on subscription rates.
Ultimately, 'lay-by' option (and the usual 'claim on tax') or no, $290 is $290 and I couldn't afford it.
Glad to know that part-time students will, if changes are passed, be included in the student concession rate. It would be interesting to keep stats on how many students would be able to upgrade to Individual membership once their studies were completed.
Hope all goes well at the AGM for updates in governance.
Solidarity etc!
Lorien.
Hi Lorien
The ASA is always seeking ways to improve member benefits and we value feedback from members on their experiences as an ASA member and what more they'd like to receive from us. Professional development opportunities like Branch meetings, Archives & Manuscripts subscription and discounted registration to the ASA Conference are all benefits we've hoped you've enjoyed as an Associate member. In addition, while membership is a real investment by members, the ASA membership fee proposition of $290 is in line with and in many cases less than the fees for other comparable professional associations.
Kind regards, Julia
Louise Trott
ASA Councillor
Hi Lorien,
one aspect of the fees for associate membership that has troubled me is that associates who are working but earning under a certain amount of money were not given a discounted membership fee - professional members were. If these changes get though any member earning under $37,000 will pay a discounted rate. SO although the fees are going up for some associate members they will be going down.
Regards
Angela
Hi Lorien,
Thanks for your comments.
It's true the current rules only allow for Professional Members to vote on rule changes such as the motions proposed at the 2016 AGM. Hopefully the changes will be adopted, then all individual members will be able to vote on future rule changes.
However it's not true that you can't vote on the fees. Even under the current rules, all members are able to vote on subscription rates.
ASA Council has modelled various scenarios for a flat fee structure for a single category of individual member - to determine a figure somewhere between $190 and $330. It's a balancing act of being fiscally responsible towards the Society; benchmarking with other similar professional associations; supporting a more equitable member structure; and ensuring affordability. I acknowledge that the proposed rate of $290 still won't please everyone but it has mostly been well received in the feedback to date.
In addition Council has cushioned the impact on current Associate Members by proposing their $190 rate is maintained for next year in the first instance. Subscription fees have to be considered at every AGM - even if there is no proposed change - therefore the 2017 AGM will be able to revisit the cushioning strategy. Student and concessional rates will also remain or be further extended (eg. part time students will be covered not just full time students).
Regards,
Kylie Percival
ASA President