Mes483a

The new board of the NCCA has really muddied the waters with the structural change of the yearly membership. The increase in dues was hastily done with little membership in accord, but the real problem is the structure of dues expiring in January of each year. What if a person joins in March or October of the coming year? Then the dues have to be adjusted accordingly, making the process a extremely more complicated and more unfair to some than others. The president says he will listen to other volunteers; isn't he president of all the members, not just a chosen few? He calls chess a "silly game" ; I prefer to think our members consider it a challenging endeavor and feel passionate about improving their games. I was privileged to serve the membership as secretary-treasurer for 2 terms 1980-1984. It was not difficult to have staggered membership expiration dates and it caused no confusion regarding the number of months the yearly membership actually covered. I do not understand their reasoning behind this change; it certainly does not make things easier or more player friendly. None of the surrounding state associations have such a plan (where did they come up with it?). And on another note, If there is nothing to hide; the financial records should be posted on the website. It is the membership's money, not the officers'. I realize that the officers of the NCCA have a difficult position, but it is a service to the membership first and foremost.
Patsy Spurrier

Re: Dues Increase