Post thoughts regarding the following proposed Membership Policy:

MEMBERSHIP POLICY

Any individual, family or organization that supports our mission, bylaws and policies, completes a membership application and fee can become a member in good standing of the Friends of Harbison State Forest. All memberships, other than lifetime individual, are to be renewed annually. A membership begins the month the membership fee is paid, and expires on the last day of the 12th month succeeding. Renewal letters will be sent to all members one month before the anniversary of their membership application. All members of the Board of Directors must be members in good standing. Expired membership status serves as disqualification from service on the Board of Directors.


MEMBERSHIP LEVEL MIN. DONATION

Student (Under18 or full time student) $10
Individual $25
Family (spouse and children) $50
Supporting $100
Corporate $250
Steward $500
Benefactor $1,000
Lifetime $2,500

Payments by cash or check will be accepted for membership fees. All members will be sent a letter acknowledging the receipt of their membership and a tax deductible statement.

The Membership Committee shall review the Membership Policy on an annual basis or as deemed necessary and shall make recommendations to the Board of Directors if revisions or exceptions to this Policy are determined to be in the best interest of the Organization.

CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP and CONTRIBUTIONS POLICY


Any individual or organization that supports our mission, bylaws and policies can become a sponsor or contributor in good standing of the Friends of Harbison State Forest.

Levels

Basic $250
Steward $500
Patron $1000

All contributions by cash or check will be accepted. Provision of goods or services other than cash which are promotional neutral in nature will be considered on an individual basis by the Board. All sponsors and contributors will be sent a letter acknowledging the contribution and a tax deductible statement.

All sponsors or significant donations as approved by the Board will be recognized on the Friends website and literature, and print and electronic media public relations material promoting Friends events. Event sponsors will be recognized in accordance with their level of contribution, as determined by the event.

The Membership Committee shall review the Sponsorship and Contributions Policy as deemed necessary and shall make recommendations to the Board of Directors, if revisions to this Policy are determined to be in the best interest of the Organization.

Last Revised 02/01/06

1. What is the difference between a membership at the Corporate, Steward or Benefactor level and a Basic, Steward or Patron Corporate Sponsorship?

The only difference I see is the "provision of goods and services" clause.
Are some businesses/organizations "members" and others only "sponsors"? If so, what determines this difference?

2. Has the Board determined that the Friends will be a benevolent dictatorship and not a representative government?

Is there a tax or other reason as to why members cannot vote for their leadership? Are there any benefits to being a member? You can work on trails and enjoy all the Forest has to offer without being a member.

3. What constitutes a "significant donation" and guarantees recognition on the website, in public relations materials and during events???
Dupont Forest spells this out in a logical and clear manner:
http://www.dupontforest.com/underwriter.asp

In responding to these questions, please mention the number so I will know which one you are responding to.

Thanks. Florence

In response to question #2 , regarding leadership, it is my understanding fronm the bylaws that the Board of Directors makes decisions. The bylaws do not say how the BOD is determined. I think we need to have some policy that lets members have input into BOD nominations. This would be a nominating committe issue , which I think is in progress.

In response to #3, DuPont Forest has an unambiguos definition of a sponser. We do need to be more specific.

Re inquiry #3: If I understand Michael's assertion correctly, I am in agreement with him. My perspective: FoHSF Constitution and Bylaws specifies that nominations for FoHSF board positions are encouraged from all current FoHSF members. The nominations committee moderates the nomination process in preparation for a vote by all members participating in the election moderated by the FoHSF board. This governance structure is the epitome of a representative (participatory) democracy. The only resemblence to a benevolent dictatorship is the very small core group consistently making the committment to do the work necessary to run the organization (attend board meetings, serve on committees, develop and implement policy, etc). As a current board member also serving on every active committee, I welcome the prospect of additional support and assistance conferred by additional new board members willing and able to actively participate in the service of FoHSF. Nominations are appropraite for board positions that are currently open

Oops! My previous diatribe was directed to Florence's inquiry 2, not 3.

I am encouraged to know that a nominations committe is being considered. That is fhe first I have heard of it. Tell me more.

Also, someone please address question #1.
Thanks.

Florence

amazing post ) :)