[Chapters-l] Report on breakout sessions at Chapter Assembly

[Doug Kaylor]

Although Dick responded to the list, let me add my own note of 
explanation. I'm genuinely sorry if I caused any chapter leadership 
alarm. There was never any discussion during my tenure as Assembly 
Director about changing chapter finances. In fact, I did not talk to 
Dick, Trudi, or anyone else before I brought the idea up at Chapter 
Assembly. And then it was brought up as an example of a way to 
streamline administrative requirements, not as a proposal.

But let me explain a little. This was an idea I had because after 5 
years in Chapter Assembly leadership, I know that
(1) nobody likes doing all the financial reports, and chapters have had 
trouble recruiting officers to be treasurer, (2) two years ago, several 
chapters did not receive their rebates because they failed to file 
timely reports, (3) we need to have those reports filed in a timely 
fashion because of our audit requirements, our IRS filing requirements, 
and because it's our formal Society policy, (4) we already have one 
chapter that has HQ administer its funds, and (5) I figure that with 
electronic communications and improved banking practices, HQ could 
probably deal with it. I could easily imagine, for example, chapters 
being able to "write a check" by filling out a secure web-based form and 
clicking submit. I do electronic bill paying with my personal account, 
why not a chapter? Another option out there might be issuing each 
chapter a debit/credit card linked to the chapter account at HQ's bank.

One of the best things about ASIST chapters is their flexibility and 
individuality. For some chapters, shifting the administrative overhead 
to HQ might make it much easier to recruit leadership and operate - 
especially when most of the overhead can be handled electronically. 
Other chapters with different circumstances may want to keep as much 
autonomy as possible. I think both options have merit, as long as 
everyone remembers that chapters exist as an integral part of ASIST.

Another factor that I haven't mentioned is that the HQ staff might not 
want to deal with it. They already have plenty to do and may see this as 
an administrative nightmare. I don't really know because I never asked them.

Having apologized and explained my thinking, let me stir the pot a 
little. Why not centralize banking? You might get a better return on 
your money. You might cut down on your reporting requirements. You might 
find that it's just a flexible as keeping everything local. If you don't 
ask the questions and investigate the answers, you'll never know.

Happy holidays,
Doug

Glen Horton wrote:

> Thank you for your report, Doug.  We in SOASIST want to make sure that 
> moving chapter funds to HQ be optional and not mandatory for each 
> chapter.  Some chapters may wish to continue to manage their own bank 
> accounts.
>
> Thanks,
> Glen Horton
> SOASIST Chair
>