Update on Branch Dues
We have been spending more than we are taking in
For the past several years, we have been spending more than we are taking in from branch dues of $25 per member. Fortunately we have had a reserve in our account that we have been able to draw from, but we cannot continue this trend.
We have not raised our branch dues in over ten years, but, as you know, the cost of living has increased significantly. And with 190 to 200 members we now require much larger venues for our all member events– we can no longer meet in living rooms or backyards. We also have expenses in materials and supplies, such as our AAUW MH tent/canopy and banner.
While we continue to work on keeping our expenses down, we must face the reality of the budget and consider the option of raising the dues.
Currently, dues are $25 for the branch, $20 for AAUW CA, and $72 for National for a total of $117.
This $25 per member is what we use for our yearly branch operating expenses.
The budget that was approved for the 2024-2025 year was for $7,799, a short fall of more than $3000 over income that must come from reserves. (To review this budget, go HERE.) Consequently, the board is considering a proposal to increase branch dues by $15 per person; so when a member renews, it would be $40 (branch) + $20 (state) + $72 (National), a total of $132.
But even with 190 members paying $40 apiece, our income would only be $7,600, still not enough to balance the budget. So we will also need to look for ways to cut our spending.
Please keep in mind that this budget is for branch operational expenses only – like room rentals for meetings, paying for our storage unit, hospitality expenses, etc. Completely separate from this is our Wildflower Fund account, where money from the Wildflower Run and member donations supports our scholarships and grants.
You will be hearing more about this in the next few months – an increase in dues requires a vote by the whole membership—as we continue to discuss options. If you have any questions, or if you have ideas about how to cut costs and save money on things like storage or room rentals, please email me (Krisse) at aauwmh.president@gmail.com.
Thank you for your input, as we focus on keeping our branch solvent and moving forward.
Krisse Boursier, President