Once again, I'm up after midnight working on something related to MMA. I'm starting to think I've completely lost my mind… you knew that already though.
If you attended the meeting, thank you. If you didn't here's what happened:
We discussed the pros and cons of why MMA needs or doesn't need Muskies, Inc. We reviewed the survey results and discussed those. The most important part of the survey is that all MMA members want to help the fishery. The members that would stay with Muskies, Inc. if MMA left was split. The members that would stay with MMA if it left Muskies, Inc. was 97%.
We also launched into about an hour long discussion about the fishery, what's happening and how things are looking very bright for Michigan muskies.
Back to the task at hand…
After spending this week researching the costs for MMA to leave Muskies, Inc. I came up with the following:
– 501(c)3 = $500 (one time cost)
– Taxes prepared = $300 annually
– Insurance = $2000 annually
The above costs would mean that about 50% of mebmership money could go directly to MMA and stay in Michigan after the initial cost of the 501(c)3.
The discussion continued and the result was that there was NO vote made and no decision made on the future of MMA's affiliation with M.I.. Which may have been a good thing.
There was some useful discussion shared in the parking lot (I'm beginning to think we should just hold meetings there) and as a result I believe there is a solution that would keep MMA as a chapter of Muskies, Inc. but would also allow those members (about 1/2) that see no benefit in their Muskies, Inc. membership to remain a "member" of MMA but not M.I.. The end result being more money in the bank for MMA and MMA staying under the M.I. 501(c)3 and insurance. This proposal would likely reduce the official chapter 47 membership to half of what it is now and possibly to as little as 50 members because we have only 112 member households that together make up our 169 members.
So, here's a solution that should make everyone happy and result in nearly the same amount of money for our projects.
I propose that MMA creates a "donor" member option. This option will NOT include the Muskies, Inc. benefits but will include access to the MMA forum and each "donor" member will get the MMA newsletter. These members will renew directly through MMA and the cost will be the same as a M.I. membership. The difference being that ALL of their money will remain in Michigan.
Because we're not mixing funds with Muskies, Inc. there will be no confusion on who is a chapter 47 member and who is a "donor" member and/or where that money should go.
The members that are not satisfied with their money going to Muskies, Inc. would have the option to remain with MMA but keep thier money at home. Those that want to remain a member of M.I. will simply renew as a chapter 47 member.
If the members split, as the survey numbers suggest, we'll end up with about 56 member households in chapter 47 and 56 member households as "donor" members. The net result being an additional $1960 in the bank for MMA and MMA staying under the M.I. 501(c)3 and insurance. I would also hope that those members that choose to stay with Muskies, Inc. will donate an additional amount to MMA since their membership money is not staying in Michigan. If we can get those members to donate an additional $25 to MMA annually by mailing a (seperate from M.I.) renewal/donation form the result would be an additional $1400.
If this worked as outlined above MMA would stand to gain $3360 annually. That is roughly 1/2 of what we net from the banquet and about $1000 more than we would gain annually by leaving Muskies, Inc. What does that money really mean? Three weeks of minnows at the hatchery or 96 Know the Differnce signs.
Yes, the result is that chapter 47 would likely become one of the smallest chapters. It would also mean that we're basically using Muskies, Inc. for the 501(c)3 and insurance protection. However, Muskies, Inc. uses the chapters and their projects to promote the organization – even trade? I believe it is.
Important note:
If we choose to accept this proposal at the October meeting and put this into action. The "donor" member will not be able to hold an executive position within MMA which are: President, VP, Secretary, Treasurer, RVP. Muskies, Inc. by-laws state that these positions must be members in good standing.
If a "donor" member would like to run for one of the executive board positions they would need to become or renew their Muskies, Inc. membership.
Im Confused as usual.Whatever.Im donating 25.00 to the club.I have already done the same on behalf of COOL Steve Syrjia.All you tight-azzez
do the same RIGHT NOW!! Its the price of one good lure.Lets ALL be a
little pro-active instead of re-active.Write the check NOW,and feel good
about yourself and your club.NO SASSYFRASS, JUST DO IT!!
I still think, that to stay with MI, as chapter 47 with all the members intact and each member contribute an extra $25 or $30, dollars for MMA use and stocking in michigan is the better way to go. All members would have all benefits the same as now and just send in a additional amount for $25 — $30 dollars, for use in michigan only. I would be very willing to send in $30 more, over and above the current $35 muskies inc yearly member rate as chapter 47. I believe MMA would get more money for its use and other programs this way , and not that much extra work to make it work.
"Charles J Lynema" said:
I still think, that to stay with MI, as chapter 47 with all the members intact and each member contribute an extra $25 or $30, dollars for MMA use and stocking in michigan is the better way to go. All members would have all benefits the same as now and just send in a additional amount for $25 — $30 dollars, for use in michigan only. I would be very willing to send in $30 more, over and above the current $35 muskies inc yearly member rate as chapter 47. I believe MMA would get more money for its use and other programs this way , and not that much extra work to make it work.
With the above proposal there is no reason why someone couldn't do as you suggest.
MMA has about 50% of its members could leave because they don't want to stay with Muskies, Inc. Only 60% of the members consider the magazine a benefit and barely 50% use any of the other Muskies, Inc. benefits.
I would rather give those members an opportunity to make a difference in Michigan by simply becoming a "donor" member. The alternative is that MMA and Muskies, Inc. looses members.
We also have many members that are only going to give $35/yr – period. They're either going to give it to Muskies, Inc. or MMA but will not give it twice. As we've proven in the past when we've done the Iowa sponsor program we have 15-20 members that will ALWAYS help and the other 90 member households will not donate.
Again, the above proposal gives everyone the opportunity to contribute how they choose. The result is that MMA looses nothing with Muskies, Inc. and gains substantial operating revenue. Regardless of how many members chapter 47 has its opportunity for grant money, if M.I. is ever in a position to offer it, is the same whether it has 50 members or 600 members.
Yes that is true Will. But why would people that want to help the Muskies in michigan give M Inc. money when the dont do any for the fish in Michigan. And the take the credit for what MMA does. YA you get to be a member of a fishing club. You get a Magazine that cost more money then it makes. It would be cheaper fo M Inc to give use a copy of Muskie Hunter then is cost to do the M Inc magazine. M Inc is in the red and if they dont change their ways their are going to do is ask us for money that goes out of state and does not help here in Michigan. YA if people want to throw away $35 of hard earned money they can. I just think it would be better to have the money stay here in Michigan. I am starting to look at M Inc as England and MMA as the colonists 230 years ago. Taxation with out Representation. Are we going to keep giveing and hope we get some back in 5 years.
James D. LeMay OUT
Will , I like the proposal. One club ,two different types of members. I dont see anything wrong with this change. Michelle and I will remain INC. members because it is a very nice vehicle to promote our lures. We like the Magazine and love the Lunge Log. We already donate much more than 25 dollars to the cause so its a moot point for us. We have no problem with guys being members of the Michigan Muskies Alliance and not being members of Muskies Inc. Its all good for the fishery. I say lets do it. Mike and Michelle
The donor membership proposal sounds excellent. It appears to minimize risk to club membership while providing folks who wish to affiliate with the club a way of keeping the money local.
What would happen in everyone who voiced a desire to disassociate with Muskies Inc became a donor member of MMA? Would not the costs which are presently covered by our MI memberhship dues need to be otherwise covered? Wouldn't we end up earmarking a sum of money from our newly created local account for covering the club's insurance costs just the same? The current $35 isn't much. I'd forego the magazine if it's not adding value. There's no free lunch. Maybe I need to simply donate more to the MMA fundraisers to help fund the local minnow budget needs and maintain my MI membership for the overhead costs we incur as a club. Am I missing something?
Rob
Please allow me to catch up with this MMA chapter topic. I could not attend your special meeting as I was committed to another White River watershed meeting that same night discussing a DEQ $158,000 grant we received through GVSU for our watershed. That White River watershed management plan is important and fills in more details including fishery topics that will impact future muskie programs. You now know what I'll be working with for next two years. Thus, Muskegon Lake and White Lake will now both have all their bs paperwork in place for future programs including qualifying for all potential grant funding for fishery habitats and native GLS reintroduction programs. We are gradually eliminating bureaucratic excuses for not moving forward.
Meanwhile, I need to remain with MInc. Behind the scenes I'm still in touch with the Feds, MDNR, MInc, VHS disease issues, and future grant funding potentials that directly connect to our future Michigan GLS program. MInc keeps some of those doors open to partnerships that MMA can also be included as needed. Bottom line is MInc and MMA both care about the muskie fishery. We are just on different bumpy routes struggling to improve the muskie fishery.
I will also support the local Michigan organization what ever you call it. Back to the basics is important. Local $$ + expanded muskie culture = muskie fishery opportunity and increased membership. Previous discussions have covered options for increasing funding. I pledged to give up my muskie fishing mad money to help the local fishery. I can catch up with actual fishing after the program-projects priorities are done. I trust the new organization will maintain the special working relationship you have with the MDNR. Thank you for all your dedicated hard work.
The two tiered membership seems like a great plan. (I know that Scott gave you his input before the meeting Will) We too will probably maintain a single MI membership because we are not sure about our advertising future with them in the magazine, but the extra cost for family membership and any extra we are able to give will be sent directly to the MMA.
Also, wanted to let you know that we would not be the only non-profit that I have heard of doing this type of arrangement. There are some of the Michigan American Legion posts that allow non-veteran "community" memberships which allow folks to use the club rooms, get a discount on renting the halls, come to the meetings to stay informed on events, etc. but not allowing voting rights, positions of authority, etc. This allows them to tap into volunteers who want to help out with their efforts but don't meet the criteria for full legion membership. I'm just sorry I didn't relate the two club situations sooner!
Sound like a good way to handle things.
Stacy
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