I seem to be bombarded with questions about SFA’s policies regarding renewals, attendance at functions, etc. These questions come from the general membership, from former members, and from Board Members. The current Board approved policy that is being enforced is:
Persons who attend more than 3 membership functions are expected to pay annual dues before attending another event. These events include Social Hours, Game Nights, theater events, dinners, luncheons, movies, art appreciation events, etc. A person may attend as many fundraising functions, such as the Sunday dances, as often as he/she chooses.

A former member is expected to join immediately upon attending one of these events as he/she already understands the organization.

As the calendar and number of events grow, we schedule 120 or more such events per year, the effort expended by members to coordinate, negotiate, schedule, advertise, etc. increases.  Much of this effort includes very serious personal out-of-pocket expenditures by individuals who choose to not be reimbursed and regular expenditures paid for by general membership dues—just maintaining the web site and producing the Newsletter costs up to $2500 per year.  It is very discouraging to the volunteers who expend this effort when others take advantage without supporting the organization.  The negative reaction to persons who take advantage of the membership in this way begins to pervade the organization and whispers of “Why should I befriend or accept them when they do not pay?” become rampant—not a good thing for the organization.

I am just starting my second year as president. I want to see the organization grow for many reasons, not the least of which is to expand my personal portfolio of friends and co-workers. I ask each member to support and enforce the policy as stated above. At only $7 per month an individual is getting a great bargain with an organization that is doing everything it can to provide great social opportunities for singles while giving back to the community.

Lastly, check out some of the great special events in this month’s calendar. Also, let your friends know that we expect to have our Sunday dances on the third Sunday of every month in 2010. These dances are open to all with discounted prices for members.

Very sincerely,
Bob Hurni, President