June 2010 Member Survey Results COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS RECEIVED FROM RETIREES ARHME General Membership Meeting, June 18, 2010 Return to Home Page
A. ARHME’s participation in political issues
	Thirty responses were received in favor of participating in local elections by working telephone banks etc. and by also appointing a liaison to work actively in representing ARHME at City Council. This would probably require the formation of a Political Action Committee (PAC) since ARHME is working to become a 501 c (3) organization. Other suggestions urged support of candidates who support ARHME, irrespective of the party affiliation.
	ARHME Board of Directors Response: The Board is aware that if ARHME becomes a 501c(3) non-profit organization it cannot endorse candidates for political office nor participate in political campaigns. We are exploring creating a PAC to participate in the political process, and will keep members informed.
B. General Membership Meetings
	Thirty-three responses supported, and 10 were against, increasing the number of general meetings from 2 to 4 per year. A majority of the respondents suggested having speakers present pension issues followed by financial and health care issues.
	ARHME Board of Directors Response: Coordinating twice the number of meetings would require considerable effort, especially identifying speakers and available venues. Nevertheless, the Board will keep this suggestion in mind and make a decision.
C. Social Event
	In regards to ARHME hosting a social event, a majority of responders showed interest in attending an ARHME sponsored BBQ or spaghetti luncheon event at a community center.
	ARHME Board of Directors Response: Since there is considerable interest in having a social get together, the Board will take steps to make it happen.
D. Other Miscellaneous Suggestions
	It was suggested that ARHME try to reach more retirees, who are not aware of the organization, in order to increase the membership. It was noted that a published list of ARHME members might be helpful in attaining more members.
	ARHME Board of Directors Response: The ARHME Board continues to try and reach as many members as possible to obtain names and contact information for retirees who draw benefits in order to elicit their membership. The active support of current members is therefore considered a positive and welcome resource in our efforts to increase the membership. Currently we are about 400 strong, but there is a long way to go. If each of us could bring in five new names, we would be 3000 to 4000 strong. This would really give us a much needed strength. However, due to privacy laws, the Board cannot share the names and contact information of ARHME members with others.
E. Voluntary Tax Deductible Contribution
	An overwhelming response of YES was given to the question if the general membership would be willing to make a voluntary tax deductible contribution towards miscellaneous expenses being incurred by ARHME. A majority indicated the contribution to be in the range of $20 to $25 per year.
	ARHME Board of Directors Response: The Board is pleased to note such an overwhelming response. It will consider this issue in its future meetings and let you know the outcome.
	Posted November 18, 2010 Return to Home Page