bitter cold

The weather is hitting rock bottom. Each day we get closer to spring, so I'm trying to keep a happy outlook.

Students have been calling lapsed members. Most of the people who were members last year are renewing. Most of the people who didn't renew last year (were members in 2005-2006) are not - but it allows us to remove them from our list and 1) save some money; 2) move on. I'd like us to spend more time and energy on recruiting new members than continuing to try to convince the former members. What bugs me is how the former members were so invested in the Guild that was in front of them - their local chapter - that they lost sight of the national mission and influence that the Guild has. Our founding members may have felt shame. Small fundraisers are not what the Guild is about - doing what VALPO NEEDS is what the Guild is about.

I'm thankful that the students are calling. They can get through the lists much quicker. Also, it is good for members to speak with students. We risk offending the members as telemarketers. So many people screen their calls, too. We're trying to put the call in the light of a friendly reminder.