:icon_thum Yep. Keep on chuggin' -- just don't fall into "that's how we've always done it" trap
There will probably be a hundred opinions and ways to make this work, none of which will be wrong and none of which will be right to everyone. A balance must be had.
NCWW has been forced to cut the umbilical cord and is now learning to walk. It can be done, but it won't be easy.
And you know I've got opinions :gar-Bi ... some of which I'll hold my breath on, some of which I'll air. IMHO :swoon: NCWW is a great organization/site with a lot of great local people, but in the end it is just that -- and that ain't easy. From funding to politics, lumber to sawdust, NCWW has only experienced the first bumps along the way of being "independent". Keeping an open mind, and a peaceful attitude, will help along the way -- but that alone won't be enough.
Whether you choose raffles or memberships, bake sales or donations, none alone will likely be enough, I suppose ... rather a good balance will serve best.
IMHO :swoon: there "fund drives" are too often (as they are on NPR too:BangHead
which are irritating and don't make people WANT to donate, the "raffles" are awesome by every measure, and the "ads" just won't bring home the bacon. "Membership" is a good idea, if done right -- meaning good benefits and a reasonable cost (SMC does a good job at this, I think, where $6/yr gets you access to post classifieds & enter free stuff drawings and such)I too like others have stated already donate in my own way (asking for donation up on the sale of an item) or coordinating events for members ... but heck, I don't know if that's "enough". A loose membership model would surely help make it clear, I imagine.
Anyway .. you get my drift. NCWW should keep on keeping on ... I just hope it can all come together without continued pleas for funding help in the forums and on-going discussions like this ... that just feels like dirty laundry aired our for the neighbors to see (just a few skid marks :confused_). I've played a part in many organizations over the years and the same problems seem to surface at each from time to time ... money, money, money. Dang ol' money.
