Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Is the Time For NAD To Offer Free Membership?

Is the time for the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) to offer the basic free membership for the purpose of statistical numbers to show our political muscle to the elected officeholders and corporations and donors?

What do you really think of this one?

ASLize yours,
Robert L. Mason (RLM)
RLMDEAF blog

13 comments:

  1. RLM, your most recent comment on my blog will have to be deleted because it was negative in tone towards Deaf Republicans. I will not allow that kind of tone against either parties because the goal is for as many deaf people as possible to get involved with American politics. I hope you understand the reason why and if you want to, you may re post your comment with more positive tone.

    - Leah

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  2. No. I don't think it's a good idea. You don't see national organizations with a similar goal having free membership.

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  3. The suggestion has merit. If NAD can show that it speaks for a membership of tens or hundreds of thousands, it has more clout than with a membership of a few hundred.

    Since membership dues supports the organization, NAD could have two levels of membership: an unpaid one that shows support by lending ones name and address; and a paid one showing financial support and benefits given by receiving discounts and publications.

    NAD will be more effective in its advocacy and political lobbying with large showings of membership on the rolls. Just consider the clout that the NRA (National Rifle Association), NAACP, and the AARP. These organizations definitely influence legislation in Congress.

    This is a positive suggestion. Thanks.

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  4. RLM,

    Just FYI. Decades ago in the modern age NAD was given an opportunity to push a movement to point deaf people not having to pay tax on real income they earn presumably apart from the welfare rolls.

    The NAD declined this handout on basis of dignity not to take handouts. They wanted to empower the members at that time--which numbered so many.

    My best best is that today's NAD will also dignify this by making sure all pay for their membership and get what they paid for just in value. Free? It'll make NAD less obligated to serve.

    Analogy-wise look at certain VRS giving out freebies and they screw you over when your VP is broken or needing reconfiguration. Pay for the VP they're held more accountable.

    Same thing goes for NAD. Pay decently, hold them accountable. Also, how do we know if one's taking memberships seriously or not? Demographic data needs to be commensurate to the serious interest.

    Enough said.

    Robert

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  5. RLM

    I would not agree to "free" membership. How many deaf and hard of people in USA?

    NAD would be overwhelmed with free membership when NAD have so little money due to their shrinking donation base.

    What I like for NAD is to be National Assoication of the Deaf for ALL not just the elite few.

    Look at my recent vlog about the difference between NAD and NAACP. You notice NAACP are strong and had their lawyers fight all the way to Supreme court?

    It is because their membership is for ALL and treat their members EQUALLY and allow members be involved in NAACP as an office holder by voting majority. That is where I found NAACP's Strategic Plan Intitatives" is real KEY in NAACP's mission statement and their success. Now politics take note in Congress and White House.

    Don't we all deserve some kind of recongization as a deaf community by NAD? NAD needs to be CHANGED.

    So, I do not agree NAD should offer membership free because how will NAD grow in recruiting bright minds to join NAD without money and shrinking donation base?

    Deb "Southside7"

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  6. DeafPower2000,

    Pray tell.

    Who are elites?

    Who are not elites?

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  7. Not a bad idea. Paying memberships can vote, non-paying memberships can't vote but can be counted toward membership numbers for political reasons. Only thing is NAD would need to add some sort of additional incentive to make it worth for people to pay instead of piggybacking on the free membership (and making NAD broke).

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  8. Hi Everyone,

    That is not my own idea! Someone else's!

    The free basic NAD membership have been previously discussed among many deaf people on the local level.

    You see that the term - "BASIC" membership option to build up the political and socioeconomic clouts to show our own strengths to the lawmakers and the society at large.

    The basic NAD membership could be only limited to the submittance of name and address and email address for statistical purposes.

    We, deaf people often compare the NAD to the NCAAP membership organizations for their political strengths.

    That would be a great recruitment tools for the NAD to present itself more visibly and well-known like offering the free basic membership.

    Many deaf people tend to expect the NAD to help all deaf people.

    People in general need to understand that the NAD is a membership-based organization serving their own members, not the legal center or something like that.

    Thanks for your legitimate and interesting rebuttals. :)

    RLM

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi Everyone,

    That is not my own idea! Someone else's!

    The free basic NAD membership have been previously discussed among many deaf people on the local level.

    You see that the term - "BASIC" membership option to build up the political and socioeconomic clouts to show our own strengths to the lawmakers and the society at large.

    The basic NAD membership could be only limited to the submittance of name and address and email address for statistical purposes.

    We, deaf people often compare the NAD to the NCAAP membership organizations for their political strengths.

    That would be a great recruitment tools for the NAD to present itself more visibly and well-known like offering the free basic membership.

    Many deaf people tend to expect the NAD to help all deaf people.

    People in general need to understand that the NAD is a membership-based organization serving their own members, not the legal center or something like that.

    Thanks for your legitimate and interesting rebuttals. :)

    RLM

    ReplyDelete
  10. Leah,

    I accept your reason for deleting my latest comment on your blogsite. :)

    RLM

    ReplyDelete
  11. Not only will free membership will get more people to participate, a vote by mail option for biennial elections would give a voice to those who can not afford the expenses of attending a NAD conference.

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  12. OCADC,

    That is very excellent proposal for giving some voices (hands) to empower low-income deaf individuals on NAD matters.

    That will happen with the Obama presidency for more socioeconomic equality within the society at large.

    Many thanks for your response, RR. :)

    RLM

    ReplyDelete