From the Secretariat

• By: Hortensia Calvo
• On: 10/14/2011 23:40:49
• In: Secretariat

There are so many initiatives and new projects happening within the organization, it's hard to keep track!  For one, we have this brand new enhanced website, thanks to the Communications Committee: Alison, Orchid, Daisy and Melissa.  It looks & feels great, and it is a much more accurate reflection of the dynamism, varied interests, and engagement of our members.   Kudos to all who continue to work so hard on the site.  It is also exciting that the call for applications to the new SALALM library student fellowship is underway and applications are beginning to arrive.
At the Secretariat, we are in the midst of a campaign to update our membership payment records, especially for institutional memberships.   Messages to personal members seeking their help to update contacts and other information at their institutions were sent out three weeks ago, and we have already begun to identify some problem areas.  Thanks to all who have responded promptly.  I suspect we'll be able to increase the number of sponsoring memberships as a direct result of this process.   We will report back on the results.  Membership renewals (personal and institutional) have started to trickle in, but it is still too early to report any figures.  As of August 31, the end of fiscal year 2011, we had 213 personal members and 92 institutional members, including 17 sponsoring members, for a total of 305 members.  These figures are significantly down from 2009-2010 when we closed with 347 members (241 personal; 106 institutional, including 17 sponsoring).  This year, for the first time, we are handling online payments through Paypal, along with check and credit card payments.  It's now much easier and quicker to renew, so don't delay your renewal!

Hortensia Calvo
Executive Secretary