Lower Numbers Recorded at Close of Second Quarter
The second quarter of the VJJA membership year closed December 31, 2008 with significantly lower numbers than last year. The last two years, we have exceeded 1000 members. It is disappointing that we are not closing in at that mark, but perhaps indicative of the state of the economy. While annual membership dues remain a modest $20, to some, and especially those affected by layoffs and cutbacks, $20 may be a significant amount.
The membership numbers by district are as follows:
DISTRICT |
|
FY 07-08
2nd Qtr. |
FY 08-09
2nd Qtr. |
BLUE RIDGE |
|
90 |
112 |
CAPITAL |
|
333 |
120 |
NORTHERN |
|
123 |
105 |
SOUTHWEST |
|
76 |
40 |
TIDEWATER |
|
302 |
261 |
VALLEY |
|
91 |
43 |
TOTALS |
|
1015 |
681 |
Kudos to the Blue Ridge District for being able to increase and stabilize their membership over last year! But beware the other districts are coming up fast – each district has training events planning for the new year which will surely increase membership in their respective districts.
Our membership total includes fourteen lifetime members. At the 32nd Fall Institute, Diane (Floyd) Shelton was awarded lifetime membership for her years of dedicated service to the children and families of the Tidewater area and in recognition of her years of being a valued member, and board member, of VJJA.
In addition to the awarding of a lifetime membership, four members were honored with Meritorious Awards. The nomination process and criteria for the wards is managed by the VJJA Awards Committee. Please consult the website or contact Scott Warner with the Awards Committee if you would like to recommend a fellow member for a 2009 award.
Speaking of the Fall Institute, it was an honor to serve as the 2008 Conference Registrar. It was a lot of work, but I enjoyed the experience of working with new people and helping folks find ways to be able to attend. The task was made easier by also being the Membership Chair and having the ability to immediately verify membership status and track payments received. It also gave me an opportunity to meet many of you while working the registration desk. I manage a database of over 1200 past and present members and it is nice to be able to meet the members and make that personal connection. I hope all who attended the conference found it to be enjoyable and informative. I will tell you that the Conference Planning Committee is already hard at work planning the 33rd Fall Institute scheduled for November 4-6, 2009, so stay tuned for more information on the venue and agenda.
As a reminder please send any changes in your employment, or updates to your email and/or postal addresses to me at membership@vjja.org . Be advised I am in the midst of forming a membership committee to assist with the disbursement of membership certificates and stickers. If you are interested or know someone who might be interested please contact me!
