Executive Committee Plans Dues Increase

The SIOP Executive Committee has voted to increase annual dues $5 for professional and student members effective with the 2008–2009 administrative year. The group approved the measure on April 29 as it met in New York during the annual conference. According to Society bylaws, the Executive Committee may enact a dues increase by majority vote if the increase doesn’t exceed 15%. Annual dues are currently $55 for professional members (Members, Fellows, Associates, and International Affiliates) and $25 for students (Student Affiliates).

SIOP members have 60 days to provide input to the Executive Committee on the dues increase before it is finalized. Members may submit comments until August 30 by e-mailing feedback@siop.org.

During the meeting Past President Jeff McHenry and Financial Officer Ken Pearlman spoke in support of the dues increase and pointed out numerous additional programs and services rolled out during recent years or scheduled in the near future. These include the new Web site, online directory, Leading Edge Consortium, updated consultant locator, expansion of the conference from 2½ to 3 days, and the new SIOP journal scheduled to be published and distributed to all members beginning in 2008.

Several approaches to the dues increase were reviewed by the Executive Committee, and financial models showing the impact of the alternatives were studied. A larger one-time increase was considered, but after discussion the group voted on a smaller increase with the possibility that a similar small increase could be approved in the future should circumstances warrant. The last dues increase took effect in 2001.