Something I think would be a good idea to attract new members to TIGHAR and help build the base of 5,000 people that Ric says we need to be self-sustaining, is an annual membership meeting for all TIGHAR members.
It could be a one day or even a half-day affair in which all current activities were discussed, members would get to meet one another to put a face with a name, and strategies for growth, development and future activities was discussed. It could be held in a central location or near TIGHAR HQ in Pennsylvania, wherever it would be the most cost-effective. Many non-profit member-driven organizations do this on a yearly basis, as one of the benefits of belonging to the organization.
Since the TIGHAR board is having a retreat this August anyway, perhaps a half-day could be added at a nearby hotel meeting room, for the membership?
While there have been several conferences in my 18 years of belonging to TIGHAR, I don't recall an annual membership meeting. I think it would have a lot of positive benefits for the long-term growth of the organization.
LTM,
Monty Fowler, TIGHAR No. 2189 EC