Originally Posted by
skip
The money spent on membership is such a small thing and it really does keep the caves open to us. Those who are active members, volunteering their time and talents, are dependent on the dues from the inactive members. It's not just nice magazines in the mail, but stairs, boardwalks, access, tables, and all the PR to state authorities, landowners, etc.
I'd be a member of the NSS, CDS, and NACD without Cow, without the mags, without cool stickers to put on my truck, without conferences and workshops. Why? Because the work they do in caving and cave diving is worth the dues all by itself. Conservation, Preservation, Education, Training, continuing to support explorations and survey....
If you are not a member, I guess you have your reasons, but the paltry amount needed for dues surely can not be one of the reasons. Give something, anything. Maybe if you can't or won't be a member of one or more organizations, then contribute time and talent? Make a donation to a special project once in awhile....
The NACD has some worthy projects you can donate to (see the website) - like helping us get money for more Water Quality Test Kits so we can expand the caves/springs that are being tested with results posted for all to see (member or not) on the website. Check out it and send a Check!
-skip