🚀 go-pugleaf

Let me offer examples of both sides of the issue - what does HQ offer to
Chapters and Local Sigs? Having been elected to the Chapters Committee in the
mid-80s I can offer another perspective (by the way, this is a standing
committee in the bylaws of the ACM that has been effectively ignored in the
current administration).

What ACM HQ offers to Groups -
1) Mailing lists whenever you ask for them! I'm not sure of the current
  policy (lack of communication between LAB and its constituency) but in the
  past, 1 set was free each year and any others at cost.

2) Material support at local trade shows and meetings - this includes lots
  of ACM membership info, sample copies of most SIG newsletters, ACM Press
  catalogs, signs, literature holders, etc.

3) Central distribution/coordination point for all local groups - where 
  else are you going to find out what is in the area? 

 4) Coordination for the Lectureship Series. If you've had a bad experience
  with Lectureship I'm very sorry. In the Colorado area we've been very
 happy with it - much of the success depends on the local group doing it. In
  the SoCal area you are fortunate to have a great wealth of technical
  resources, many of whom are in the Lecturship book. You don't need it as
  much as a more remote area needs it.

5) Dealing with ths IRS. You may not consider this important, but it is the
  main reason for the existence of NYC offices. I've handled 501(c)3 groups
  in the past. If you are comfy with dealing with IRS, no problem. On the
  other hand, its nice to let someone else worry about it. 

6) Managing the operations of ACM - the publications in particular. You 
  really think the editors do all the grunt work of making sure the layouts
  get to the printers? And keeping track of the 75,000 people on the mailing
  lists?

ACM is a multi-million dollar corporation. Lots to do within that structure.

(next message takes the other side)
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