I'm a little confused by Julie Freeman's comment. She's saying that the member-get-a-member program is not a requirement...but soliciting members would be a requirement in order for a member to get the extension, right?

I think that IABC needs to rethink this and figure out other strategies to retain members.

I lost my job earlier this year and am now working as an independent consultant. Although I enjoyed the many benefits of IABC, when my membership expired, I simply couldn't affort the more than $300 membership fee. I attend local chapter meetings when I can, but like others, I've found alternative free resources.

Another professional organization, SHRM, offered to waive annual dues for unemployed members. They stipulated that this is a once-in-a-lifetime option. It's certainly helped me, and I appreciate their support.

While I realize that companies and organizations everywhere are struggling, I think it's unfortunate that IABC chose a solution that focuses only on increasing its revenue and not on supporting its members.

Hi Everyone,

Just to respond to some concerns and questions that have come up in these comments.

While the member-get-a-member program might be distasteful to some, it is, as Julie mentioned, just meant to reward people who recommend IABC to others. No one is required to participate. In fact, we got feedback from many members who are enthusiastic about the program. But, that said, there are other promotions offered by IABC at other times of the year that may be more to your liking (member month, for example, in which we waive the US$40 application fee for new members).

We actually do offer a complimentary hardship extension to members who are experiencing financial distress. All they need to do is email me a short summary of what’s going on (we’ll keep it confidential), and depending on longevity and other considerations, we often grant extensions of 1-6 months. As for offering discounts to unemployed members, we are currently undertaking a dues pricing study and will probably not make any decisions before that is complete. We expect to complete that by the end of Q1 2010.

We have written a note for employers on how IABC benefits the companies that have IABC members, which you can find here: http://www.iabc.com/about/membership/WhyEmployees.htm

Aside from the hardship extensions, we have other options for reduced dues, summarized in a blog post late last year: http://thebulletinboard.x.iabc.com/2008/11/24/riding-the-storm-out/

I hope this helps.

Julie Freeman... I hope you're listening to these members. Your get a member idea is good but doesn't go far enough. I understand the logistical implications of offering unemployment discounts. What constitutes unemployment? How long does a discount period last? Why can't you give everyone a discount? It's a slippery slope for a non-profit that's just trying to pay its bills.

However, by offering unemployed members a way to keep their membership, you send a very powerful message that you care, and don't want to lose them. When they get another job, they won't forget that the organization stood by them. You may lose some money up front, but you'll gain member loyalty in the end. Here's what I'd suggest: Offer unemployed members the ability to get their membership renewed for one year at half price. That's half price on the chapter and international level. It only works for one year.(as most people who are unemployed longer than that have started freelancing or doing something else) Keep the get a member promotion...and let those people completely wipe out their dues if they get enough people.

I am on the board for IABC Kentucky. When I quit my job to start a freelance business a few years ago, I let my membership lapse, and just went to an occasional basis to luncheons paying guest prices. I did fine, and at the time couldn't justify the time and expense of IABC involvement. But now that I'm involved again, I realize how much I really missed during that time. Fact is, IABC is a really easy thing to cut. Don't let your members fall into that chasm.

I think it's the profile of membership that is important. Most IABC members are in internal communications or marketing comms jobs. These areas within the communications business were hardest hit and it makes sense that without companies paying the dues and the fees, memberships will drop. As a business owner, I preemptively dropped certain memberships and subscriptions and saved much and didn't miss it. I found other ways to keep up that were virtually and literally free and much more effective.

This recession is unprecedented for most of us. When my manager said we all needed to cut back as much as possible to get through the downturn, I didn't hesitate to let my professional memberships expire. Now that I've lived without them for a year, I'm rethinking how much I really need them. The recession has made all of us rethink how we spend our own money and our employer's, and it's shown us there are a lot of things we really don't need. That'll be the challenge to IABC, PRSA and so many professional organizations.

The member-get-a-member program is not a requirement, it is an option. It is based on the fact that often people join because one of their colleagues says, "You ought to join IABC." This current promotion is intended to reward those members who do reach out to their associates and suggest they join. If someone feels uncomfortable recommending IABC, he or she does not have to do that.

IABC's strength has always been its partnership with its members and their volunteer contributions. We see this as a way to thank those who help us.

I am a member of IABC and find it to be a useful organization. However, I agree with other comments that forcing its members to do its sales and recruiting is out of touch and heavy handed. Discounts for unemployed would be a more appropriate move. Furthermore, I would suggest that IABC provide some talking points to take to managers for employees who are finding that their employers are no longer willing to pay the membership fee. It seems that a lot of professional associations establish hefty fees and subscription rates thinking that a corporate entity will foot the bill.

You would think that IABC would just discount membership rates for the unemployed, rather than require them to sign up new members. The unemployed have enought to worry about in this job market and should not have to worry about signing up members. At least PRSA is giving unemployed members a discount.

This program sounds to me like IABC is an organization that's out of touch with the needs of its members.

Money is a key issue to membership, but it's not just about the dues. The networking events, courses and workshops are additional costs. Personally, I'm disappointed that the only way I can get a break is to sell the IABC on my colleagues who are still employed. I'm thinking of creative ways to continue making my mortgage payments. I don't need this additional stress.