From: jwaddick at kc.rr.com (James Waddick) on 2007.10.15 at 14:20:15(16503)
Dear all,
The name of the organization is the INTERNATIONAL Aroid Society.
Similar INTERNATIONAL groups often have national or local
groups (clubs, associations, etc.) that are subsidiary and
supported/support by each other.
With an international membership such as the IAS, there may
be support for a West Coast US club, Mid-West US Club, Eastern Asia,
Western Europe and other local chapters. There are many other
possibilities (Greater San Diego, Amsterdam, Bangkok clubs etc.
Doesn't anyone else find it somewhat odd that there is only a
single local chapter of IAS ?
As each local club grows and develops, they present their own
local Aroid shows and other member events. Eventually they may even
host a national /international event. These shows increase
memberships and support both local and parent organizations. Local
clubs could be jointly sponsored by a botanical garden such as the
Miami Club ( Huntington Gardens in the Los Angeles area, Missouri
Botanical Gardens in the St. Louis area, and many other
possibilities).
It doesn't take a lot of imagination to suggest that having
more local clubs and more local, national or truly international
events and shows would do a lot for the IAS. This all hinges on
having local groups willing and able to take on the responsibility of
organizing membership, supporting events and promoting Aroids.
Shouldn't IAS start at the beginning and ask this questions "
Is there any reason to have more local chapters of IAS? "
I guess I need a disclaimer that I am not anti-Miami or any
other person or place. Just seems to make sense to wonder if there
are enough people willing and able to support an even greater IAS or
just complain. This is NOT a complaint!
Further thoughts? Jim Waddick
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