by Scott Keeny, RBCA Membership Chair
Membership in the Richmond Beach Community Association (RBCA) is an investment in the community you live in. Even if you are unable or do not choose to attend the RBCA meetings, membership in the RBCA is a way to show that you support the Richmond Beach community. The Richmond Beach Community Association provides a strong voice to the Shoreline City leadership that we are concerned about the issues that affect our community. I am frequently asked questions regarding membership and will attempt to answer some of them in this article.
How many people belong to the RBCA?
As of September 2004 there are over 500 current members. The membership roster goes back to 1991.
I pay my dues each year, so why does my Richmond Beach Community News come addressed to resident?
The RBCA uses a mailing service and a bulk mail permit to mail the Richmond Beach Community News. The RB News is mailed to all residents of Richmond Beach. This is necessary to insure our advertisers that their ad will get the widest possible coverage. It would be too costly to mail to individual names. Individuals that live outside the Richmond Beach boundaries and are RBCA members receive their News by a special mailing.
When are my membership dues due for renewal and will I receive a reminder?
Your dues are renewable one year from the month you last paid. A renewal notice along with a membership renewal form and a return envelope will be mailed during the month, or close to the month your dues are due. You don't need to write anything on that renewal form unless the pre printed information has changed. It helps with computer entry if you return the pre-printed form.
What is the reference number on the renewal form used for?
The membership information is maintained in a computer database. The reference number allows me to access you membership file by just typing in the number. This saves a considerable amount of time when updating renewals. The membership records are kept in a Microsoft Access database.
How can I find out if my membership is due for renewal?
I try to make most of the meetings and can look up your membership information at that time, or you can call me, Scott Keeny at 206-365-5182.
What do I get for my $10 membership fee?
You are showing your support for your community and helping to keep the longest standing community council in Shoreline active. Income is limited to membership dues, advertising support and donations. Also, as an active member you will get to vote for RBCA officers at the May business meeting.
Why don't I receive a membership card or confirmation of my membership renewal?
A few years ago we use to send out membership cards. It turned out to be very time consuming and costly. At that time the RBCA Board decided to keep the membership dues at $10 per person and not raise the rate to cover the cost of membership confirmation. An informal survey of some members indicated that membership confirmation was not necessary as their cancelled check was an adequate receipt.
If you are reading this article and are not a member, please send your check along with the membership form in this edition of the RBCA News. If you are already a member, thank you for your continued support and please encourage your friends and neighbors to join.
Scott Keeny RBCA Membership Chair