Too often the viewpoint of the nationals is that the locals should roll over and play dead -- after turning over their membership lists and bank reserves. On a number of occasions, we have tried hard cooperating with various nationals.
On one occasion, we furnished mailing labels which the incumbent executive director used chiefly to round up contributions for his own keep. In return, we got zilch. In another instance, we sent $100 to a purported national that is still around, again receiving zilch in return, despite a promise, among others, that a logo would be sent to be added to ours. When subsequently we inquired whether we could come under their corporate umbrella, we got a curt reply, then nothing.
To repeat, then, the nationals must sweeten the pot to attract the regionals, perhaps, for one, offering automatic board membership to the locals. They must make more of an outreach effort. Organizations such as Planned Parenthood seem to function pretty well, despite the national-local split. Perhaps it and others could be our model.
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