NABWMT & BWMT CHAPTERS

The National Association of Black & White Men Together

& its reltionship with local BWMT Chapters

from Irwin Rothenberg November 26, 2001

It is important that chapter members realize that dues from ALL the chapters together amounts to less than $5,000 per year! -- or less than 6% of our total budget. Most support comes from donations, grants, and convention profits.

I think that a major problem isn't so much the amount a chapter pays to the NA, but that chapters themselves are so strapped for funds! Even at $225 per year, it averages $10 per member or so, yet that eats up over half your chapter dues.

What can $10 per member get? Off the top of my head I will list a few things that the National does.

1. Four issues of the NA Quarterly per year, that contains news of other chapters, information of what we are doing on the National level, political information, and information about our national convention.

2. The National Convention is a product of the National Association, working with local membership to put on a week of social, political, educational and cultural activities, creating a safe space for "people like us", and promoting a unique brotherhood found no where else on earth!

3. The MRMCI Institute workshops for fighting racism: provided free to any chapter requesting it and who can guarantee at least 15 attending for a full day. Everything is provided including learning materials, rental space fees, lunch for attendees, etc. This alone more than compensates for annual chapter dues.

4. Web site and chat rooms for internet/cyberspace connections and links to other organizations like us.

5. A national voice to speak up on issues that affect us a interracially oriented gaymen.

6. A place for people around the country to connect to others who hold similar values and desires; especially true for those living in isolated areas, or places without chapters. Many attend our National conventions for the brotherhood and connection.

7. Political connections to other groups to work together for the common good.

8. A national office to act as a clearing house for chapter and National activities.

Not bad for $10 per person, per year (around $0.30 per day).

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