Has PEO Council informed you that they want to raise your fees again?
Firstly, like most engineers, I understand the need to financially support our profession. The benefits that a central organization can bring to its members are huge. For example, doctors are well paid primarily because they are able to positively influence government policy and public opinion. The membership fees paid by an individual doctor are more than compensated by the respect and remuneration s/he gets in return.
In the case of engineers, the respect from the general public and their knowledge of the critical functions we perform for them have steadily declined over the years. Yet the fees demanded by PEO have constantly increased far faster than the rate of inflation. We need to know that your membership fees are used for the benefit all members and public rather than just the small group who frequent PEO HQ.
Look out!
I am also wondering if PEO will try the same sneaky trick they tried last time. Here is the situation. There is a bylaw that sets a limit to the fees. PEO had raised and raised the fees (far faster than the rate of inflation) and finally hit the legal limit. So, as in the past, they had to go back to the members to ask their permission. But instead of just raising the limit, they decided that it would be better if the limit was not there at all. Why trouble the members with these minor matters when Council is so much more qualified to make these decisions? My advice to you is to read the proposed bylaw amendments carefully. If past experience is any guide, I'm willing to bet that the question will be written in legalistic terms like, Confirmation of amendment of By-Law No. 1 to repeal Section 39(2)We all would like to be reassured that our money is spent responsibly. PEO can do this by explaining to all its members how they spend all your money, not just the proposed $20 increase (Engineering Dimensions January 2008). Then you will have the information to decide if the benefits you receive are worth trusting them with more.
Trust should be earned, not demanded.
In January 2006, I wrote a short Chair's message in our chapter newsletter questioning PEO's planned fee increase. The replacement of a photo was an issue. The response from PEO RCC was to reprimand me for not following PEO's "expected standards of conduct".I am grateful to my chapter for supporting me and spending close to a year fighting this. They wrote detailed reports, numerous emails -- and finally obtained a letter of apology -- of sorts.
For this, the RCC apologizes, although it is still our position that publishing the January 2006 newsletter as it was published was inappropriate.
You, the members overwhelming voted against the last unjustified fee increase, I was vindicated, the referendum failed and PEO was quite upset. I am still upset that they have not learned from this experience -- to inform and consult members on important financial matters.A small example
This last decision to increase the fees was taken in an "in camera" (i.e. secret) meeting in December 2007.P. S.
From PEO's last 2007 financial statements, the excess of
revenue over expenses for 2006 was $827,079 and was 2005 it was
$1,271,838. Do you think PEO should be making a profit of a million
dollars per year?
