Re: International (?!) Aroid Society

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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

Dr. James W. Waddick
8871 NW Brostrom Rd.
Kansas City Missouri 64152-2711
USA
Ph.    816-746-1949
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