Scandal in the American Orchid Society by Luis Valdez

Author:Luis Valdez
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: betrayal, scandal, luis valdez, san antonio, orchids, tell all, alamo orchid society, american orchid society, orchid whisperer
Publisher: Luis Valdez

b. “Increase 2019 dues”

December 30, 2018, two days before taking office, Tom sent out an email to members of the Board of Directors. In it, he wrote,

“I would like to propose that we increase 2019 dues from $25 to $50 per person. Please send me your thoughts.”

In considering all the events leading up to Tom expelling me from the Society, this issue of dues was out first major blowout. I thought it was a terrible idea. For one thing, Ken and I had managed to diversify our membership, bringing in more young people and Hispanics. Raising the dues would make it harder not only for these new people to remain in the Society, but also to continue to attract a mixed group of members in the future. To “coin” a term from Susan, the AOS would become more “exclusive”.

Second, Tom’s proposal was to charge $50 per person. But we currently were charging members $25 per household. Others may not have noticed the distinction. But for our many, two-member households, Tom’s proposal would raise their dues from $25 to $100.

Finally, Tom’s proposal rested on the premise that the AOS was on the brink of financial collapse. He seemed unaware of the fact that in 2018 I had turned things around, and had ended the year with a net gain.

Nancy Canavera, Secretary at the time, immediately responded to Tom’s email. She wrote,

“I disagree with making that proposal unless there has been plenty of discussion. Also, it would seem to me that there needs to be a recommendation from the board.”

She also added the following points:

“How much revenue will be brought in versus how many members we may lose.”

“. . . what other ways can we raise money?”

Tom agreed to bring up the issue of dues at our next BOD meeting. He further agreed not to raise the issue in the general AOS meeting beforehand.

Sure enough, however, at our AOS monthly meeting on January 3rd, Tom right away started talking about dues. Ken and I had decided beforehand not to raise the question of dues at the general meeting unless Tom did. But when he did, we felt we had to speak up.

Tom was talking about how much our Society was losing money, and what other societies were charging their own members. But, sitting in the audience, Ken and I raised our hands, and contradicted him. We noted that the AOS wasn’t losing money. It was gaining. And we noted that the wealthy ladies who belonged to the Garden Society only paid $20 in dues, and part of that money went to their regional organization.

The meeting became contentious. And afterwards, a couple of people came up to Ken and me, and said we sounded “bitter.” I think, in retrospect, that they didn’t realize Tom’s ulterior motive. They didn’t realize he wanted to raise their dues.

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