Our GPAA Chapter is thinking of breaking away from GPAA we have over 50 GPAA members and probably another 50 that would join us if we didn't require GPAA Membership. Seems like sense the Massie's left, GPPA isn't as interested in helping the Chapters or new prospectors.
My question is what is the advantage of being associated with GPAA? What do we get out of it? We see what they are getting from us. Have any of your Chapters left GPAA if so why?
Thanks for any feedback, Steve
Replies
For the GPAA there is no requirement for chapters to force GPAA membership. Far as I know only elected officers need to be dues paying members.
Really all you get is a listing on the GPAA website which will send some potential member traffic your way. That seems to be dwindling now that the Gold Shows are scarce.
GPAA has always had the requirement that all Chapter Members be GPAA members and the Chapter could not charge a fee or dues to belong to the chapter. Unless things have changed that is the way we read the GPAA Chapter bylaws. At this time that is the main reason we are considering dropping GPAA.
I have to carry GPAA membership because I am an officer for Central Indiana. Our club does not require a membership unless you plan on voting during a meeting, then you have to produce a membership card. We too have talked about leaving the GPAA in the past, but decided to stay for the free club advertising in the magazine, discounted equipment (to sell at rock and gem shows), and support in helping rebuild the club from what was destroyed by the former president.
This is incorrect during our radio show we had Brandon on. This question was asked and his response was you do not have to be a GPAA member to be in GPAA chapter . Only elected officers need to be dues paying members. I am not a GPAA member and I am in a chapter.
Some Chapters may make it seem like you have to be a GPAA member to push you into joining.. they get points for every one that renews membership, joins, becomes and LDMA member, or goes to the Alaskan Gold camp. The chapters are somewhat setup like an affiliate deal. You really have to push the memberships and trips to get anything of worth out of the GPAA so it is a bit lop sided.
Not sure how it works if the Chapter property is a GPAA claim.
Rich had asked that question to Brandon to get a direct answer as we had on member in our chapter demanding we all be GPAA members or stop using the clubs properties. Even though they weren't GPAA properties.
It should still be in the podcast archives here if you need it for reference for your chapter Steve.
With the initial new gold rush that started with all the reality shows long worn off we really don't get that many joining from the GPAA these days.. most of the new signups we get are word of mouth locally and from our site showing up on search engine results. The lack of Gold Shows seems to be having an effect too.
I let my GPAA membership lapse 2 years ago, for the reason that in Indiana there are no claims held by GPAA. I don't get to travel that much, so I didn't see any benefit to staying in it. Back a couple months ago when they held the Ohio Gold Rush Days, I thought strongly about going, but since I wasn't a GPAA, it would limit me to panning only, unless I could find a member to go with.