On behalf of the staff and board of the Consortium, I’d like to thank the membership for the smooth introduction of dues as a facet of Consortium membership. While we were pleased and grateful to announce the recent charter sustaining member commitments, we recognize that the majority of members are not in a position to make a commitment at this level. The regular dues payments made by the broader membership, however, are equally important to the ongoing sustainability of the organization and we appreciate the financial support for the Consortium.

The staff and board are committed to continually increasing the value members received for their support, providing better visibility for member websites, more opportunities for best practice exchange, and increased support for workgroups and other member-driven activities. We are also committed to careful and responsible stewardship of the funds provided by members, ensuring the support is wisely invested in the future of the movement. Finally, I’d like to invite the membership to participate in the process of establishing dues levels in the upcoming year. At the last board meeting, the board voted to recommend to the membership that dues for 2011 remain at the 2010 level. The board invites comment on this recommendation which can be sent to the board e-mail list (board at ocwconsortium dot org), and we will take a final vote on dues levels at the Hanoi meeting.

Once again, thanks to the entire community for supporting the Consortium.