CMP Affiliation Status

Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic

When we were just a newsletter it would bring in new members, however the vast majority were joining just for the affiliation and rarely contributed to the club. This created constant work on our secretary who would have to add and remove people from the list as may did not renew membership once they got whatever they wanted to order. 

Back in 2016 when we brought the forum online I was advised to consider dropping the CMP affiliation. 
Being that we no longer had to publish and mail newsletters there was no longer any dues charged. This in turn made the CMP affiliation a free benefit. The cost associated with CMP affiliation was reasonable. However the cost of the PO Box steadily grew to $180 a year. Both costs I paid out of my own pocket  for the benefit of all.  

In the past 9 years I can say that it was sage advice to consider dropping the affiliation. I receive weekly emails of people joining and not reading the EULA nor the minimal requirements to get on the CMP affiliation list. Some demand immediate access, some get indignant that they had to provide information that is required for the CMP. the vast majority could care less about the carbine and never made a single post. 
Then there is having to fix all of the information that is put in the fields incorrectly. 

With everything I am trying to do, the membership approvals have become a time suck. 

The CMP has on more than one occasion failed to send the yearly notice, which could be as late as May of that year. I recently contacted by the CMP saying that the our status is "delinquent" meaning the yearly forms were not submitted. Checking the club email I see all of the regular mailings, but never received the 2024 renewal notice.

Yes I could have been more proactive, but I have been having a hell of a year and CMP was not high on my list. 

Currently the club cannot be used for CMP purchases. 

I am putting it out to the membership for a compelling reason to keep the affiliation, but before you demand it understand:

Someone may have to stand up and handle the roster. this includes being familiar with databases and EXCEL and using comma delineated separation and going line by line to correct input errors. Then deleting unnecessary columns. 
Who ever is doing this will have access to to everyone's information, so vetting would be required. 

There would most likely have to be a fee system to cover the costs. And to keep people joining just for the affiliation at bay it might have to be little higher.

In the meantime, If you were military you are already eligible.
There are a great many clubs and ranges that offer affiliation, though most require shooting participation.
The Garand Collectors Association puts out a full color newsletter and gives CMP access, though there is a wait period as they too get people looking for instant gratification. 