to learn more about them and meet others with a similar interest. Still 

 others are recruited by existing members who hold forth on the advantages 

 of shell collecting and "talk up" the fact that through a shell club members 

 get reduced rates (sometimes!) on periodicals and books, lists of shell col- 

 lectors for possible pen pals, dealers' offerings of exotic shells at modest cost, 

 plus, of course, a chance to listen to lectures by real experts. It does not 

 seem to be a problem to acquire new members. 



Types of Membership and Fees. Several types of membership should be 

 offered in order to attract local and out-of-town people (who may benefit 

 by or be of benefit to the club), junior members, and families. 



How high to set the membership fees (dues) is a problem. The cost 

 must not be too high for what is to be offered, nor too low, else the club 

 will go into debt. In the latter case, prospective members may feel that 

 nothing of value can be offered for such a pittance. Also, dues as originally 

 set shovild not have to be increased at a later date. The problem should be 

 handled realistically, tied to a study of the probable future costs, then the 

 assessment set so that no later increase will have to be made. 



In the case of the Philadelphia club, a $1.00 to $2.00 fee per person per 

 year seems to be reasonable and adequate. Regular members pay $2.00, 

 additional members of the same family are eligible for membership for $1.00 

 each. Junior members (under 16 years) pay $1.00. This group must be 

 encouraged in every locality, since it is from these that regular and faithful 

 members will come in the future. And if, as happens, one of these becomes 

 a scientist in the field because of the early interest developed by a local 

 shell club, the purpose of the existence of the group will have been justified 

 a thousandfold. 



Corresponding members, while not able to attend regular meetings, 

 still require postage when meeting notices and yearly proceedings are 

 mailed. This group should be assessed at least $1.00 per year. 



No provision has yet been made for Life and Honorary membership, 

 but if the example of the American Malacological Union is followed, the 

 fo. mer would pay $40 (20 years annual dues) and the dues waived in the 

 case of honorary membership. 



Attendance. Many factors influence attendance, such as weather, time, 

 accessibility of meeting place, conflicting attractions such as favorite TV 

 shows, sporting events, and social obligations. Programs must be carefully 

 planned and varied to sound enticing to all elements among the members, 

 no mean trick in itself. 



A questionnaire sent to members may be a good way to reveal likes, 

 dislikes, opinions on possible improvement, and individual or collective 

 problems in need of attention. From such a study programs may be planned 

 to insure the best possible attendance. 



Except on unusual occasions or in places with large numbers of retired 

 people, attendance of 50 to 65 percent is about standard. Increased attend- 



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