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What holds us up or in other words do you ever wonder where your IADR membership dues go?
One of the many things that your membership dues pay for is the IADR website and it's upkeep. Having a website offers a stable foundation for being found in the chaos of the social media platforms. Also by being able to offer the Artist's Studio pages to IADR members only is an opportunity for each member to establish a website presence with a studio of their work - especially if they don't have their own website.
IADR Studio pages are open for public viewing and don't require any passwords or fees to view the Artist's work. The Studio pages offer the opportunity of cross marketing because the artist can link their IADR Studio pages back to any other existing website, Etsy account, or Facebook selling site as well as it provides a location if the artist just wants to be contacted by email.
Another way the membership dues are used is for the IADR juried shows. So far, from what I have seen, we (the IADR) are the only ones that offer cash awards. As an IADR member there are no additional fees for entering a juried show unlike some other organizations. By receiving a cash award, an artist doesn't have to worry about a physical award getting lost or broken in the mail (especially when sent internationally). IADR instead supplies the award funds directly to winners and in this way we are able to award larger prize payouts. Did you know that it only takes winning one time in a category in one of the juried show to have won the cost of your membership dues back plus a little extra? We offer that chance in each of our many juried shows and not only in one competition category but in each level of category in a show (Novice, Intermediate, Advance, Professional, and Master). That is five different categories that can win a cash award for each juried show!
Then there are the paid advertisements to help build our membership. For those who purchase the latest copy of DOLLS magazines (not our IADR Art Doll magazine) they will see that the IADR has purchased space to be included in the DOLLS 2024 Doll Directory. Again cross marketing and outreach... all good marketing tools to be seen.
Plus check your income tax information (for those in the USA) as membership dues paid can also be considered a possible tax deduction for business accounts since advertising for your business is included in your membership. (Please confirm that you meet the requirements before deducting though...).
Also, the IADR has been providing a free quarterly magazine for members, on-line meetings, YouTube presentations, Podcasts, and other means to reach out to others about our organization in the hopes of continuing to grow. Some of your dues pay for these computer programs that connect us.
The one thing that your dues do not pay for is wages! All IADR staff and helpers are unpaid volunteers here to help make the IADR grow and to create the positive feelings of doll making. They are greatly appreciated and any member can become one.
Yes, the IADR is more than just a pretty face but it works hard to see that your membership dues are used to give the maximum buy for promoting an artist's work as well as striving to grow as an international group. So if you like to become more involved or have questions please contact me at IADRegistry@outlook.com or Instant Messenger on Facebook.
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