The Need for a Peer Education Group Affiliation Fee

As you are likely aware, over the last decade there has been a dramatic shift in resources available to fund nonprofits like BACCHUS due to the economic uncertainty that has persisted since 9/11 and the reductions in federal and state funding available to support prevention and health promotion programs. There are broad pressures to further reduce budgets in the current political and economic climate.  BACCHUS has already seen our grant and corporate support drop by more than 60% in the last three years.

Despite all expense cutting and organization revenue generating measures we have enacted to date, the BACCHUS organization must create a new operational model and sustainability plan to secure our future as a national student leadership organization promoting healthy and safe campuses.

In accordance with our organization by-laws, we will propose and vote on establishing an annual affiliation fee of $300 at the Delegates Meeting during General Assembly.  This fee will be part of the 2012 Charter Renewal process for peer education affiliates.  This suggested annual fee is very common for membership organizations in higher education and is substantially less than what most student leadership, fraternal or academic honoraries charge their members.

In addition to this fee, the Board of Trustees, with assistance from key stakeholders and staff, will continue to pursue other sources of funding through grant opportunities, foundations, donations, and corporate partnerships.  Our campus leaders can be helpful in notifying the national office of any opportunities they identify as a good fit for BACCHUS.