MESSAGE TO MEMBERSHIP

The British Columbia Ultrasonographers' Society was founded in 1981 as a voice for sonography and sonographers in BC. Our membership peaked in the mid ‘90s when we numbered 260 but this year number only 56, a 25% drop from last year. BCUS is no longer viable in the current form. We struggle to find speakers for educational events. We do not represent the majority of sonographers practicing in BC. Other professional societies are struggling as we are and the general consensus is to remain a society as long as possible.

What is to become of BCUS?

Over the last few years executive and member groups have reviewed options for the future of BCUS. We understand and empathize with the various reasons for the decline in membership and involvement. We propose the following to allow BCUS to ‘hibernate’ over the next few years. BCUS does have the financial resource to retain an executive director and the website for 4-5 years and society status can be maintained with minimal activity (an AGM and government filing).

• The 2007 Annual General Meeting is an evening meeting with no educational component:

  Date: Thursday, October 25, 2007
  Time: 7:00 pm
  Place: Radiology Library, Columbia Tower, Royal Columbian Hospital
  330 Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC

• Special resolution at this meeting will request a reduction of membership dues to $15 annually, retroactive to 2007 with an option to remain a paid member to June 2010 or to request a fee rebate. Rebates and receipts will be mailed with the AGM minutes.
• Current executive will remain in place should no nominations be received at the AGM.
• Business will be conducted at a minimal level to maintain society status.
• The web site will be maintained as a point of contact and information for sonographers in BC. Job postings will still be available.

This process and activity will be discussed at the AGM.
Your feedback is greatly encouraged now and at the meeting.
Please contact us at suejamieson@shaw.ca if you have questions, concerns or ideas.