Behind the Committees - Membership Chair Susan Wagner writes....

Even though its actions affect every person in the BAFTA East Coast family, the Membership Committee is one of the less public aspects of the organization. Due to the sensitive nature of the issues it tackles only Boardmembers serve on the Committee. The primary role of the Committee is to oversee and manage the complicated and intricate processes involved with applications, renewals, and pretty much everything else non-program-related which affects our members, including periodic revision of guidelines for membership categories. Decisions are based upon policies approved by the Board. Additionally the group suggests new policies and initiatives for Board approval and has been instrumental in developing membership categories which have enabled a broad cross-section of New York's media professionals to enjoy the benefits of BAFTA EC's many screenings and events. So much activity channels through the Committee that its members generally have to meet, either in person or by phone, at least every other week to discuss the accumulated issues requiring their attention. You have no doubt noticed how our chapter has grown and matured since it burst brightly on the scene over ten years ago, building on its considerable original strengths. Whereas in our early days we needed to spread our reach wide in order to keep screenings filled and our activities funded, we have long since reached a critical mass which has enabled us to be more focused on our mission of "promoting and supporting British film, television and new media," and by extension, on our role as a professional organization. In fact, BAFTA's growth around the world has been so explosive that it was decided a few years ago to cap voting membership in all chapters. This is why BAFTA EC is limited to 300 voting members, and why those coveted membership slots are now available by invitation only. This is also why the criteria for those memberships are even more strictly applied than might have been the case in the past. However, this doesn't mean that our chapter can't grow. The East Coast area is full of dynamic, influential professionals with an interest in the British entertainment industry. Those with over four years of significant work experience beyond entry level are encouraged to join BAFTA EC as Professional members. Many of our highly-accomplished Professionals have the British credentials needed to be considered for voting membership at some point, and it is from this rich vein that most of our new voters are mined. But regardless of whether they eventually move over, or remain as Professionals, this non-voting category encompasses some of our most engaged members, and it's an area where we have room to expand. To that end, BAFTA EC has launched a Professional Membership Drive through December 20, 2008. New Professionals who are enrolled during this time will receive a 50% discount on the initiation fee, while current members in all categories who sponsor new members are also eligible for valuable incentives. Check your email for details. In any case, the upcoming screening season will certainly be a good time to bring in all your friends and colleagues who have been so envious of those great BAFTA events you attend. We are very proud of our Associate category, established as a starting place for young people at the beginning of their careers. Our Associates tend to be highly enthusiastic and knowledgeable entertainment consumers -- a great audience, and some of our most reliable volunteers. A few years ago the category was growing so fast that we had to freeze it. We'll be looking at that again, though, as many of our Associates have "graduated" to Professional membership. Meanwhile, say hello to the new Associate Stellar category, as we welcome in some select members of our sister organization Stellar Network, which sadly is shutting down its operations in New York. We are excited that these active young film and television professionals will bring their energy to our ranks. Permanently frozen now is our Friends category. We are extremely grateful to our Friends, non-professional fans of British film and television who joined and supported BAFTA EC when it was new and in need of growth. As it is necessary now to narrow our scope to those strictly involved in the entertainment industry, we no longer accept applications for new Friends. Nevertheless, we value the ones we have, especially those who have found ways to get involved as volunteers at our activities and events. The Membership of BAFTA EC is the heart of the organization. We are dedicated to seeing that its needs and expectations are fulfilled. Obviously, our screenings and other programs are a crucial part of that, but other major factors are our networking events, such as the Pub Quizzes, the Tribeca Party and the BAFTA Film Awards Party; also our Membership Services area, chaired by Lisa Harrison, which is always on the lookout for special deals of interest to our members; the website, managed by Jill Hawkins, which will more and more become a communications hub; our Education Outreach endeavors, led by Claire Tisne, which will foster ties between our organization and the vibrant educational institutions in the City; and many other activities and projects both ongoing and in the works. In all this, as well as in our day-to-day dealings in handling your membership issues and questions, we remain aware at all times that our organization is nothing without its members. We encourage you to be involved, to attend and/or volunteer at events, to join committees, to meet your fellow BAFTA members. The future of this wonderful organization is in your hands.