Effective January 1, 2016, the Sustainable Consumption Research and Action Initiative (SCORAI) will become a member-supported network. Established in 2008, SCORAI currently has more than 800 affiliates around the world and works closely with sister groups in Europe, China, and Israel. Since its inception, SCORAI has benefited greatly from the support of several philanthropic foundations and this funding has enabled facilitation of specific programmatic initiatives. The network has also enjoyed from its earliest days generous support from the Tellus Institute, for which we are extremely grateful.
The members of SCORAI’s Executive Committee serve on a volunteer basis, but as the range of activities has expanded greatly over the last few years, the network has reached the point where the services of a professional administrative assistant are required to ensure future organizational continuity and effectiveness. Furthermore, it has been challenging to generate the financial means necessary to cover the operational costs of the network, including maintenance of the website and listserv, preparation and distribution of the newsletter, and other ongoing organizational expenses.
The cost of annual SCORAI membership will initially be set at $50 for regular affiliates and $25 for students, retirees, and others with special circumstances. For participants in the upcoming conference at the University of Maine in June, membership dues for 2016 are included in the registration fee. Among the benefits of financially supporting the network will be discounted participation in workshops and conferences as well as continued access to the newsletter and listserv. To make the process as easy as possible, payment will be managed through the SCORAI website. Further details will be forthcoming over the next few months.
Halina, Maurie, and Philip