REPLY Investing in the field (SD6355)

[SDMAIL Bob Cavana]

Posted by  "Bob Cavana" <Bob.Cavana at vuw.ac.nz>

WAS Please Capitalize System Dynamics 

hi all,
 
my comments relate to: 
 
(2) John Sterman's & Carl Betterton's suggestion that "folks involved  in the 
    field and on this list help us celebrate the 50th anniversary of the field 
    by making a voluntary donation to the System Dynamics Society. "
 
i find this request somewhat bewildering, without further details. 
 
the minutes of the 2006  general business meeting of the SDS Policy Council in 
Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands show that in the report of the VP 
Finance: ... "He noted the Society is healthy with a $400,000+ cash balance and 
that the 2007 Budget just approved shows about a $20,000 surplus with the major 
income items conference registrations, membership fees, and product sales and 
the major expenses salaries and conference expenses."
 
If members are expected to make further donations to SDS what will this money be 
devoted to? With a cash balance of over US$400,000 the SDS looks to be in a very 
healthy financial state!!
 
Now if these donations were being requested to help, for example, the development 
of system dynamics (or SD projects/activities/membership etc) in poorer parts of 
the world, then we could understand where these donations might end up, rather 
than just adding to the already impressive cash resources of the SD Society.
 
I think we need a greater 'vision' for these 50th SD anniverary donations.
 
all the best,
 
Bob
 
A/Prof Bob Cavana
Victoria Management School
Posted by  "Bob Cavana" <Bob.Cavana at vuw.ac.nz>
posting date  Sun, 25 Mar 2007 08:52:35 +1200