It is that time of year again…..time to renew your membership in VJJA! The current membership year expired on June 30, 2007. To continue your membership and ensure uninterrupted publications and other benefits, renewals are due by August 1, 2007.
As an incentive for timely renewals every renewal received on or before August 1, 2007 will be entered in a drawing for VJJA logo items and other fun prizes, including the grand prize—paid registration to the 31st Fall Juvenile Justice Institute, a $100 value!
Our 2006-07 membership year was the most successful in our Association’s history, closing with 1187 members. It was a year of milestones which included the 40th Anniversary of VJOA/VJJA, the 30th Fall Juvenile Justice Institute, and the 15th Tidewater Spring Institute. It was also a year of legislative victories to include the passage of HB 3007—which provides for the adult court to have jurisdiction over a juvenile for subsequent offenses only if the juvenile was convicted as an adult.
The 30th Fall Institute featured nationally-recognized speakers, 24 independent workshops, approximately 400 participants, 50 exhibitors, and a celebration of our 40 year history. It was our largest and most well-attended event to date. Building on that success, we are excited that the 31st Fall Juvenile Justice Institute is planned to be held in Roanoke for the first time in nearly a decade! Mark your calendars -- November 7-9, 2007 -- Roanoke Wyndham.
New in 2007: Many changes, enhanced services and benefits are on the horizon for the 2007-08 membership year. In addition to quarterly publications, legislative representation, recognition programs, networking opportunities, scholarships, and free and discounted training offerings, VJJA members will begin receiving discounts at participating retailers. Additionally, web-based resources, publications, and communication forums are also in development. Lastly, membership dues can be paid online using a credit card or debit card.
Earlier this year the membership voted more than eleven to one to increase dues to a modest $20 annually – the first increase since 1984. Also earlier this year our Board of Directors took action to make the e-Advocate the default publication of the Association (NOTE: This means that members who do not specifically elect to receive a paper copy of the Advocate – by marking such a preference on their membership renewal form – will receive all future publications electronically.) The renewal form and instructions for both traditional and electronic payments are easily accessible at our website www.vjja.org.
Thank you in advance for renewing and maintaining your membership with the Association. Thanks also for your calls and emails as it is encouraging that so many are committed to VJJA and taking an active role in maintaining their membership status.
Feel free to contact me with any questions. I can be reached in c/o 25th District Court Service Unit, 150 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450, (540) 463-5401 or at membership@vjja.org.
Samantha Higgins is employed by the 25th District Court Service Unit in Lexington. In addition to serving as VJJA's Director of Membership, she also serves as Valley District Chair.
MEMBERSHIP YEAR COMPARISON, FY ‘06 to FY ‘07 |
District |
2006
|
2007 |
% of 06 |
# New |
%
New |
Renewals |
Renewals Due or Deleted |
% Not Renewed |
Blue Ridge |
80 |
86 |
107.5% |
40 |
46.5% |
45 |
34 |
42.50% |
Capital |
146 |
382 |
261.6% |
282 |
73.8% |
93 |
46 |
31.51% |
Northern |
138 |
161 |
116.7% |
75 |
46.6% |
83 |
52 |
37.68% |
Southwest |
86 |
77 |
89.5% |
9 |
11.7% |
66 |
18 |
20.93% |
Tidewater |
480 |
392 |
81.7% |
120 |
30.6% |
267 |
208 |
43.33% |
Valley |
98 |
89 |
90.8% |
28 |
31.5% |
60 |
37 |
37.76% |
Total |
1028 |
1187 |
115.4% |
554 |
46.7% |
614 |
395 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
59.73% |
|
38.42% |
FY 2006 does not include 9 Life and 1 Courtesy |
FY 2007 does not include 10 Life and 9 Founders |
Congratulations to the Capital District and Blue Ridge District for winning their membership challenges over the Northern District and Southwest District. Congratulations also go out to the Great Southwest for being the District
with
the highest membership retention rate in the state.
