[Ingeborga]

Did anyone notice the update in the December 22nd AUSKF Newsletter regarding the new Los Angeles, California office? Does anyone else find it odd that the AUSKF Board has approved $50,000+ per year for the creation and maintenance of a physical office in the US for the AUSKF.

Wouldn't that money be better spent holding regional kendo events that increased the level of kendo understanding and knowledge? As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, shouldn't the 4000+ membership be able to come up with a list of volunteers and procedures to handle the AUSKF business and save the $50,000 per year expense? I'll bet there are tons of untapped resources within the AUSKF that would only have to be asked if they wanted to help run the federation? With all the on-line tools available in this day and age why spend so much money on a physical office?

Here is the update from the newsletter:
6. Development Committee:
(a.) Proposal for AUSKF Headquarters Office [Update].
The committee members reported that the previous approved office space size, rental costs, utilities costs, and part-time staff [20hours per week] expenses were found to be previously underestimated.

After the committee members have contacted real estate agencies in the Los Angeles area, and discussed the needs of a part-time staff person's salary for the AUSKF Headquarters and Office; it was recommended and approved to increase the office space to 500 sq. ft., which would increase the yearly rental costs and utility costs to $25,000; and the salary range will be negotiable for between $8-$10 per hour [depending on the skill of the staff person hired] for a maximum of $25,000 per year. Also, one time expenses were recommended and approved for office furniture [computer, printer, desk, filing cabinet, chair, etc].