Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I sent in my membership fees approximately 2 months ago to join the SWHS, San Berdo branch, and have yet to receive any response or notification or newsletter or anything yet.

I do not know of any other forums for the SWHS so decided to try this one here. It is weird to me that for our area, Southern CA, that there is not more herp related activities here or updates on events happening or whatever. The information on the website doesn't appear to be kept current.

I offered to volunteer in several areas on my application and am a bit disheartened that I haven't received even an acknowlegement.

I am seriously contemplating asking to be refunded my membership fees. I was hoping to find an active orgainization that welcomed new members.

I, like you, sent in my membership fee along with a donation over a month and a half ago and have yet to get a reply or newsletter. I phoned a few of the reps and was told that they would look into it. While I had them on the phone I asked about upcoming events or fieldwork that I could get involved with. I was basically rushed off the phone and told to wait until next month's meeting for information. I guess I was looking for an organization that was more welcoming, enthusiastic, and pro-active. I think I am going to research other Southern Californian Organizations in hopes to find a better fit.
M & L Reptiles

I have responded privately to this post, but want to also post here publicly...... I did receive my membership info finally 6/30..... a little late, the membership person did call me and spoke to me personally and apologized sincerely. I hope that he's getting back on track.

At the last meeting of Inland Empire branch on 7/1 I spoke out about how shameful it was that the internet inquiries and the web site hosted here at KS is woefully neglected. Up until this time apparantly the fact that members AND potential members were being blown off by lack of response really "bothered" me. I KNOW that the internet has great potential at bringing in wonderful new people and volunteered to take action and take over the reins for the Inland Empire branch as email contact person and to try to keep the web site hosted here at KS up to date.

We have an excellent speaker coming up for the August meeting, Sean Bush M.D. !! More info to come... hopefully I'll be able to get the web page up to date very soon. Have to find some keys for access to change

I think it's great that someone cares enough to take time out and volenteer like that. Does anybody seem interested in doing stuff on the weekend,anything to do with herps. I used to like to go out at night with a blacklight and observe scorpions, but haven't done it this year just cause there's nobdy to go with. I'd like to do something before summer is gone.It's hard to do stuff in the middle of the week with work and most people commute these days.

Davo, That is one of the things I thought would be great to do also. I'd like to get together for herp walk/hikes also. Trying to get an official "club" gathering together in the past has been difficult because of time issues, but small groups of us can certainly make individual plans.

Where are you located? I've got some serious property out near Anza that I'm anxious to explore and there's a couple from the Inland Chapter that would like to make a day of it with me.

I hope that by now you have recieved your membership confirmation and newsletter. I also hope that you do not request a refund as you have considered. I will be the first to admit that our organization is not perfect by any means. We struggle to keep things going, getting good speakers at our meetings, getting new members, etc. We certainly need more members like you to help us in any way you can. Please keep in mind that what we do is strictly voluntary, not our full time jobs, and we do not recieve any monetary compensation for time spent. Many of us in the Inland Empire Branch work in the field and out of town much of the time, and sometimes can't even make it to the meetings (which has been my case for the past several months). We do the best we can with what we have to work with. I also feel that any organization is what you (the individual member) make of it. The more proactive you and other members are regarding meeting attendance, open discussions, field trip recommendations and organization, etc. the better. Please be sure to make our up-and-coming meetings so that we can discuss this issue in more detail in person.

Sincerely and best regards. I look forward to meeting and speaking with you soon.

Mike Wilcox