Are you a member of AOS?

[edge]

Yes, I'm a member of the AOS as well as Orchid Digest, International Phalaenopsis and at least three local societies. It is my was of showing support to organizations I view as important. No support, no organizations. Just orchids in grocery stores and boxstores. I guess I'm one of those who just can't get enough. After the kids grew up and flew the coop, I entered the AOS judging program. Now in my 3rd year as a student. Sure there's politics. But there are also orchids - lots of orchids. think anyone serious about growing orchids should support at least a local society and probably the AOS and ODC. These organizations support conservation, education, as well as the social aspects of growing orchids. Realize there is something out there that is bigger than you and become a part of it. edge

[orchidlady]

Good to see you here.

Susan

[geoblue]

Edge, I cannot agree more. I am an officer in the local society, member of AOS and Orchid Digest..... These are the organizations that keep the standards, where we get all our growing and technical information . They exist for the membership. If you don't like what you are getting- get involved and make the changes!
About societies- people may seem stand offish, but they may just be too busy trying to keep the meeting on schedule or worrying about their plants.... take a chance and talk to someone.... we always make time to talk about orchids! Just try and stop us
I have been a member for about 10 years and actually have been organizing our society exhibits at other societies shows for 2 years... I learned so much by helping the people who were doing it... but I wish I had more time to learn from them again..... Younger people have to start stepping up to help run these organizations and functions as we lose our older generations. We are losing too much valuable experience and knowledge!

[Manhattan Bill]

I am a member of the AOS but don t think I will continue paying $60.. The really knowledgable people are not on line any more and the magazines not so informative as they were and have become scrimpy since it eliminated the spine. I understand the society is trying to save money but I must too.

[Bill Zimmerman]

I'm a long term member (since 1978) so I've seen a lot of change in both the AOS, orchid societies, the orchid business, the internet and general society. I grew orchids for 20 years before joining a society, entered a show and got two AOS awards the first time. The society roped me a year later into being the President for 3 years, then I took up judging. Much later I am involved in the AOS on a national basis and find that my membership is not about me, but about what I can contribute. I would be a member even with no benefits.

[sarraceniac]

I don't know why I answered this. Could be that last pint of martini cocktail, because I'm in the UK. But I did just join The North of England OS, which again could have been that last pi...........

Seriously, although they call it the NOEOS it is really the most national of our societies.

[Garden Faire]

living where i do there are just no benefits to joining. Most clubs or groups wont ship here or even acknowledge the fact that i am indeed a part of the US. Also I would rather spend the cash on plants and supplies.

[kiwiorchids]

No, too far away for starters, plus the cost in NZ dollars would be higher.....But i am a member of the NZNOG and the NZOS and its sub group the WOS

[Naoki]

A renewal envolp arrived with a monthly magazine. The magazine itself has been disappointing for the last several months. I don't think I will renew my membership this time.
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[Jayfar]

I'm a member of AOS and the International Phalaenopsis Alliance, in my second year of membership in both. I consider my AOS membership a vote for their continued existence. The magazine is icing on the cake and, as someone else described it, orchid porn.