Membership Information
Dear MI-NATOA Colleague and future members:
MI-NATOA would like to thank you and welcome you to being a 2012 member!
With an annual membership, you will benefit from our efforts with legislative initiatives and state-wide advocacy, as we proactively approach video cable rules and regulations affecting local subscribers in your community. We provide member colleagues with educational workshops, informational meetings and professional networking opportunities that not only meet the needs of local government, but also keep you on top of the rapidly changing legislative and telecommunications landscape.
The mission of NATOA is to support those needs and serve the communications interests of local government. Together we represent to the industry and legislators the importance of cable video legislation and transparency in government through the work that we do on a daily basis. We are a professional association made up of individuals and organizations responsible for — or advising those responsible for — communications policies and services in local governments throughout the country. With the direction of the MI-NATOA Executive Board's highly determined and passionate desire to preserve local channels, together we can create change for a better and more vibrant community of communicators.
The past five years have been challenging as we worked to provide and sustain public, educational and government access programming. As a group we have unified to provide successes in establishing coordinated messages through the Public Education Campaign and, in doing so, have provided the pro-consumer, pro-PEG side to the media messages generated by the well-funded cable and telephone companies’ P.R. efforts. We fully supported and donated to the success of preserving access channels, as the cable industry tried to eliminate their availability for all. We also were involved in bringing AT&T's discriminatory treatment of access channels before the FCC where PEG petitions remain pending. These challenges affect each municipality and the residents that we serve. Becoming a member and continuing your membership provides the education you need to serve your community. Just knowing is half the battle. Don't overlook one of the most important resources we have in this fight — each other!
If you are a long-time MI-NATOA member, you understand the value of maintaining your membership in this organization and we look forward to your renewed membership. If you are joining as a new member, we welcome you. Whether you are a cable manager from local governments, schools and public access studios, a producer, an attorney, or consultant; whether you've attended meetings and workshops, used the Email Group (Listserv) or web site, or simply picked up the phone and called another member, MI-NATOA is your entree to others' experiences and expertise.
The membership fee has stayed the same for over a decade. We believe this is a small and reasonable amount with big benefits. Please renew your membership now using the attached application form and dues invoice. Working together, we can create change and be better prepared for the future. We encourage you to take advantage of the benefits this membership has to offer!
Sincerely,
Deborah Guthrie,
2012 President
Michigan Chapter of NATOA
National Chapter of the Year 2009
Top Ten Reasons to Join or Renew Your Membership in Michigan NATOA
- It's the best way to network to solve problems and understand challenges facing PEG (Public, Education and Government) access operations.
- The website, Email Group (Listserv), and membership list give you instant access to information and direct help from others in your field.
- Take advantage of professional development opportunities at regular meetings or networking lunches throughout the year.
- Stay in touch with other cities and townships that have franchises with your cable operator.
- Be part of a proactive initiative to protect our PEG channels and franchise fees. Michigan NATOA has spearheaded a Public Education Campaign and has also participated in legal assistance to member communities and legislative initiatives.
- Meet the MI-NATOA members from the professions we need to protect our interests, such as lawyers, CPAs and lobbyists.
- Get the member rate to attend the annual MAB (Michigan Association of Broadcasters) Great Lakes Broadcast Conference, which offers workshops, demos and trade show.
- Annual dues have remained the same for more than a decade
- Be represented in Lansing and Washington, D.C., on PEG and franchise matters.
- Be part of national NATOA and all the resources it has to offer.
Stay in the loop. Join MI-NATOA today!