The Religious Research Association
President's Report
1987
President's Report
RRA October, 1987
In my letter to members this past February I noted that we had record attendance at our Washington, D. C. annual meeting, that the number of library and other subscriptions is holding well, and, similarly, that membership figures are good. I commented upon the creative new venture of the RRA under President Constant Jacquet, the research fund of up to $6,000 annually to which members can apply. I also noted another innovation, the Catalogue of Current Religious Researchers and Researchers. The relocation of the RRA office from the University of Connecticut to Catholic University went without hitch. Lorraine D'Antonio, our business officer, does superb work for us there.
At our May board meeting, which was accomplished by an extended telephone conference call, as permitted by the constitution, we included a $1,500 item in our budget for joining George Gallup in their annual state of the religious health of the nation survey. The cost of such a survey is large, but to have one or two RRA members participating will beat this very nominal cost. The Board suggested that we have a roundtable involving RRA and SSSR participants, with audience participation, on the Gallup survey, so that our delegates can assess member interests. The names of Richard Gorsuch and Margaret Poloma were submitted to the Gallup Organization as our members who would consult for the first survey. This will provide input from the RRA; as you probably know, Gallup surveys are available about one year later from the Roper Center at nominal cost. ~~ ~
As David Roozen, our treasurer, will report, the financial position of the RRA is sound. Two years ago the fund balance was about $48,000 and last year it was about $60,000. This year it is about $73,000. We budget an income of about $33,000 and an expense of about $38,000. In actuality, we've had an income of about $35,000 during each of the past two years and an expense of about $23,000. Subventions for special issues of the Review in part account for this difference. Without subventions and with the Grant Competition, the research biennial survey, and the participation in the Gallup survey, we can expect a balanced budget or a slightly deficit budget, which might well be offset by interest earned by the Association and less than expected other expenses. My figures are approximate; Dave's will be much better.
Sheila Kelly will give the report of the Development Committee. Some overview figures are helpful. Last year Connie Jacquet reported that at the end of September 325 members were enrolled for 1986-7 (total membership of 403 for 1985-63. At the end of this September 375 are enrolled (membership of 401 for 1986-7). The subscribers numbered 602 at the end of September, 1986 (total for the previous year: 655). The figure for this September is 617 (total 655).We are ahead of last year relative to progress of securing renewals. We did not slip last year relative to the final outcome of numbers of members and subscribers. Lorraine D'Antonio does a superb job for us. I also express thanks to Sheila for her work.
I strongly endorse our applied research interests and our new cooperative endeavor with the Gallup Organization. Even though there are economic setbacks for the national setting, our Association remains strong, with vigorous activity and with a stable financial picture. I look forward to working with our President-Elect, James Davidson, and with other officers, board members, committees, and members of the RRA during this coming year.
Hart Nelsen, RRA President