Motion 2011-Z - Single Annual CFC Membership & Fee

[Steve Karpik]

Bob,

The difference between your perspective and my perspective on reduced CFC membership fees for youth comes down to the difference between equality and equity. You are arguing that members should be treated equally. I am arguing that members should be treated equitably. Treating people equally means that each person gets exactly the same thing. Treating people equitably recognizes that people are not all the same.

Most people recognize that it is important in our society to treat children equitably rather than equally relative to adults. We recognize that childhood is a formative period where the future citizens of our society are nurtured and encouraged. We generally give cheaper access to sports, cultural and recreational activities because of the benefits they bestow on a developing child. Swimming pools, museums, transit, movie theatres, amusement parks, restaurants, skating rinks, hockey teams -- and I could go on and on -- all recognize the important of treating children with equity rather than equality.

The CFC is a non-profit member-based service organization. We should treat children equitably. Most, if not all, chess players, see an advantage to children playing chess. It aids in their intellectual and social development, and encourages them to become productive, contributing members of our society. When looking at priority neighbourhoods in Toronto, for example, it was recognized by the City of Toronto that providing enhanced activities in these at-risk areas of our city was beneficial to all us even though it was an equitable and not equal allocation of resources. The social benefits of providing opportunities for children to develop into good citizens is beyond debate.

Steve

[Bob Armstrong]

Hi Steve:

You argue your side of the debate most eloquently.

In this case though, I don't see a $ 10/yr ( less than $ 1/month ) increase in their membership, as treating them " inequitably ". The merits of chess will draw juniors' parents and juniors to chess - the annual fee will not be a deterent.

You should be a CFC governor !! Any chance of you going to the GTCL AGM on Sat., April 30, and throwing your hat in the ring?? ( I know this is the last thing you'd do; even comes after putting pins in your eyes ! ). LOL

Bob