Abstract :
The principle of co-operation — dependence upon the other fellow for what we may do — and its reciprocate — a willingness to help the other fellow — is not only good Americanism, but also therein lies the reason for the success of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers. The Institute was organized in 1884: “For the advancement of the theory and practice of electrical engineering and of the allied arts and sciences and the maintenance of a high professional standing among its members.” It has never deviated from those objectives. It promotes its objects through the medium of its conventions, its publications, the work of its staff organizations, and such other services as it may render to the profession, its members, and the public. It is maintained by means of a tax on its members and such other income as it may receive from endowments, investments, advertising, and other sources. Therein lies one of its problems. Everyone dislikes taxation. Sometimes men forget the joy they had when they became members of the Institute and remember only the dues they pay. Clubs, lodges, and even governments also have members who fail to realize that these institutions can survive and serve only in proportion to funds made available by some form of taxation. In organizations such as this, the tax is almost insignificant in proportion to the benefits available for its members. Those who object to the payment of such dues must do so because of a superstition that all taxes are bad, rather than because of any scientific basis for complaint.
