By Greg Cima

The structure and business model of the Auxiliary to the AVMA could dramatically change following the AVMA Annual Convention.

Beverly Richardson, president of the Auxiliary, said three new organizational models are under consideration, and other suggestions can be raised during the Auxiliary's membership meeting, "Futuristic Thinkers," which starts at 9:30 a.m. Sunday. The currently proposed models include partnering with the American Veterinary Medical Foundation, becoming a dues-free organization of friends of the AVMA, and modifying the current organizational structure to include a paid executive director, fewer formal meetings, and fewer executive board members.

"I think the main thing we are concerned about is being responsible for the history of our organization—responsible for things like the student loan fund—and if we maintain our organization, being contributors in a constructive way," Richardson said. "We would like more members, but we would like to function effectively."

Richardson said the organization of veterinarians' spouses had more than 8,000 members at its peak in 1983, but has only about 1,150 members today. Those figures include life members, who have been members for 40 years and no longer pay dues, although some life members continue providing financial support.

Ginger Brainard, president-elect of the Auxiliary, said she thinks a less formal structure for the Auxiliary could draw in members who are interested in focused, short-term volunteer work, rather than three-year commitments to committee membership.

"It's hard to write my acceptance speech when I don't know for sure which way the Auxiliary House of Delegates and our Futuristic Thinkers will go," Brainard said. "I think people are ready for a change. I think they want to simplify things and to make it easier to help out."

Brainard said she thinks a partnership with the AVMF would be a viable option for the Auxiliary. Michael Cathey, AVMF director, said his organization "strives to be the charitable and philanthropic arm of all AVMA entities."

The Auxiliary House of Delegates meets at 8:30 a.m. Monday and will likely vote on proposals that come from the "Futuristic Thinkers" meeting, Richardson said. The Auxiliary Brunch follows at 10:30 a.m.

This year, in lieu of a Marketplace of States, the Auxiliary will have a silent auction from 10 a.m. Saturday to 4 p.m. Monday, with each state contributing one or two items such as paintings or jewelry, Richardson said. It will be on the convention center's fourth floor on the foot bridge between exhibition halls, and proceeds will support the Auxiliary Student Loan Fund.

The Auxiliary will again host the Kritters Korner gift shop in the convention center lobby.