I have been following some of the discussion about the Dallas ANA convention. While some of the comments and criticisms are valid, most of them are without merit, which is to be expected in Sajha. Without getting into specifics, let me try to explain a few things about ANA and its conventions. I am Executive Committee member and a long time ANA Life-member as well. 1. ANA: ANA is a non-profit organization, and its financial affairs are posted quarterly in its web site. Its revenue is primarily from membership. Over 60 % of its members are life members meaning there is no recurring revenue, and dues paying membership is very small. Its main expense is Newsletter publication, and some incidentals (tax, postage, web etc.). The other major source of revenue is its annual convention, but it is not guaranteed. For example ANA lost about $3000 from last year?s convention. It should also be noted that most of the money shown in ANA?s current account actually is the money raised for NECC (Nepal Education and Cultural Center) and in the near future these two entities (ANA & NECC) will be separate leaving ANA with little money. All of us serving in ANA in various capacities do it voluntarily costing us much of our time, and some time even our money. 2. ANA Convention: The ANA convention has grown to be very large. Although as an ANA member, I find it unfortunate that most of conventioneers have nothing to do with ANA as such, I still think ANA is serving the Nepali community in the Americas by providing a place every year where they can come, meet with friends, and family members, have party etc. It is impossible for 6 volunteer Exec. members to organize such a convention annually. So, far the last ten years or so, all ANA conventions have been hosted by local organizations. Local organizations do get some basic guidelines from ANA, but by necessity, most of the grunt work is done by the local organizers. Dallas was no exception. It is to their credit that they organized such a grand convention. Again all of these local volunteers provide their time freely. As for the revenue from conventions, there has not been a hard and fast rule, ANA has basically been at the mercy of the local host on how much of the profit, if any, will it get. This may change in the future, but that is the way it has been done in the past. It is all based in trust and goodwill. When you gather couple of thousands of people together, it is impossible to please everyone. The organizers try their best, but mistakes do happen, and we try to learn from our mistakes and do better next time. One should also realize that some of the things people complain about are beyond our control, like overpriced drinks, or momo. That is for the hotel and vendors to decide and for customers to boycott if they so desire. The organizers did negotiate the room price, which was quite reasonable. For those Sajha readers who are genuinely interested in making ANA conventions better, I have a request. Contact the convention organizers (next year it will be in NYC area), or contact us at ANA. Make your suggestions and better still volunteer your services and even better join ANA! Shailendra Shukla Newsletter Editor, ANA