No doubt, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
Considering the success of the MPrize's Three Hundred, and internalizing ideas collected from Sebastian's Brainstorming next (Full Member only) discussion, I propose ImmInst's next major step be the implementation of the ImmInst 100 Pledge.
Since 2002, ImmInst has shown good success by establishing an active forum (more than 2,800 Basic Members and more than 200 Full Members). We've published our first book, SCOD, with sales of more than 700 in the past 11 months. We've hosted our first conference, with attendance of more than 150 in Atlanta, and we've completed our first film, Exploring Life Extension, including more than 50 visionaries and scientists.
While the book was sponsored by ImmInst membership dues, the conference & film, on the other hand, were highly subsidized by a number of individuals and organizations:
ImmInst Film: http://www.imminst.o...ilm.php#Funding
ImmInst Conference: http://imminst.org/c...rence/#Sponsors
Therefore, without considerable sponsorship, ImmInst is unable to sustain large-scale projects. While $20 - $50 per year, from around two hundred ImmInst Full Members is currently valuable, this level of funding will not allow ImmInst the opportunity to take things to the "Next Level" in any near-term scenario.
So, what is the Next Level?
Ultimately, I envision ImmInst creating an office in DC, or elsewhere. With an office, ImmInst will systematically influence decision makers to the benefit of our members and the mission to overcome involuntary death for everyone. An office with a handful of paid and volunteer staff members would allow us the energy to more efficiently raise money, more efficiently influence decision makers in DC (lobbying) and elsewhere, and more effectively implement projects (better conferences, films, journals, books, etc).
What is the goal of the ImmInst 100 Pledge?
The goal of the ImmInst 100 Pledge is to raise enough money for a DC office(or elsewhere) and hire two employees so that we may 1) more effectively solicit donations 2) influence legislation by creating coalitions, and 3) advance our advocacy projects.
I suggest this only happen after we secure more than 1M in funding+pledges.
Thus, a near-term strategy toward this goal is to secure at least 100 one-time pledges averaging $10,000.