- What is SODA?
SODA stands for "Southwestern Outer Drive Neighborhood Association of Dearborn" which is a registered Michigan domestic non-profit corporation.
- What is the purpose of SODA?
To promote common interest and welfare of people who are members of SODA. To provide a forum for the exchange of ideas for the improvement of our community and neighborhood. And to engage in social, charitable, and other activities which make our neighborhood and community a better place to live.
- I've never heard of SODA, are you a new organization?
No. SODA was founded in 1996! We celebrated our 20th year in 2016.
- What are SODA's boundaries?
SODA boundaries as of 2015 encompass sections 28, 29, 31, 32, & 33 of the City of Dearborn's association map.
http://www.sodadearborn.com/p/soda-official-boundaries.html
- Why does SODA include other sections outside of sections 32 & 33?
In 2014 surrounding neighbors in areas that were under served by defunct or non existing neighborhood associations asked to be a part of the SODA boundaries and our voting members approved the addition. If at a later date a group of members in those other areas want to break off into their own association they are free to do so.
- How can SODA make up your own boundaries?
As a registered Michigan domestic non-profit corporation we can define our own boundaries and our own rules just like any corporation.
- Does SODA plan on expanding further?
We have no plans to expand any further.
- Is SODA a tax exempt organization?
No. SODA is a registered Michigan domestic non-profit corporation, but SODA is not a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization. We pay taxes just like everyone else.
- When and where are meetings held?
General meetings are held once a month at Whitmore-Bolles Elementary in Dearborn, MI. September thru May.Currently due to COVID-19 situations, all SODA meetings will be held online via ZOOM until further notice. Please see the website and social media posts for dates, times, and meeting links. General meetings will still take please September thru May
General meetings went back to being held in-person September 2021 - Do you provide minutes from your meetings?
As a private organization we are not required and do not give out our minutes to everyone. A copy of meeting minutes are available to all Regular Members that have paid membership dues.
- I'm a member of the Facebook page "SODA FB Group", does that make me a Regular Member of SODA?
No, the Facebook group only provides you with the opportunity to join discussions. It does not make you a regular voting member of Southwestern Outer Drive Neighborhood Association of Dearborn.
- I'm a member of the "Southwestern Outer Drive" neighborhood on Nextdoor.com, does that make me a Regular Member of SODA?
No, Nextdoor.com provides you with another way to communicate with neighbors. It does not make you a regular voting member of Southwestern Outer Drive Neighborhood Association of Dearborn.
- Why do you charge dues for Regular Members?
Dues payments help offset some of our minor operating costs such as state registration and sodadearborn.com. Dues along with other fundraisers allow us to put on fun activities for the neighborhood.
- What does being a Regular Member get me?
Regular Members are allowed to vote on decisions or issues which the association is looking to support or not. Regular Members get a monthly newsletter detailing association business. The opportunity to chair or assist in committees, and the opportunity to run for an officer position. Additional Members Only events such as the yearly Members Picnic. And More.
- I'm not a paid member, can I still attend your meetings?
Yes! Please attend and join the discussion, you might even win some prizes. Please understand that if a vote is taken at the meeting you will not be able to vote.
- I want to become Regular Member, how much is it?
Dues are $15.00 per year for each household. You can sign up online or at a general meeting.
http://www.sodadearborn.com/p/membership-signup.html
- I don't live within the SODA boundaries, can I still join?
Dearborn residents that do not have an active association in their neighborhood, outside of our defined boundaries, are welcome to join as a Regular Member and may vote and serve on committees but cannot serve as an officer. - I have an active association in my area of Dearborn, can I still join?
You may join as an Associate Member. Associate Members can serve on committees but are not eligible to vote and cannot serve as an officer.
- I don't live in Dearborn, can I still join?
If you have a vested interest in our community you may join as an Associate Member. Associate Members can serve on committees but are not eligible to vote and cannot serve as an officer.
- I own a business in Dearborn, can I advertise to your members?
Businesses may join as a Business Member. Business Member dues are $25.00 per year. Business Memberships must be approved by the Board of Directors. Business Members are featured on the full sodadearborn.com website with a 200 pixel image in a randomly generated banner ad. Business Members may advertise in our monthly newsletter; please contact us for advertisement rates. Business Memberships are not eligible to vote, but the business owner can additionally join as a Regular Member of they live within the SODA boundaries, or as an Associate Member if they live outside the SODA boundaries.
https://www.sodadearborn.com/p/business-members.html - Do you endorse or support political candidates?
No. We do not endorse candidates and we are not affiliated with political parties. Additionally persons holding an elected government office can not server on the SODA Board of Directors.
TOGETHER WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE