Under a membership model, individuals, groups, or institutions pay a fee or register as members to gain access to that which an organization provides. Each state network determines whether it will engage a membership model and, if so, what its corresponding membership structure and goals are. Goals may include revenue generation, increased visibility for the network, and marketing programs or events hosted by the network. Your state network’s membership model should align with its overarching goals and strategy and present a clear sense of the value that your network brings to its members. It should address issues such as:

Membership levels

Individual or institutional memberships are the two most common approaches by state networks. Some networks offer both options. 

Membership cost

Your membership model should be clear about whether your network will provide free or fee-based memberships. 

Membership fees

If your network chooses to use a membership fee structure, determine how much you will charge members. Base your decision on how you plan to use the membership fees. Whether you will use them for developing new programs, providing scholarships, or to offset administrative costs associated with operating your network, consider the overall costs and how much is needed from membership revenue to support the network’s goals.

Collection of membership fees

Some state networks roll membership into conference registration so that anyone who attends their annual conferences is automatically considered a member. Others allow members to renew their membership and pay online. Still others send annual renewal letters to institutional members. No matter which fee approach you use, a strategy for collecting membership fees should be part of your model.