A beneficial change in our member-to-chapter assignment system became effective Jan. 1, '98. Now, people who previously had no chapter affiliation will be automatically assigned, when they renew their memberships, to the local chapter in whose zip code territory they reside -- as will their renewal dues share. (Previously, when chapter territories were expanded to include additional zip codes, these chapters had to make a special request to the NAS membership office for a listing of "National-Only" members in their area. They then had to send these individuals letters of invitation to join the chapter.)

Who are the "National-Only" members? Typically, they are people who either join Audubon before a chapter exists in their local area, or whose zip code falls outside the range of zips assigned to any nearby chapters at the time they join. Since new zip codes are regularly added to chapter areas, a new member's zip code may be outside a local chapter territory at the time he/she joins, but may be added to a local chapter's territory at a later date.

Members may still request chapter affiliation outside their zip code of residence (e.g., a member may move away, but wish to remain a member of the original chapter). Renewing members who specify that they wish to remain chapter-affiliated outside their area of residence will not be reassigned to a new chapter. The previous chapter's code will stay on the member's record until he/she requests that the membership department change it.

From now on, "National-Only's" will be added to chapter-change reports upon renewal, and their renewal dues share will be automatically added to chapter accounts. This means a larger volunteer base and higher revenues locally -- a change from which all chapters can truly benefit!

For More Info, Contact: Iris Blumenthal, NAS-HQ.