In the following FAQ, the term “Chapter Member” refers to a member who belongs to a Chapter only while “National Member” refers to a member who belongs to both National and their local Chapter (if there is one). 

1. Whether or not our Chapter creates a separate Chapter Membership, can we continue to recruit National members? Will we continue to get credit for recruiting those members? And have those members affiliated with our Chapter?

Yes, all Chapters are strongly encouraged to continue to recruit National members as they have always done, whether or not the Chapter has a separate Chapter Membership program. Any National member who is recruited by a Chapter (using a Chapter or National membership form that includes the Chapter Code) will be credited as a Chapter-generated National member.. 
 

2. Does our Chapter have to create a separate Chapter Membership?

No, a Chapter Membership program is optional. 
 

3. Will National members still be assigned to Chapters that have separate Chapter Memberships?

Yes, all current and new National members will continue to be assigned to the Chapter in whose territory they live, regardless of whether or not the Chapter also has Chapter Memberships.
 

4. How can a Chapter member become a National member?

A Chapter member can become a National member by sending a membership form with $20 or more to National Audubon Society. 
 

5. Are there ways that someone can become a member of National other than specifically joining through a membership form?

Yes, in the summer of 2001, National Audubon Society began implementing a new policy called “One Audubon”. Under that program, anyone who contributes $20 or more to any National program (State Offices, Centers, Healthy Habitats, Living Oceans, etc.) will become a National member. 

This policy change means that someone who has joined a Chapter as a Chapter member, and who then donates $20 or more to a National program, will also become a National member.

Again, any National member of Audubon who lives in a Chapter territory will be affiliated with that Chapter, and the names will be shared on a regular basis with the Chapter.
 

6. Can Chapters recruit members for a higher membership fee, in order to include a donation to the Chapter with National membership?

Yes.
 

7. Will dues sharing with Chapters change under this proposal?

No, the policies set by the Board of Directors in September 2001 will still apply to all Chapters, and will include dues sharing for all National members. 
 

8. If a National member is also a Chapter member, will the Chapter receive both dues share and the Chapter Membership dues? 

Yes.
 

9. Under the Chapter Membership proposal, Chapters are required to share the names of all Chapter members with National. What will National do with those names?

National Audubon Society may solicit those members up to three times annually, via phone or mail. Efforts will be made to the extent possible to coordinate such solicitations with Chapters.
 

10. Can a Chapter Member choose to not receive solicitations or mailings from National?

Yes, Chapter Members may opt out of receiving solicitations or mailings from National, by notifying either National or the Chapter of their choice. Chapters should forward to National any requests by Chapter members who wish to not receive Audubon communications. 
 

11. What will happen if a Chapter chooses not to share those names?

Because National shares with Chapters the names of all members recruited as National members, a reciprocal arrangement is requested of all Chapters. Refusal to share Chapter members’ names will be taken very seriously, and may jeopardize the Chapter’s status as a chartered Audubon Chapter. 
 

12. Why is it important for our Chapter to have 501(c)(3) status if we have a Chapter Membership Program? 

All Chapters that plan to run a Chapter Membership program should have federal 501(c) (3) tax-exempt status. This will allow the Chapters to legally accept tax-deductible donations. It is the Chapter’s responsibility to fulfill their filing responsibilities under the IRS regulations and keep their status current.
 

13.  What do Chapters need to have in place in order to create a Chapter Membership?

A Chapter will need to develop a recruitment program and a reliable renewal system to assure that they can adequately service all Chapter Members recruited. We strongly encourage Chapters to examine their ability to implement such systems now and in the future before beginning a new Chapter Membership program.
 

14. Are Chapter leaders required to be National members?

No, although all Chapter leaders are encouraged to become National members in order to be fully informed about Audubon programs and opportunities.