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12/09/01 Final Recommendation of the “Friends of” Task Force

One Audubon Membership

Audubon Membership will consist of two categories of members: National Members and Chapter

Members.
For purposes of external communication, there will be one Audubon membership, which is a combination of National Members and Chapter Members.  When communicating externally, we will not distinguish between our internal membership categories.  When either a Chapter or National refers to Audubon membership, each may refer to our total joint membership.

For purposes of internal administration, such as allocating revenue, voting for officers and directors, renewal, servicing, financial solicitation, benefits, minimum contribution levels, and data management, the following guidelines will apply¹:

NATIONAL MEMBERS

Any person who contributes $20 or more to the National Audubon Society is a National Member. Chapters are encouraged to recruit National members, and Audubon will continue to encourage Chapter recruitment of members. The following guidelines apply to National Members:

· National Members may vote for directors and officers of the National Audubon Society, as well as for directors and officers of their Chapter according to Chapter bylaws.
· National Members will receive Audubon Magazine.
· This policy does not impact the Membership Dues policy set by the Board of Directors.
· National Member names in Chapter territories will be shared with Chapters on a regular basis.
· Chapters may solicit Chapter Members and National Members as they deem appropriate. National Members may opt out of receiving solicitations or mailings, by notifying either National or the Chapter. National and the Chapters should forward to each other any requests by National members who wish to not receive Audubon communications.
· National Audubon Society will renew and service National Members, and determine what benefits apply to National Members.

CHAPTER MEMBERS

Chapters may develop their own “Chapter Member” program where a person who makes a minimum contribution to a Chapter is a Chapter Member.  The following guidelines apply to

Chapter Members:

· Each Chapter will determine the minimum contribution required for Chapter Membership.
· Chapter Members may vote for Chapter directors and officers according to Chapter by-laws.
· Chapters retain all contributions they receive made to the Chapter.
· Chapters will share Chapter Member names with National Audubon Society on a regular basis.
· Each Chapter will renew and service its Chapter Members, and determine what benefits apply to its Chapter Members.
· National Audubon Society may solicit Chapter Members by mail or telephone up to three times annually.  National Audubon and Chapters will cooperate in good faith to coordinate financial solicitations to the extent possible. 
· Chapter Members may opt out of receiving solicitations or mailings from National, by notifying either National or the Chapter. Chapters should forward to National any requests by Chapter members who wish to not receive Audubon communications. Chapter Members names will not be sold to outside organizations through list rentals.
· Chapter Members will not receive Audubon Magazine unless National Audubon Society elects to provide it at its own expense.
· It is important for Chapters to maintain their 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status with the IRS so they can legally accept tax-deductible contributions.

In all cases, the intent of the donor/member must be respected, and all Audubon policies should be aimed at assuring that the wishes of the donor/member are given first priority.
 

¹ 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).