LWVUS is switching to a new membership model and online portal for all Leagues across the country. There is no action that members need to take right now, but we want to provide you with an overview of what these changes mean for you.
This new system is expected to increase membership around the country and increase our ability to empower voters and defend democracy. A consistent, single system of membership across the League is expected to reduce financial barriers to joining, create an equitable division of dues between League levels, and simplify the mechanics of joining the League.
This year, in 2024, you will still renew in the usual way. You will receive an email reminder about your pending renewal from our local league mailbox late in the year, and then submit your renewal at the rates as managed by our local league.
When the new system launches in January 2025, you will receive an email to log in to the LWVUS membership portal. Once you can access the portal, you can update your contact information. However, you will not be asked to renew again until a year after your most recent renewal. You will be given the option to sign up to auto-renew annually, and your membership will last a year after your last renewal.
When it comes time to renew in 2025, you will receive an email reminder. Dues will no longer be a fixed rate but pay-what-you-can. The recommended dues amount for all members across the country will be $75, but members can pay any amount (minimum $20).
Under the current system, LWV of McLean County pays a fixed rate per member to LWV of Illinois and LWVUS. Under the new system, a fixed percentage of dues will go to the state and national League. This means that when you renew, if if you want to make an additional contribution that goes in its entirety to your local LWV of McLean County, as some members choose to do when they renew today, this will need to be separate transaction from your renewal. A higher dues benefit the League as a whole, but your donation done through the new system will be split between local LWV McLean County, LWV of Illinois, and LWVUS. The LWV McLean board is looking at ways to accept donations through our local website.
Don't worry if this seems confusing right now. We will keep you informed as we have the latest and relevant information as LWVUS rolls out the new membership model.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will there still be household membership available in 2025?
There will no longer be a household membership designation, though members can still be grouped into households for data purposes at the local level. A member renewing joining from the same household as an existing member can choose to pay half of the recommended amount under the pay-what-you-can model.
Will there still be membership levels to provide additional financial support for local league advocacy work and operations?
No, dues will only have one membership level for everyone beginning in 2025. There will no longer be a fixed rate but pay-what-you-can. The recommended dues for all members nationwide will be $75, but members can pay any amount (minimum $20), including the current dues rate.
If a member chooses to pay higher dues, it will benefit the League as a whole, but your donation portion above the $75.00 dues will be split between local LWV McLean County, LWV of Illinois, and LWVUS. The LWV McLean board is looking at ways to accept donations through our local website.
Will there still be student memberships?
No. The pay-what-you-can model is intended to extend to everyone the same consideration of financial need.
Can a person be a member of more than one League?
No. Of course, this isn’t intended to curtail a member’s engagement with any League. A member who lives near more than one League is highly encouraged to engage with the Leagues in both places and is, of course, welcome to make a contribution to the additional League instead of dues. The only restriction is being a voting member of the second League and serving on that League board. It is up to the member to choose which League they will be a member of and which League they will participate in a less official capacity.
Can members auto-renew in the new system?
Yes. Members will also be able to choose not to auto-renew.
Will members automatically be notified to renew, and when will that happen?
Yes, members will be automatically notified when it is time to renew their membership. The LWVUS membership team will identify industry best practices to guide the decision regarding when renewal notification should occur.
Are renewal dates rolling?
Yes. Members who renew will do so a year after their previous renewal/join date.
How will a member identify a League at the time of joining? Is this done by address?
There will be a way to select the League to which the new member wishes to belong. As of now, members will continue to have the option to choose which League they would like to join.