Membership is the lifeblood of any organization; CERA is no exception.
CERA offers two basic types of memberships: active and associate.
While it is the active members based in the Chicagoland area that serve on its board, attend its meetings, and give its programs, CERA relies on its associate members, who for the most part, live outside the Chicagoland area, for financial support. Without the financial support of its associate members CERA would not be able to publish the high quality books its does.
Consider the benefits of each type of membership, then select the one that meets your needs. But do select one. You can print out a membership application and then mail it in with your annual dues.
Both types of memberships entitle you to receive CERA's books as a benefit of membership based on the year or years of membership required for the given book, as well as to purchase additional books at the special membership discount rate.
Basic Membership Facts
The membership year is the calendar year (January 1 to December 31)
All members, regardless of class of membership, receive as a benefit of membership the book issued by the organization provided that they were paid members for the year or years specified by the Board to be eligible to receive the book. All members are also entitled to purchase additional books at the members special discount rate.
Some books are two year books, meaning that the member had to have been a paid member for the specified two years to receive the book.
For example, Bulletin 132 was published and mailed to members in early 1999. The Board determined that this would be a two year book. To receive this book as a benefit of membership, the member had to have been a paid member for 1996 and 1997.
Thus, there was a lag between the time of joining and receiving a book. However, once you become a member, you will receive a book a year, provided that a book is issued that year.
Membership statistics: In 2007, CERA had over 1,600 members.
Types of Memberships
Active membership
Benefits:
- Bulletin when issued
- Notice of all regularly scheduled and special programs/meetings (10 a year)
- Notice of all fan/inspection trips
- Right to run for Board and serve on the Board if elected
- Right to elect Board members
- Right to serve on committees
- Right to vote on amendments to the bylaws and any other matters to come before the Active membership
Dues: $45.00 a year
Associate membership
Benefits:
- Bulletin when issued
- Annual activity report
- Notice of fan/inspection trips
Dues: $38.00 a year
Contributing membership
Dues: $90.00 or more
Sustaining membership
Dues: $180.00 or more
Contributing and Sustaining members have the same rights and receive the same benefits as Active members. They help support CERA through their higher dues. The portion of those higher dues beyond the Active Membership level is deductible for income tax purposes as provided by law. Contributing and Sustaining members are recognized by having their names published annually in the report to the membership.
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