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Thank you for your interest in Soulardarity membership! Members are integral to our work. As a member, you can elect the board of directors, participate in committees to direct different aspects of our work, and steer the organization towards our mission of energy democracy in Highland Park. Your membership dues also sustain our operations and help us maintain autonomy and focus on our mission.

Since becoming a membership organization in 2015, our membership model has continued to evolve. Click here to learn more history of the membership model and click here to read the full proposal for the updates approved by the board in 2018.

Here's some of the basics about Soulardarity membership:

DUES: Membership dues use a grassroots fundraising model. We want Soulardarity to truly represent it's members, and the more we raise from membership donations, the more our priorities will be driven the members directly. The minimum annual donation for a member is $10. We encourage members to pledge to give at least $50, which covers the cost of to Soulardarity of an additional member. Using the 2017 budget, we need to raise about $1000 per member. When you fill out your membership form, you will make a pledge for how much you will give, and how much you will fundraise for the year. We encourage members to make a gift that is significant for you, whatever the amount, and makes you fearless in asking others to support our collective work.

VOLUNTEERISM: Soulardarity membership is about collective work and responsibility. If we all pull a little weight, we can do exponentially greater work. Members are encouraged to give a little time and talent every month to help our programs, projects, and organizing move forward.

EXPIRATION AND RENEWAL: Once annually, in the time leading up to the annual meeting, a member renewal form will be sent out to all current members. It will include what you pledge to donate during that year. At the time of any decision or benefit which applies to eligible members, the following will be assessed to determine eligibility:

• Has the member donated at least the $10 minimum in the past 12 months?
• Has the member filled out the renewal form for the current member year (demarcated by the annual meeting)?

MEMBER BENEFITS: Members may from time to time receive special benefits. In 2018, members receive a 6% discount on their PowerUP bulk purchase orders. Other special benefits may arise for all members, or for those donating or fundraising at specific levels.

ACTION GROUPS: Members with ideas and projects are encouraged to form action groups, and will be supported by Soulardarity to see the projects through. Read the action groups summary and download the proposal form here.

MEMBER MEETINGS: Member meetings will occur on a quarterly basis. The schedule and RSVP links for upcoming meetings will be released shortly!

Click here to download the bylaws