Question reference Charter membership

[allan]

I thought about asking privately but in the event someone else comes across the same question later on.

I've just re-upped my membership for the year.

Can I send in another $15 for Milly to get her membership?

I think my old membership expired in Feb, it's now March, so will that be a factor? Can I pick up a junior for her anyway?

My daughter, although she lives with me, is not a junior... does that matter? I shudder to put it in as a couples account. What are the finer points?

Sorry if this is listed somewhere, but I couldn't find it.

Thanks for your time.

[Mr Cob]

I agree it's confusing.

The details should be listed here:

http://www.maast.org/content.php?19-MaastMembership

There should be an explanation of each on this page.

[Mr Cob]

Ok...perhaps just making a reference to where the info is located would be helpful and include the link.

I found it here: Section 2. Types of Membership; Paragraph 1:

http://www.maast.org/content.php?9-By-Laws

[Kristy]

Hmmm... as usual Allan does not fit into the box. I'm sure this is nothing new for you! It does sort of seem like the two of you would qualify for the Couples Membership and get a price break on two adult memberships in the same household. I don't see why we couldn't apply that to you and Milly and we'll just have to refer to it by a different name in your case. Kind of reminds me of our last Secretary who wanted to be known as the Administrative Assistant...

[Kristy]

I guess we will need to get an official BOD answer for this so stay tuned.

[allan]

Ha ha ha kristy!

While you all are talking check the off cycle possibility. I re-upped in fen, would pay hers in march. Do I pay back to Feb, or hers to start in March? This would mean that my dues are split somewhat.

Or, worse case scenario, do I have to wait till next Feb to pick her up?

I've not an issue picking her up now date effective Feb. In case you want to know.

[Kristy]

I've not an issue picking her up now date effective Feb. In case you want to know.

My guess is that this is the simplest solution, but we'll get back to you after we quickly consult the tea leaves.

[Mike]

I am fine with having two related adults in same household use "couples" membership. I would think we would just make both effective for February. I don't think this will come up that often and think we should be as open innour interpretations as possible.

[FireWater]

I agree Mike and Kristy.

[allan]

I agree Mike and Kristy.

Me too. I think a simple statement in the rules that say something along the lines "subsequent memberships within a particualr household (Couples/Juniors) will take on an effective date as the primary Charter membership (prorating not available at this time)", or something thereabouts.

I don't, however, agree that in any shape fashion or form that a junior or couple membership be disallowed from service on the BOD or other committees in leadership roles. In fact I would encourage it. With the caveat that, should election to one of these positions be attained by one designated as a Couple or Junior Charter member that at that time they pony up into full Charter status.

Why prevent the contributions of even these members when we could be gaining so much more from a young person or spouse that becomes an informal leader bent on world dominat.... uh... I mean "providing assistance to the organization." :)

[Kristy]

I don't, however, agree that in any shape fashion or form that a junior or couple membership be disallowed from service on the BOD or other committees in leadership roles. In fact I would encourage it. With the caveat that, should election to one of these positions be attained by one designated as a Couple or Junior Charter member that at that time they pony up into full Charter status.

Hey Allan, I've read this paragraph at least ten times and I'm still not sure that I understand what you are talking about.... I wonder if you have misinterpreted something in the Membership descriptions. Couple memberships come with two charter memberships and both of those charter members can enjoy full regular charter membership privileges.

Family memberships come with two charter memberships and a junior membership (age 13-18). The only privileges that junior members don't have compared to regular charter memberships are serving on the BOD, serving as the head of a committee, and voting. You have to be over 18 for all that. Junior members can serve on committees, just not be the head of the committee.

Milly would not be counted as a junior member since she is over 18. We are just formalizing that it would be fine for the two of you guys to fall under the Couples Membership, which would then give you two Charter Memberships for the same household.

Clear as mud?

[allan]

Yep, did misunderstand that. I had thought I read that both the couple and junior ranked the same. By Junior we are actually talking about under 18 whereas couple are both 18+?

Are there any stipulations in regards to serving in leadership roles for full charter members that are under the age of 18?

[allan]

Sorry about being such a PITB.

If it makes you all feel any better, and in the event you've missed it, my original question has been answered. Thank you.

[justahobby]

Yes, you can't be a CM if you are under 18. That's where the juniorship comes in. Which goes back to not voting, leadership, etc.

[Kristy]

Yep, did misunderstand that. I had thought I read that both the couple and junior ranked the same. By Junior we are actually talking about under 18 whereas couple are both 18+?

Yes, junior memberships are explicitly for ages 13 - 18.


Are there any stipulations in regards to serving in leadership roles for full charter members that are under the age of 18?

If under 18, they would not be considered a charter member, but rather a junior member. So their leadership role at that age would be limited to committee membership.

[allan]

I'm sorry, not to split hairs and it's probably listed elsewhere.... but not here.

"a. Charter Membership - Persons who have paid the organization dues and are in good standing.
b. Junior Membership - Persons 13 through 17 years of age who have paid the organization dues and are in good standing. "


All this is telling me is that if I want the junior membership for $15 and happen to fall under the age requirements I can opt for this one.

But if I wanted to, by the Charter Membership rule listed above, I can pay the full $25 regardless of age and run for office. Just my take.

[kkiel02]

I dont see why you couldnt do the membership for a "couple" of people living in the same household. Thats all I got for a play on words, for now.

[allan]

Well of course! I believe that's already been established nor do I have a minor in the house who is interested in the hobby.

But I do believe that charter membership should be worded, by the discussion above, as only available to individuals 18 years old and above.

Unless you're willing to accept a member who pays $25 and happens to be a minor for as it reads now there is nothing to prohibit that.

Not playing with words, But it does appear to me that there is a hole there that should be plugged.

[FireWater]

I read it as if you are between 13 and 17 your only option is to be a junior member.

[allan]

I went ahead and took the liberty of showing the terms of use to a couple of the lawyers (Army lawyers) that I work with. And posed the question regarding the age limits on regular charter membership. Although implied in the junior membership there is nothing to prevent a minor from paying for and receiving a regular charter membership, and enjoying all of the benefits that are associated with it.

With that being said, I'm a simple guy and saw it... but perhaps I'm too simple since I'm the only one who seems to see the loophole or whatever they call it. Or it could be 15 years of dealing with Soldiers working every possible angle available to them to either get out of work or justify a particular action.

Either way, I'm through debating it. It is, as Bill would say, just a fish club. A big thank you to the folks that cleared up my question.