Who is impacted by this change?

People who want to join ARCS for the first time and former members who dropped are eligible to participate in this pilot program.

What is the financial impact of this change?

Currently, membership fees make up 9% of the Chapter’s budget, The portion which goes to Scholar awards funds 2-3 scholars/year. For FY23-24, if this pilot program results in 25 new members, the Chapter will realize $6,250 in new revenue for operations.  Scholar awards budgeted in 2024 will not be impacted.

If we fail to reach 125 members by the end of August 2024, the Chapter will not receive the final grant payment of $42,000 from the Murdock Trust. This may also prevent the Chapter from seeking future grants from the region’s largest funder.

Why is this change necessary now?

• To address the steady decline in Membership, which began in 2018
• To meet the requirements of our current capacity-building grant by August 2024
• To remove the financial barrier to people who identify as women in Oregon & SW Washington who are passionate about supporting STEM scholars
• To leverage new networks, skills, and perspectives for the benefit of our Chapter today and into the future

What goals are we hoping to accomplish?

• Recruit at least 25 new members by August 2024
• Maintain a positive relationship with the Chapter’s largest funder
• Show that a lower membership fee is sustainable and will result in a more diverse membership

What are the next steps?

• Staff, in collaboration with the Membership Committee and President, will begin promoting this new program via social media and e-newsletters
• Current members are encouraged to recruit members with this new program
• Updates on the program’s progress will be included in upcoming e-newsletters

How can I provide feedback on this initiative?

Please email Diana Gordon, Board President (dianag@arcsoregon.org) or Kenda Singer, VP Membership (kenda.singer@gmail.com) to share your perspectives on this change and/or new ideas to increase membership in ARCS.

How long will this pilot program last?

This pilot program membership drive began on January 1, 2024, and will end August 31, 2024. We will track the impact of this lower membership fee on chapter finances through August 31, 2027.