Membership

Membership Classes and Privileges in WAS are described in the WAS Bylaws as follows:

    Payment of dues, according to the following classes of membership, is necessary for membership and voting privileges.

    The membership of this Society shall be divided into the following classes:

A. Association - Includes clubs and/or organizations of beekeepers in the United States and Canada, primarily in the western area. Representation in the Society is by Delegate, as provided in ARTICLE VII, who has voting privileges at Delegates/Directors meeting.  Annual dues shall be $20.00.

B. Individual - Any person who wishes to join the Society. Voting privileges are included.  Annual dues shall be $20.00

C. Couple - A husband and wife, both of whom have voting privileges.  Annual dues shall be $30.00.

D. Junior - Any person under the age of eighteen (18) years. Voting privileges are included.  Annual dues shall be $15.00.

E. Senior - Any person over the age of sixty-five (65) years. Voting privileges are included.  Annual dues shall be $15.00.

F. Senior Couple - A husband and wife over the age of sixty-five (65) years, both of whom have voting privileges.  Annual dues shall be $20.00.

G. Life - Any person who wishes to become a member of this Society for a lifetime.  Life membership expires after 10 years. Voting privileges are included.  Lifetime dues shall be $200.00.

H. Couple Life - A husband and wife who wish to become members of this Society for their lifetimes.  Life membership expires after ten years. Voting privileges are included.  Couple Life dues shall be $300.00.

I. Commercial - A business organization associated with beekeeping for profit that wishes to further the educational programs of the Society. Such membership shall not have voting privileges.  Annual dues shall be $100.00.

J. Benefactor - An individual who contributes $500.00 to the Society. Includes an automatic Life Membership with all its privileges.

K. Patron - An individual who contributes $1,000.00 to the Society. Includes an automatic Life Membership with al its privileges.

    Membership is the Society shall not be a requirement for attendance of the annual conferences. Beekeepers, their families and friends, as well as members of the general public, shall be welcome at any annual conference. Everyone who attends shall pay nominal fees, the registration and otherwise, in support of expenses in organizing and conducting the annual conference.

    Membership shall terminate upon death, dissolution or voluntary withdrawal or as otherwise provided in these bylaws. The rights, title and interest of the member shall cease upon termination of membership.

    Any membership may be terminated for non-payment of dues, as provided for in Article IV, Section 2.

    Any membership may be terminated for violation of these bylaws. Such termination shall be by two-thirds vote of the Directors at a Board meting, provided that a statement of the charges shall have been mailed by registered letter to the last recorded address of the member at least thirty (30) days before the final action is to be taken thereon. Such statement of charges shall contain notification of the time and place of the meeting of the Board of Directors at which the charges shall be considered. The member shall have the right to appear and present any defense to such charges before action is taken thereon. Any member who is suspended or expelled may be reinstated to membership by two-thirds vote of the Directors at a Board meeting.

Membership Rates

     Individual -             $    20.00                Commercial  -        $   100.00

      Junior -                  $    15.00                Life (10yr) -             $   200.00

     Senior -                  $    15.00                Couple Life -           $   300.00

                                                                      (10yr)

     Senior Couple -      $     20.00               Benefactor -            $   500.00

     Couple -                  $     30.00                Patron -                  $ 1,000.00

     Association -          $    20.00

     Please ssend member information and proper payment, In U.S. currency, to the WAS Treasurer, James Bach.  Jim's mailing address is: P.O. Box 397, Selah, WA  98942.