Graduated Dues Q&A Sheet
How successful are graduated dues with other societies?
Do a large number of current members be qualify for graduated dues?
Will members selecting the graduated dues option be eligible to vote?
Is this plan a subsidy for members who elect to pay graduated dues?
Is it a bylaw problem for some members to receive more hardcopy products than others?
How successful are graduated dues with other societies?
Both SPE and SEG use a graduated dues model and found it provided significant growth in membership and later growth in revenue. Although SPE has a different corporate structure as far as its local chapters, they experienced a definite increase in membership when they implemented their graduated dues system. TOP
Do a large number of current members qualify for graduated dues?
Most of AAPG’s membership will not qualify for graduated dues. Based on AAPG’s current membership and estimated income levels, only a very small percentage (<10%) of current members will be eligible to take the graduated dues option. Also, the graduated dues program would be optional for members who qualify. Based on results from sister societies many members who qualify often decide to “buy up” and purchase additional products and services. TOP
Will members selecting the graduated dues option be eligible to vote?
AAPG’s constitution and bylaws provide voting rights for all Active members. Inequalities in net income to the Association per member have existed for decades, i.e., some members buy more products and it cost more to send publications to others. As a fair profession we have never based voting rights on perceived gross or net value per member. TOP
Is this plan a subsidy for members who elect to pay graduated dues?
No. Members electing to pay graduated dues especially at the lowest tier will receive digital access only to AAPG publications. The cost of adding digital members to a pre-existing system is covered by their dues. The cost for purchasing additional services, such as a hardcopy BULLETIN is covered in an up charge. TOP
How do we verify income?
It is based on an honor system. Although there are cultural differences from country to country, if you travel within the professional scientific community you find that ethics, like English, are a common scientific language. Other societies, like SPE, have tried this “honor system” and have experience no problems. New members are bound by AAPG’s Code of Ethics and membership is based on peer review of their ethics. A dues structure will not determine someone’s ethics—we rely on AAPG’s peer review system as the gateway to membership. TOP
Are there tax issues?
No. The graduated dues system has been thoroughly reviewed by AAPG’s legal counsel with consultation from our Washington not-for-profit attorney. All agree that the graduated dues structure does not cause any tax problems including inurement issues with the IRS. Other societies have received the same advice from their legal advisors. TOP
Is it a bylaw problem for some members to receive more hardcopy products than others?
The Ability-to-Pay model for graduated dues is also described as “you get what you pay for” model. All Active and Associate members will have access to the EXPLORER and BULLETIN as provided by the bylaws. The graduated dues option primarily changes the type of access. Although members who select the graduated dues option will receive fewer hardcopy products, these members will have the opportunity to purchase these hardcopy products. TOP
Is this a competitive issue with other societies?
Yes, SPE and SEG have grown membership after implementing a graduated dues model. Many new members and companies, especially in emerging markets, are selecting membership in other societies because of their dues structure. TOP