Dues Subsidy Policy
Oregon Mensa may provide a dues subsidy to members in good standing who can demonstrate a need for such a subsidy and who are currently actively contributing.
The amount of each subsidy will be determined individually by Oregon Mensa’s Dues Subsidy Administrator (DSA), based on his or her determination of the applicant’s need, but will not exceed 75% of the applicant’s annual dues payable to American Mensa, Ltd. (AML). Oregon Mensa’s budget for the Dues Subsidy Program will be $300 per AML dues year unless changed by Oregon Mensa’s Executive Committee.
Every dues subsidy awarded will be considered a one-time award, and must be re-applied for each AML dues year should the need for a subsidy continue.
- Recipients must have a financial need and be currently and actively contributing to Oregon Mensa at the time they apply. Examples include holding an elected or appointed position, running one or more calendar activities per quarter, assisting with production of the Omen or being part of the RG committee. Determination of whether an individual or family qualifies for a dues subsidy and the amount of that subsidy will be made by the DSA, based on the information provided by the applicant. An applicant may appeal any decision of the DSA to the Local Secretary, whose decision will be final.
DSA will be an appointed position, subject to the same appointment and removal policies as any other appointed position. The DSA’s impartiality, discretion, judgment, and integrity should be well known and unquestioned. The DSA must agree to have his or her phone number and email address printed in the Appointed Officers section of Oregon Mensa’s newsletter.
The DSA will keep the identities of all dues subsidy applicants and recipients strictly confidential. Any member in good standing may apply for a dues subsidy by contacting the DSA preferably prior to the final due date for the payment of dues to AML. Requests will be considered on a first come, first served basis until the dues subsidy budget is exhausted.
The DSA will respond to every applicant, in writing, within two weeks of receiving the request. This response will be an approval, a denial, or a request for more information; if an approval, it will indicate the amount of the subsidy awarded. Each applicant receiving a subsidy will be required to send a check, made out to American Mensa, Ltd., to the DSA for the difference between the subsidy and the applicant’s AML dues, along with any required AML paperwork. The DSA will then request a check from Oregon Mensa’s Treasurer to cover the remainder of the applicant’s dues, i.e. the amount of the subsidy, and send all necessary material to AML.
The Treasurer will be authorized by the approval of this policy to write checks, payable to American Mensa, Ltd., for amounts requested by the DSA, not to exceed the dues subsidy budget. These expenses will not require pre-approval by the Local Secretary.
An article will be placed in the January and February issues of Oregon Mensa’s newsletter briefly explaining the dues subsidy policy and how to apply.
(Above includes modifications dated 2006-06-03 , 2021-11-18, 2022-01-20)