PROCEDURES FOR REQUESTING A CHANGE IN MEMBERSHIP STATUS

Active Membership requires consistent involvement in Club activities, including regular attendance at meetings (a minimum of seven meetings is required) and workshops and active participation in Club activities and programs. In addition to member responsibilities, Active Members are strongly encouraged to participate in conservation activities, fundraising and participate in at least one community project each year.

Requests for transfer to another category of membership should be made in writing to the Club President and should be received by February 14th. The change, if approved, will become effective at the beginning of the club’s next fiscal/program year. Consult the Club’s By-laws for details about Membership Classes.

After fifteen years of service to the Corporation, with the approval of the Executive Committee or Board of Directors, an Active Member may be transferred to Associate Membership.

To be eligible to be an Affiliate Member, the person must have completed ten years of satisfactory service to and be in good standing in one or more of The Garden Club of America clubs but has moved and is no longer able to be a frequent participant in the activities of his or her club.

Sustaining Members are persons who are no longer able to participate in the activities of the Corporation but wish to maintain a relationship with the Corporation and who wish to retain their membership in the Garden Club of America. After fifteen years of service, with the approval of the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee, an Active Member may be transferred to Sustaining Membership.

REQUESTING A LEAVE OF ABSENCE

Leave of Absence must be requested in writing to the Membership Committee for one year, with a maximum extension of a second calendar year. Those on Leave will pay annual dues in full to remain in good standing with the club. While on Leave, the member may attend up to two club sponsored events per year but may not vote on club business. The Leave will be granted on a case-by-case basis and reviewed by the Executive Committee at the end of every year.

EMERITUS STATUS

A Member, in good standing, of the Garden Club of Wilmington who has belonged to the Club for approximately 50 years or more may be nominated for Emeritus Status with the approval of the Executive Committee. Emeritus Status is given to a member in honor of her commitment, significant contributions and years of outstanding service to the Club. Those with Emeritus Status must be a Sustaining Member. Those with Emeritus Status shall no longer pay GCW dues. GCA and NGC dues will be paid for using club funds. If an Active Member wishes to accept nomination to Emeritus Status, they must also request a change of membership to Sustainer. Approval for Emeritus Status is intended to be an honor for long standing Members who are not able to fully participate in the Club activities. The implementation of this recognition was approved by the Executive Committee in January 2023