The League of Women Voters (LWVUS) is switching to a new member portal for all Leagues across the country. In early February, you will receive an email from the LWVUS through ChapterSpot, the new membership system, asking you to log in to the portal for the first time. You are not being asked to renew or pay dues, only to log in and complete your member information. Your annual renewal date will remain the same.
It is important that you log in to the portal to ensure that the League has your most up-to-date information, as well as to help the LWVUS more broadly understand who we are as a local organization.
If you haven't received an invitation to log in before February 7, please check your spam folder or reach out to membership@lwv.org.
On a member level, we hope these changes will make managing your membership easier. On a League level, this is expected to increase membership around the country and increase our ability to empower voters and defend democracy.
New Membership System FAQs:
What will the dues rate be?
Dues will be pay-what-you-can. The recommended dues rate will be $75, but you can pay any amount more than that, or any amount less than that to a minimum of $20.
Will there still be household memberships?
No. You can still sign up for yourself and someone else, but it is not designated as a household membership anymore. The recommended dues rate will be $150 (the individual recommended rate times two), and the minimum rate will be $40 (the minimum rate times two), but as with individuals, you can choose any amount, including the current household rate of your League, which is $100.
Will there still be lifetime memberships?
Yes, those who have been members for 50 or more years will still be exempt from dues.
Will there still be student memberships?
No. The pay-what-you-can model is intended to extend the understanding of possible financial need to all members, including students. Leagues may choose to subsidize members to pay below the $20 minimum, which LWVSA will still do.
How much of my dues will go to my local League?
20% of dues will go to the local League, 47% will go to the state League, and 33% will go to LWVUS.
Can I make a contribution that goes exclusively to my local League?
Yes. On the page after you choose your dues rate, there will be an option to contribute directly to your local League. 100% of that donation will go to your League. The LWVSA is a 501(c)(3) and your donation is tax-deductible.
What payment methods can I use?
The preferred payment method is ACH, which is an electronic payment method that just requires typing in the numbers at the bottom of a check. This is preferred because it has the lowest fees and maximizes the amount of money going toward League work. The secondary option is to pay online by credit/debit card. It will also still be possible to pay by check as needed.
Can I still pay by check?
Yes. This is not the preferred method, but it is still possible. If you need to pay by check, the check should be made out to LWVUS and given to your League’s treasurer.
Are my dues tax-deductible?
Yes. The LWVSA is a 501(c)(3) and any portion of dues going to a 501 (c)(3) are tax-deductible. This will be identified in your confirmation email, which can be used as a tax receipt.