During the May 2021 monthly Board meeting, the INSR Board (with support of SER) proposed a variety of changes to our membership structure and fee rates in order to better serve our Section. During the October 2021 INSR membership meeting, the INSR Board moved this Proposal to the Section for a vote. The Section voted overwhelmingly in favor of implementing membership fees (74% in favor). The introduction of membership dues will enable the Section to continue its current services and tools, as well as expand our work to meet member needs. The Board will continue to submit proposals seeking additional funding for larger projects. The following changes will take effect 1 December 2021.
INSR has not previously charged membership dues since our formation in 2017, despite our growth to 800 members in 60 countries. Our offerings have been limited as we have not received funding outside of donations from individuals. The introduction of membership dues will enable the Section to continue its current services and tools, as well as expand our work to meet member needs. The Board will continue to submit proposals seeking additional funding for larger projects.
Expanded offerings & long-term goals of funding
Website hosting
Webinars
Create additional tools, publications, and printed materials
Translate the International Standards for Seed-based Restoration
Support for Projects and Awards
Student scholarships and SER Conference registration fees
Matching Funds for Proposals
Conferences, Meetings, Workshops
To provide these continued and increased benefits we are implementing fees for the first time.
The membership dues and allocation model will be consistent with the structure for Chapter dues within the Society. Membership in a Chapter of choice is included in the global SER membership fee. Members may choose to join their choice of as many additional Chapters at cost.
Under this model, members will receive the benefit of INSR membership included with their annual SER membership dues (if chosen as a primary chapter) or at an additional cost (see fees below). The dues allocation INSR would receive from SER global by member type for members choosing INSR as a primary and/or secondary chapter is as follows:
$0 Individual, Open Doors
$5 Individual, Equity
$6 Individual, Emerging Professional or Retiree
$16 Individual, Restorer
$25 Organization or Student Association, Equity
$80 Organization
$100 Student Association
$128 Standard Business
$320 Flex Business
$300 Individual, Lifetime (one time cost, not annual)
Additionally, should INSR dissolve, any unspent membership dues monies will be transferred back to the SER membership via the Partnership Fund.
We want to make INSR membership and participation as accessible to all as possible while covering the expenses to operate INSR. The Board will work with individuals to find the membership level that works for their situation.
We strive to provide value and benefits to INSR members and we welcome ideas and suggestions about the activities and direction of the Section.
We appreciate your participation and membership in INSR as we foster understanding and advancement of seed ecology, conservation, and seed-based restoration of degraded systems around the world and thank you for your support.