MEMBERSHIP IN THE ST. AUGUSTINE HOME GUILD

Section 1. Non-Discrimination Policy. The Guild does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, religion, national origin, disability or age. Women of all races, religions, and national origins who demonstrate an interest in and a commitment to volunteerism for the Little Sisters of the Poor and St. Augustine Home may apply for membership in the Guild. The Guild’s bylaws and policies are in harmony with the policies of the Little Sisters of the Poor.

Section 2. Eligibility. Prospective members must meet the following criteria:
A. be an adult at least 20 years of age, as is the requirement of Home,
B. be sponsored by a current member, in good standing, who will vouch for the character and integrity of the prospective member,
C. be in good standing with the Little Sisters of the Poor,
D. agree to comply with all policies and procedures of the Home, and
E. agree to uphold the bylaws, policies, and procedures of the Guild.

Section 3. Classification of membership. There shall be five classes of membership, as follows:

A. Active: An active member contributes volunteer hours in activities and events sponsored by the St. Augustine Home Guild, Inc., and/or the St. Augustine Home administration each business year and pays annual membership dues and serves on at least one committee established by St. Augustine Home Guild, Inc.
B. Associate: An associate member provides financial support for the activities and events sponsored by St. Augustine Home Guild, Inc. and/or the St. Augustine Home and pays annual associate membership dues. An associate member is not obliged, but is encouraged, to contribute volunteer hours or serve on a St. Augustine Home Guild committee,
C. Sustaining: After five years of active membership in good standing, a member may choose to become a sustaining member. A sustaining member provides financial support for the Guild, but is no longer required, but is encouraged, to contribute volunteer hours or serve on a St. Augustine Home Guild, Inc. committee.
D. Lifetime: A lifetime member is a member who has rendered outstanding service to St. Augustine Home Guild, and has been designated as such by the Board of Directors. A lifetime member is not required to pay dues and is not required to contribute volunteer hours.
E. Resident: A member of St. Augustine Home Guild, Inc. who becomes a resident of the St. Augustine Home becomes a resident member. A resident member is not required to pay dues or contribute volunteer hours.

Section 4. Dues.

A. The dues structure shall be determined by the Board of Directors and reviewed annually and adjusted as needed.
B. Lifetime and resident members need only pay for a Guild name badge if they choose to purchase one.
C. Dues Payment Date. Membership dues shall be paid on an annual basis as determined by the Board of Directors.
D. Application of Dues: Dues paid shall extend through the next membership year for a new member who joins after six months of the payment date for annual membership renewal.
E. Non-renewal of membership: A member who does not renew her membership for one year or more and was in good standing with the Guild may apply to be reinstated as a member by paying the delinquent fee and dues for the current year. Reinstatement will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
F. Resignation and termination of membership:

i. A member may resign from the Guild in good standing after she has paid annual dues by submitting a formal letter of resignation to the Membership Officer. Dues will not be refunded.

ii. A member may be removed for disciplinary cause by a two-thirds majority vote of the entire Board of Directors after at least fifteen days’ notice in writing, by US first class or certified mail, to the member stating the reason for termination. The member shall have an opportunity to be heard, orally or in writing, to show cause why her membership should not be terminated at least 5 days prior to the proposed effective date of termination.