Return to Membership
A former member who wishes to Return to Membership in The Augustan Society, Inc., must follow a different procedure than a new member joining for the first time.
A new petition is required, and while a regular petition will be accepted, it is preferred that a Petition for Return to Membership be used. This may be completed by Headquarters Staff when they feel it appropriate.
Some former members will attempt to return without mentioning their former membership status. For this reason, processing of Regular Membership includes checking for former membership status, and diverting the petition to this procedure if such is discovered.
The differences in the petitions are that the Return Petition asks the reason for the previous departure and the return. One-word explanations such as "health" or "finances" are generally sufficient; rarely a more lengthy explanation will be required. It also makes optional the fees for a certificate and insignia, as the member may have retained these from their former membership. They may be ordered if desired at the usual prices.
Once the petition and payment are received by Headquarters Staff, the procedure is:
- The Assistant Secretary will check the Membership Book (and possibly other sources) to confirm the petitioner's status as a former member.
- The Assistant Secretary will place his reelection on the next available Agenda for Board review and approval. The Board will want to know the petitioner's reasons for dropping his membership and returning.
- If the Board rejects the Petition, Headquarters Staff will notify the petitioner and refund all but the Petition Fee.
- If the Board tables the petition for additional information, Headquarters Staff will inform the petitioner and place the petition on the next Board agenda after a response is received.
- If the Board re-elects the petitioner to membership, proceed as follows:
- The Assistant Secretary will find the petitioner's former Membership Number from the Membership Book, or assign one if necessary.
- The Assistant Secretary will add the date returned (the date of the Board meeting where elected) to the Membership Book and Roster.
- Headquarters Staff will create a new Membership Card.
- Headquarters Staff will create a new Certificate of Membership if ordered (with the date of return to membership).
- Headquarters Staff will create a returning letter of welcome from the Secretary (presently signed electronically).
- Headquarters Staff will create a returning memo of welcome.
- Headquarters Staff will mail the above items, plus the current Augustæum and the current Augustan Omnibus to the returned member (unless these were already sent).
- If the petitioner has ordered and paid for replacement insignia, Headquarters Staff will notify the Custodian of Insignia who will send such.
