Return to Membership
A former member who wishes to Return to Membership in The Augustan Society, Inc., after an absence of more than one year must follow a different procedure than a new member joining for the first time or a late renewal (within one year).
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 will a more lengthy explanation 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:
- Check the Membership Book (and possibly other sources) to confirm the petitioner's status as a former member.
- His re-election will be placed on the Agenda for the next regular Board meeting for 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, the petitioner will be notified and all but the Petition Fee will be refunded in the same way as it was paid.
- If the Board tables the petition for additional information, the petitioner will be so informed and the petition placed on the next Board agenda after a response is received.
- If the Board re-elects the petitioner to membership, proceed as follows:
- The web site will generate a new Membership Number to establish seniority. The new web software may require a new entry to accomlish this.
- The date returned (the date of the Board meeting where elected) will be added to the Membership Book and Roster.
- A new Certificate of Membership is created, if ordered.
- A letter of welcome from the Secretary will be sent (possibly signed electronically).
- The current Augustan Omnibus and the current Augustæum will be sent (unless previously sent).
- If the petitioner has ordered and paid for replacement insignia, the Custodian of Insignia will be informed, and send such.
