The Membership Chair of the SLCGC serves on the Board of Directors and oversees all aspects of the admissions process for potential new members. The President appoints all members of the Membership Committee, who serve for the Club’s fiscal year from July 1 to June 30.

It is a matter of Club policy that prospective members not be informed that they are being considered for membership. We want all communication, both verbal and written, to remain confidential until the proposed candidate’s application for membership has been affirmatively voted on by the Board. An Active member may propose only one candidate for membership in each fiscal year, July 1 to June 30. A member may only second one application during the July 1 to June 30 fiscal year. A new member may not sponsor or second a candidate for membership for a period of 12 months after she becomes a member.

A proposed candidate must have attended at least two SLCGC meetings before being proposed for membership. A candidate should have also attended at least one other program, workshop or event where guests are invited, as a means of becoming better acquainted with the membership and the scope of our mission. In addition, a candidate must have met at least three current SLCGC Executive Board members.

If it appears that a candidate has an interest in joining the SLCGC, the sponsor needs to electronically submit via email a completed New Member Sponsorship Form to the Membership Chair, no later than January 25. This form requires a signature from both the sponsor and the proposed candidate’s seconder. It would be greatly appreciated if a personal letter from the sponsor and the seconder is submitted, as such letters can provide further personal information that will assist the committee in the admissions process.

The Membership Committee will then privately assess the viability of a potential candidate. Should the Committee members become aware of one or more reservations about the candidate, the Membership Chair will verbally notify the sponsor that the application should be withdrawn as it will not be successful.

In February, the Membership Chair will post a brief biography regarding each of the candidates being proposed for membership on the SLCGC website. Once the postings occur, members will have two weeks to review the postings. If any objection to a proposed candidate arises, the member is encouraged to confidentially discuss the matter with the Membership Chair. If it is determined that a potential problem exists with a proposed candidate, the Membership Chair will inform the full Membership Committee. Once the issue is resolved, the Membership Committee will put forth the proposed slate for a vote by the Board on each of the candidates’ applications for membership.

If a candidate’s application is approved for membership, the Membership Chair will contact the sponsor and candidate by mail or email. A letter will also be sent to the new member welcoming them into the SLCGC, accompanied by an Annual Dues Notice. All new members will be formally introduced and welcomed into the Club at the March General Meeting.

All sponsors of new members are encouraged to continue to provide extra guidance and support during an individual’s first year of membership. The Membership Chair will also ensure that all new members feel welcome and become involved in at least one area of interest within the Club during an individual’s initial year of membership.

Should the Membership Committee determine that circumstances warrant a change in the above dates to consider a potential new member’s candidacy, the Committee may do so after formal approval by the Board.