Do Chapters Need to Vote to Approve New Members?

The International Membership and Expansion Committee continues to be asked this question.

Once upon a time in DKG, a vote was required to accept new members into the Society.   However, this requirement was dropped several years ago and DKG DOES NOT require voting on new members. 

While DKG has dropped the voting requirement the DKG Constitution states under Article III Membership Section C Election, “A candidate for active or collegiate membership shall be selected by the method established by the chapter’s rules.”

What if our chapter rules still say we need to vote members in?

Many chapters are changing their chapter rules to eliminate voting on members.  If your chapter rules say that a vote is needed here are some suggestions of ways that a vote can be taken without making the new members feel uncomfortable:

• When your chapter is discussing membership and brainstorming who to invite, make a motion to extend the offer of membership to all prospective members listed by chapter members who accept the invitation to membership.

• If a vote needs to be taken, vote electronically so the vote is not taken in front of the new members.  Then invite these members to an orientation.

• If someone attends your meeting and asks to join and writes out a check, figure out a way for them to join right now.  (Under Article III Membership Section A Membership, the DKG Constitution states, “An individual becomes a member of the Society when she pays her dues.”)

What not to do:

• Some chapters used to have prospective members in attendance leave the room so they could talk about the members and take a vote.  This made the new members feel uncomfortable.
• Even if slips of paper are passed out for voting, it makes the new members feel uncomfortable if they are present during the voting. 

What about members transferring from other state organizations or other chapters within your state organization that are unknown to the members of your chapter?

The DKG Constitution Article III Membership Section D Transfer states, “A member in good standing may transfer from one chapter to another upon notification to Society Headquarters.”  No vote is needed when a member transfers from one chapter to another chapter.  They are welcomed enthusiastically into the new chapter. 

What about former members requesting to be reinstated into membership?

The DKG Constitution Article III Membership Section F Reinstatement says, “A former member shall be reinstated to membership by the chapter receiving the request.” A vote is not needed to reinstate a former member into her previous chapter or a new chapter.  

Remember, members who recommend prospective members know the people they are recommending so if someone is recommended by a member, they should be encouraged to attend the orientation and join the Society.  We should all work to make the Society as welcoming as possible.  Being open and receptive to those who want to join should be a priority for everyone.