Membership FAQs

LWVUS has initiated the use of a comprehensive membership platform that will allow members nationwide to join in a uniform way.

For current members, this will offer some changes. For new members, it should be seamless.

Here are some frequently asked questions that may be helpful to all.

Membership Dues

1. How much will dues cost for individuals?

It will be a pay-what-you-can option, where members can choose their own dues amount, at a minimum of $20. You will be encouraged to pay a standard rate of $75, but it is your choice as to what you want to pay.

Members are equal in rights, responsibilities, and standing, regardless of the amount they pay in dues.

2. How much of my dues will be paid to LWVCV?

No matter how much you pay in dues, it is split three ways: 20% to the local League (LWVCV), 47% to the state League (LWVNC) League, and 33% to the national League (LWVUS). The split payments, minus transaction fees, are sent immediately to the respective Leagues.

To learn why the state and national Leagues receive a higher percentage, click below:

LWVNC                                  LWVUS

3. What are the transaction fees deducted from the dues paid to LWVCV?

Refer to the chart below for an explanation of how the fees and splits work.

As you can see from this chart, LWVCV receives more when dues are paid by Automated Clearing House (ACH) instead of credit card. The fees on ACH payments are lower than for credit card payments.

ACH is the network that allows for electronic payments and funds transfers between banks and credit unions. It is a simple process where you enter your bank routing number and your account number instead of your credit card number.

The payment processor used by the new membership system is called Stripe, a widely-used and highly respected payment processor, just like PayPal. Stripe is currently used by many Leagues and many other organizations.

4. How do I pay my dues by ACH (Automated Clearing House) online?

Directions are included in the video and slideshow below.

5. Will dues be tax-deductible?

The portion of dues paid to LWVCV and to the state League will be tax-deductible due to the 501(c)(3) IRS status. The receipt you will receive will indicate the amount that is tax-deductible. The portion that is paid to the national League will not be tax-deductible as it is a 501(c)(4).3 organization.

Membership Types

6. How many membership levels will there be?

Membership types will only include:

• Members

• Life Members

7. Is there a category available for household membership?

There will no longer be a household membership designation, though members can still be grouped into households for data purposes, and members can still join on behalf of other members. A member joining from the same household as an existing member can choose to pay half of the recommended amount under the pay-what-you-can model.

8. Will there still be student memberships?

No. The pay-what-you-can model is intended to extend to everyone the same consideration of financial need previously only offered to students.

9. Will there still be lifetime memberships?

Yes. As specified in the bylaws, any person who has been a member for 50 or more years is exempt from dues payment.

Donations

10. Will members be able to make a separate donation when joining?

Yes! There will be an option, on the page after you choose your dues rate, to contribute directly to our League at 100%. It is important that donations (or “contributions” as labeled on the online page) are not added to the due’s payment. Donations must be made separately on the screen that asks if you want to contribute.

You can contribute online by clicking on the image at left or on this page.

To avoid transaction fees being deducted from the donation, it is highly recommended you send LWVCV a personal check, if possible, instead of contributing online. Donations may be made at any point during the year. Here is the form to print and send in if you want to mail your donation.

11. Will donations made through League websites go exclusively to LWVCV?

Yes, donations made through the national, state, and local websites or by check will be retained by LWVCV. All donations to LWVCV are 100% tax deductible.

Join the League

12. How will a member identify LWVCV at the time of joining?

You may join by clicking the image to the left.

If someone accesses the state or national League websites, there will be a list of all the Leagues if North Carolina is chosen. LWV of Catawba Valley will be listed in the choices given.  

13. Will members be required to join online?

There will still be the option to join with a paper form and a check. However, information from paper forms will need to be entered manually by the local League and mailed with the check to the national League, which will delay payment to LWVCV. Therefore, the online method is preferred. LWVCV members will be available to help you join online by contacting us here.

14. How does a new member navigate the online join process?

Directions are included in the video and slideshow below.

Membership Renewal

15. When will I need to renew?

Your membership with LWVCV expires on June 30, 2025. You will receive reminders from membership@lwv.org (LWVUS):

• 60 days before your expiration date

• 30 days before your expiration date

• On your expiration date, and 

• 45 days after expiration, around August 15, 2025

You will be able to renew online through the link provided in the email reminders or on LWVCV’s website by clicking on the Renew image on the Join/Renew page.

If you are unsure about what to do at any time, please feel free to reach out to us at treasurer.lwvcv@gmail.com.

16. How do I navigate the online renew process?

It is the same process as joining. See the Join/Renew Your LWV Membership video and slideshow above.

17. Can members auto-renew?

Yes. Members will also be able to choose not to auto-renew. 

18. Are renewal dates rolling?

Yes. This means current members who renew any time between May 1 and August 15 of 2025 will retain their current renewal date of July 1. If new members join after the implementation of the new membership process on Feb 1, 2025, their renewal date will be a year from their join date.

Portal for Members

19. How do I update my membership information?

The portal for members is available 24/7 to update information. Click on the image at left. Enter your email. Wait for a verification code to arrive and then type it in to proceed.

The short video and slideshow below will show you how it is done.

20. What if you have a question that was not answered clearly? No problem. Please send your question(s) here.