Membership Confirmation and Revocation Policy

1. Purpose

This policy outlines the terms under which membership approvals may be revoked prior to the completion of payment. It ensures that all membership processes are consistent, fair, and aligned with the values and operational needs of Owned By Women. This policy also incorporates expectations set out in the Owned By Women Code of Conduct.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all membership applicants who have received a provisional approval but have not yet completed payment of the applicable membership fee. All applicants are also subject to the Owned By Women Code of Conduct.

3. Policy Statement

– All membership approvals are provisional and subject to confirmation only upon receipt of full membership fees.

– Applicants shall have no rights, benefits, or privileges of membership until their status has been formally confirmed.

– If payment is not received within 30 days of the date of the membership invoice, the provisional approval shall automatically lapse without further notice.

– The association reserves the right to revoke provisional membership approval at any time before payment is received, including (but not limited to) situations where:

– The applicant is later found to be ineligible;

– The applicant has provided false or misleading information;

– The applicant engages in behavior contrary to the values or mission of the association;

– The applicant is found to be in breach of the Owned By Women Code of Conduct.

4. Procedures

4.1 Invoicing and Deadline

Upon provisional approval, an invoice for the membership fee will be issued. Applicants must complete payment within 30 days.

4.2 Non-Payment

If payment is not received within the stated period:

– Approval automatically lapses.

– The applicant is considered not to have joined the association.

– No further action is required unless a new application is submitted.

4.3 Revocation

If the association decides to revoke a provisional approval before payment:

– A notice shall be sent to the applicant stating the reason for revocation.

– The applicant will be informed that the approval is withdrawn and that they are no longer eligible for membership under the current application.

– If the revocation is due to a breach of the Code of Conduct, a brief description of the breach will be included.

4.4 Appeals

There is no appeal mechanism for revoked approvals where payment has not been made. If payment has been made, the association will follow its standard grievance or disciplinary process, including any processes established under the Code of Conduct.

5. Authority and Recordkeeping

The authority to approve or revoke provisional memberships rests with the Board of Directors or the Membership Committee of Owned By Women, as delegated by the Association Bylaws.

All decisions related to revocation shall be documented in board or committee meeting minutes and kept on file for a minimum of 2 years.

6. Optional Bylaws Amendment

Membership shall be deemed confirmed only upon payment of the prescribed fee. Owned By Women reserves the right to revoke any provisional approval prior to confirmation without cause. Applicants have no rights or privileges until confirmation. Compliance with the Owned By Women Code of Conduct is a prerequisite for all membership approvals.