Does your non-profit have different classes of members?
Classes are groups of members that have different sets of rights. For example, some non-profits have voting and non-voting classes of members.
Does your non-profit have a membership policy?
Some of the risks of not having a membership policy are that it might be confusing who is a member and for how long the membership will last. Your non-profit’s bylaws should state how long the membership will last. Ideally it is on an annual basis.
Are people who want to join your non-profit required to apply to become members?
Many non-profits have bylaws that require the board to have the final say on whether an individual can join. However, many non-profits have gotten out of the habit of taking this important step.
Does your non-profit know who its members are?
Members of a non-profit are most often defined in the bylaws. They might also be described in its articles. Your non–profit’s bylaws might use a word other than member such as supporter or congregants.