That ICPA implements a rolling membership model enabling online recurring membership payments.
After investigating the feasibility of introducing online recurring membership payments, we are pleased to say the ICPA website has a ‘recurring payments’ feature which can be switched on at any time and would be a positive move for the future, streamlining the online renewal process for all concerned. This model would mean that members could opt to automatically renew membership every twelve months, receiving an email one month beforehand reminding them that their membership will be automatically renewed and providing the opportunity to cancel the payment if they wish.
Currently, ICPA as an organisation is constitutionally constrained to a fixed membership model, which is mirrored on the website with a membership calendar year of January to December. If the website were to move to an online recurring membership payment model at this time, it would be a very complicated system that would increase potential for human error and the volunteer workload to manage this.
Therefore, it is recommended that in order to provide the recurring membership payment option, it is highly recommended that ICPA move to a rolling membership model with, which would involve the following process:
1) Implementing a rolling membership model:
a) All online membership renewals would be renewed 12 months from the date of payment and if opting for the recurring payment, would automatically renew when 12 months expires, regardless of what time of year this is. For example, if a member pays membership on 1 March, the membership will be due on 1 March the following year. Considering the timing of many State Conferences and the number of members who currently renew between November and March, this should not change much, if at all.
b) Changes to state and federal constitutions to accommodate a model where membership is not due at a fixed date of January 1 will need to occur. These changes will be minimal and all constitutions would contain the same wording. It is important to note the following:
- State EOFY would remain the same. • Branches could continue to hold AGMs at the same time. • Membership drives could continue to be promoted at the same time.
- Membership fee changes could still be aligned with the calendar year. • Membership renewals would, over time be spread out more.
- New members will benefit – they will pay for a 12-month subscription rather than the full fee for, say, two months if they join in October and then ask to renew a month later.
- Manual membership payments through the Branch would still be an option.
Along with streamlining the membership process for members, moving to a rolling membership model will have huge advantages for the ICPA website. It will also mean that many of the functions available to state and federal membership management teams will be usable, significantly reducing the workload of our volunteers. Currently, between November and April exports need to be complied manually as opposed to pressing one button.
2) Implementing online recurring membership payments
a) Once the Rolling Membership model is implemented online recurring membership payments could be offered as an option. Members would not be obligated to take up this option.
b) Online recurring membership payments would reduce issues around renewing, as memberships will be automatically updated.
c) The change to recurring membership payments will also simplify processes for ICPA Council volunteers, including treasurer’s, membership officers and other personnel who manage membership and the database.
