What provision do bylaws typically include regarding nonpayment of dues?

• A. Warning only
• B. A fine payable to the parent organization
• C. Suspension or loss of membership for nonpayment
• D. Automatic demotion to associate member

Answer: (C)

Not paying dues typically affects your active membership status. Bylaws give leaders the authority to enforce payment by removing a member from active participation, usually through suspension or loss of membership after notice and a grace period. This approach keeps the organization functional and ensures dues are collected to support chapter operations.

A warning alone isn’t enough to guarantee payment over time, which is why it isn’t the standard remedy. A fine payable to the parent organization isn’t a common method for handling nonpayment of dues, since the purpose of dues is membership and program support, not fines. Automatic demotion to an associate member isn’t typical either, as membership levels are usually defined, and nonpayment is generally treated as losing full membership status rather than reclassifying to another category.

So, the familiar and effective rule is that nonpayment can lead to suspension or loss of membership.