Q: When does my membership expire?
A: All memberships expire on July 1st of any given year, unless you have renewed you are now expired.
Q: If I don’t renew at the beginning of the year, is the cost pro-rated?
A: No, it’s $10 for a year membership whenever you join. The only exception is that if you join or renew after June 1st. We go ahead and count those for the following year which starts July 1st.
Q: Will there be a notice to renew?
A: The board has decided to try to avoid mailing out reminders, hopefully people will renew from notice on the website. If you haven’t by the end of the July we’ll send out e-mail reminders to everyone who provided one.
Q: I’m a charter member, am I still one if I let my membership expire?
A: Once a charter member always have charter member status as far as recognition of charter members is concerned, but to enjoy the benefits given to current members, you have to renew.
Q: Can I pay with a credit card?
A: Yes, but only through Paypal. Our options for payment right now are by check or through Paypal.
Q: Are there multiple levels of membership?
A: Not right now. We’re concentrating on building a strong basis for an organization. Eventually we may add things like different levels of benefits at different levels of cost. So for right now everyone is at the same $10 a year level.
Q: Are there lifetime memberships available?
A: No, currently all memberships are by the year. Lifetime memberships are something we may consider doing in the future, but for right now we want to show that the organization has a long term future before we start offering things like that.
Q: Can I renew now for several years?
A: If you want to, you can renew for multiple years just let us know that’s what you’re doing on the form.
Q: How is the membership money used?
A: At this point the money goes to help support the Laurapalooza conference and the Beyond Little House website (hosting and design expenses, etc.) In the future we hope to support other Laura centric projects.
Q: What benefits do I get for joining?
A: Find the member benefits spelled out in this post.
Q: OK, this all sounds great. I’m ready to renew or join for the first time. How do I do that?
A: Fill out this form and follow the directions.
Q: Do I have to use Paypal?
A: You can use Paypal or you can send a check. Fill out the form either way and then you get further instructions in the confirmation.
Q: Did you ever get the password off the renewal form?
A: Yes, it’s working now and you shouldn’t need a password.
Q: I’m still confused. What’s the difference between the Laura Ingalls Wilder Legacy and Research Association, Laurapalooza, Beyond Little House, and The Homesteader?
A: The Laura Ingalls Wilder Legacy and Research Association was founded for the purpose of putting on the Laurapalooza Conference. It is also the force behind the Beyond Little House website. A membership with the LIWLRA supports both the website and the conference. Board Member Sandra Hume is the owner and editor of The Homesteader. As part of her work on the board, she also oversees the design and similar functions of the website. To simplify things, The Homesteader is also on the Beyond Little House website, but subscriptions to The Homesteader are entirely separate from LIWLRA membership. If you want to be part of both, you have to do both.
Sarah S. Uthoff blogs at TrundleBed Tales; look for her on Twitter and YouTube and Blog Talk Radio
Laura Ingalls Wilder Legacy and Research Association, Vice-President and Membership Chair