Overview
Before configuring your membership program in EveryAction, gather all information about your current membership structure using the Membership Level Setup Worksheet. This preparation will streamline the setup process.
Step 1: Define Your Membership Levels
-
Determine the name of each membership level
-
Document how many members are currently at each level
-
Establish eligibility criteria for each level (individuals, organizations, households, etc.)
-
Note any exclusions for each level (major donors, staff members, volunteers)
-
List benefits available at each level
-
Decide whether your program provides membership cards
Step 2: Set Time-Related Parameters
-
Determine the term or length of membership validity (calendar year, fiscal year, other)
-
Define how join/start dates are calculated (immediate or specific dates like January 1)
-
Establish how end dates are determined (365 days after renewal gift, fixed date like December 31, or lifetime)
-
Set how many months before expiration you'll start renewal communications
-
Decide if you'll offer a grace period after membership expiration
Step 3: Configure Contribution Rules
-
Determine which donations count toward membership renewal (by month, source code, amount)
-
Decide which gift types qualify as dues payments (recurring commitments, pledges, peer-to-peer, events)
-
Set up Designation, Campaign, Source Code, and Custom Contribution Values for tracking
Step 4: Establish Your Hierarchy Logic
-
Create a logical membership hierarchy (working from highest to lowest level)
-
Determine rules for membership reinstatement after lapses
-
Decide if members can move down the hierarchy or only up
-
Establish household membership rules (if one member upgrades, do all upgrade?)
-
Create Activist Codes for contacts requiring subjective membership decisions
What else do you need help with?
- Understanding Membership Management
- How Do I Manage Individual Membership Records?
- How Do I Search for and Report on Membership Data?