Introducing ChapterSpot
LWV US New Membership System
LWVUS is switching to a new member portal, ChapterSpot. This is a step in the planned Transformation LWV has been implementing. The new system will reduce administrative work for the state and local Leagues, among other advantages.
Your member information will be transferred to the new system. When the new system launches on February 3. 2025, you will receive an email to log in to the portal. You will not be asked to renew until your renewal date (one year after your most recent renewal, or date of joining if in 2024). Once you have access to the portal, you will be able to update your own contact information.
Dues will no longer be a fixed rate, but will be “pay-what-you-can.” The dues amount for all members is recommended at $75, but members can pay any amount of $20 or more. Our current dues are $65 for an individual and $90 for household. Student and household discounts have been eliminated. But with the options and flexibility, all members can select a payment level that meets their needs.
Members will also have the option to contribute directly to their local League, which will receive 100% of the donation. This is independent of dues and is totally optional.
On a member level, we hope these changes will make managing your membership easier. On a League level, this is expected to increase membership, greater diversification of membership around the country, and increase our ability nationally and locally to empower voters and defend democracy.
There are more details in the FAQ's below and there will be a Zoom meeting on February 4, 2025, where we will answer your questions. There will be additional information sessions for members with renewal dates of January-March 2025.
- Membership Transition Zoom Meeting
LWV Membership Changes FAQ’s
What is ChapterSpot?
ChapterSpot is a membership platform (website) where you will be able to log in and update your own member information and renew your membership online.
What will the dues rate be?
Dues will be “pay-what-you-can.” The recommended dues rate will be $75, but you can pay any amount more than that ($150-500, or more), or any amount less than that to a minimum of $20. Our League’s current dues rate is $65 with Household $90. You are encouraged to continue to pay the current dues rate, or an alternate amount, including a separate payment as a donation to the local League to help the League maintain its current budget.
How much of my dues will go to my local League?
20% of dues will go to the local League, 47% will go to the state League, and 33% will go to LWVUS.
Can I make a contribution that goes exclusively to my local League?
Yes. On the page after you choose your dues rate, there will be an option to make a contribution directly to your local League. 100% of that donation will go to your League. Do not add a donation to your dues payment.
What payment methods can I use?
The preferred payment method is ACH, which is an electronic payment method that just requires typing in the numbers at the bottom of a check. This is preferred because it has the lowest fees and maximizes the amount of money going toward League work. The secondary option is to pay online by credit/debit card. It will also still be possible to pay by check as needed.
Can I still pay by check?
Yes. This is not the preferred method because this requires more time and effort from the League treasurer, but it is still possible. If you need to pay by check, the check should be made out to LWVUS and given to your League’s treasurer. Or it can be mailed to LWVHHI-BA, PO Box 23862; Hilton Head Island, SC 29925.
Are my dues tax-deductible?
Our local League is a 501(c)(4) so dues are not tax deductible. For more information on how to make a 501(c)(3) tax-deductible contribution to the League, please contact our treasurer.lwvhhiba [at] gmail.com (treasurer Martina Spiegel).
Will there still be household memberships?
No. You can still sign up for yourself and someone else, but it’s not designated as a household membership anymore. The recommended dues rate will be $150 (the individual recommended rate times two) and the minimum rate will be $40 (the minimum rate times two), but as with individuals, you can choose any amount, including the current household rate of $90 at our League.
Will there still be lifetime memberships?
Yes, those who have been members for 50 or more years will still be exempt from dues.
Will there still be student memberships?
No. The pay-what-you-can model is intended to extend the understanding of possible financial needs to all members, including students.
When will I renew?
You will renew a year after your last renewal (e.g. if you renew in October, you will renew again the following October).
How will I know it’s time to renew?
You will receive an email reminder from ChapterSpot when your expiration date is approaching.
Is there an easier way?
Yes! If you check the box for auto-renew, each year your membership will automatically renew for the same rate you previously chose. You will still receive a reminder email notifying you that the renewal is coming up, but you won’t need to do anything.
When does membership switch over to ChapterSpot?
At the beginning of February 2025.
Is there anything else I need to do?
In February 2025, you will be asked to log in to the ChapterSpot portal for the first time to “claim your membership.” This just means that you will log in and be given the opportunity to fill out any membership information asked by your League.
What if I don’t have my own email address?
Your email address is your username for ChapterSpot, so it’s important that you include one, even if you’re only a sometimes internet user. This is the way you will receive renewal reminders and forgot password emails. Because your email is your username, you won’t be able to have the same one as someone else. If you currently share an email, we recommend setting up a second email address that can forward messages to the one you primarily use, and we have a step-by-step guide for how to do this.
Can I sign up to get fewer emails?
Yes. You can unsubscribe from some types of messages, such as fundraising emails or optional newsletters. As a member of the organization, some messages, such as those about your membership, are not optional.
What if I don’t use the internet?
You will not be required to access the portal. You can continue to write checks for your dues payments and your League’s roster manager can continue to input your information to the roster as needed.
Can I put in a second address if I live in different places at different times of the year?
Yes, you will be able to do that in the ChapterSpot portal.
What if I have additional questions later?
Please email membership [at] lwv.org with any questions. You may also contactroshnow [at] gmail.com ( Kay)roshnow [at] gmail.com ( Roshnow, LWVHHI-BA Co-President and Acting Membership Chair), or (843) 540-2143.
