| A member is any individual who belongs to an | | | | business issue. Rights of Termination should cover |
| association, organization, company, corporation, | | | | both when and how the member might be terminated |
| partnership, or firm. In a membership agreement, an | | | | by the group and under what circumstances the |
| understanding is reached between members and the | | | | member can choose to terminate membership and |
| group to which they want to belong regarding the | | | | whether any fees or costs will be reimbursed. There |
| terms of their membership. This is a legal agreement | | | | may be specific obligations of the member that define |
| between the member and the group, and it is typically | | | | what a member can and cannot do. There should also |
| created in a couple of different contexts - by | | | | be specific member rights. |
| members of a limited liability corporation (LLC), or for | | | | A privacy policy is generally an important part of any |
| more commonly used consumer-oriented | | | | member agreement. Although privacy policies are not |
| memberships. | | | | yet mandatory by law, having one may still prevent |
| Generally a membership agreement covers a wide | | | | future legal concerns. |
| range of issues. It may cover eligibility, access, terms | | | | In today's society, membership agreements abound. |
| and conditions of membership. It will generally address | | | | These range from the membership agreement that |
| liabilities and obligations, as well as the conditions under | | | | you sign at the local video store to the many |
| which the membership can be suspended or | | | | membership agreements found on Internet sites. While |
| terminated. It may also refer to the group's right to | | | | you may not think of yourself as a "member" of many |
| change the terms of membership. | | | | groups, there is a membership agreement for your |
| A membership agreement will generally state the | | | | grocery club cards as well as your local gym. The |
| effective date and the specific parties that it covers, | | | | truth is that our society is constantly spelling out the |
| specifying one as the "member." The enrollment | | | | terms under which we can be involved in an activity or |
| process may be spelled out, and if there is a specific | | | | take advantage of a service. Understanding the |
| term during which the membership agreement will be in | | | | importance and meaning of member agreements will |
| effect, that will also be stated. Any dues or costs | | | | go a long way towards enduring that we benefit from |
| associated with membership will also be specified in | | | | our many memberships without running into issues or |
| the membership agreement. | | | | concerns. |
| The membership agreement will also address how | | | | Imagine the embarrassment of accidentally violating the |
| any confidential information will be handled, both during | | | | terms of your video store membership and being |
| and at the termination of membership. Any exceptions | | | | denied rentals. Imagine the frustration of accidentally |
| or exclusions will be discussed as well as member | | | | violating the terms of your favorite Internet site's |
| warranties and representations. There may also be | | | | membership and being terminated. It is well worth the |
| disclaimers and a limitation of liability. | | | | time it takes to actually read the terms of the many |
| A membership agreement should also spell out the | | | | membership agreements that you sign or click on. It |
| nature of the services being provided for which the | | | | could ensure that you remain a happy member for |
| party must be a member. This is both a legal and | | | | years to come. |