Full Membership
Welcome to Full Membership with the Atons!
Becoming a Full Member of the Atons is a commitment to camaraderie, community involvement, and a shared passion for the leather/levi identity and culture. Full Members actively organize events, support leather communities, and preserve the legacy of one of the nation’s oldest leather clubs. As a Full Member, you’ll help shape the future of the Atons and create welcoming spaces for others to explore and celebrate their identity.
Membership Requirements
Full Membership in the Atons involves regular attendance and active participation:
- Participation: Attend monthly meetings and actively contribute to Atons events, including fundraisers, dinners, bar nights, community outreach, and the bi-annual Run/Campout.
- Commitment: Fulfill assigned responsibilities, such as volunteering for committees and supporting Associate Members.
- Representation: Represent the Atons in the broader community. Full Members are expected to participate in at least one run trip to a club outside Minnesota each year.
Sponsorship and Application Process
You’ll need sponsorship from two active Full Members to apply for Full Membership. Sponsors serve as mentors, guiding you through the application process, helping you understand club by-laws and responsibilities, introducing you to other members, and providing a final evaluation before the Full Membership vote. If needed, you can reach out to our President or Vice-President for help finding sponsors.
Membership Dues and Costs
- Application Fee: $30, covering your Full Member patch and first three months of dues. This fee is refunded if your application is not accepted.
- Monthly Dues: $10, payable each month. Full Members are encouraged to keep their dues current and attend the monthly general meeting.
Paths to Full Membership
There are two paths to becoming a Full Member:
Converting from Associate Member: If you’ve been an Associate Member in good standing for at least three months, you can apply for Full Membership by securing sponsorship and completing a Full Membership application.
Pledging: For direct applicants, the pledge process includes attending at least three Atons events and two meetings in the past six months. After completing the application, you’ll enter a pledge period of three to six months, during which you are expected to attend all club events unless excused. Full Membership is awarded by a 2/3 majority vote of Atons members.
Questions?
For any questions about Full Membership, please contact our Vice-President.
Apply Offline
Prefer to fill out your application offline? Download the form here.
Ready To Pledge?
Think about Associate Membership
Pledging to be a Full Member isn’t for everyone. If you want to have a way to contribute and participate with the Atons in leather and community activities, consider applying to be an Associate Member. Learn more about associate membership.