Full Membership
Welcome to Full Membership with the Atons!
Full Members enjoy the camaraderie and kinship of a closely knit group. The club offers Full Members the opportunity to play a significant role in the leadership of the Minnesota leather community. Our fundraisers help community causes make a difference. Since the club is one of the nation’s oldest, living clubs, the club uniform and patch is nationally recognized. When Full Members travel to distant cities they are greeted warmly by members of other clubs and provided opportunities that you wouldn’t have without our club status.
Membership Requirements
Before you apply to pledge the Atons, you must understand the requirements for Full Membership. Full membership is reserved for those who have the necessary time and commitment to help the club achieve its goals and objectives.
Full Members are expected to:
- Attend monthly general meetings
- Serve on two or more sub-committees
- Be present at bar events, fundraisers, the annual officers installation banquet, and the biennial club run
- Make at least one run trip to a club outside Minnesota each year
The by-laws of the Atons require that all applicants for full membership must have attended at least three (3) officially announced and scheduled club functions and two (2) meetings in the previous six (6) months.
Sponsorship and Application Process
Applicants must obtain two active Full Members as sponsors to join the club. The prospective pledge must complete a membership application and have both sponsors sign it.
Sponsors act as mentors who help keep the pledge informed and answer any questions the pledge might have. They see that the pledge understands club bylaws, duties, history, and customs, and they are responsible for the conduct of the pledge as it reflects on the club. Sponsors introduce the pledge to other club members, work with them at events to help introduce them to the community, and act as the pledge’s representative to the club if any problems come up during the pledge period. Prior to the vote for full membership, sponsors provide an evaluation of the pledge to all members.
The pledge period is a minimum of three months and a maximum of six months, during which the pledge is expected to attend all club events (unless excused in advance for a good and valid reason). A pledge must obtain signatures from all members indicating that the member knows the pledge well enough to be able to vote on their membership. This enables pledges and members to become better acquainted and decide if full membership is desired. Full membership is awarded by a 2/3 majority vote of the members of the Atons at the end of the pledge period.
If needed, you can reach out to our President or Vice-President for help finding sponsors.
Membership Dues and Costs
Your pledge application requires an entrance fee of $30.00. This fee includes the cost of the pledgeship and one large and one small patch for when you become a Full Member. The fee must accompany your application. In the event the prospective member is not accepted, the fee will be returned.
After a pledge becomes a Full Member, the monthly dues are $10.00 a month. Full Members are encouraged to keep their dues in good standing and to 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 six 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.
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.