====== 1. Membership ======

===== 1.1 Individual Memberships =====

By virtue of membership in a GSF member association, the individual members of the member association are not considered members of the GSF.  The member association is considered the member.


Individual members do not become members of other member associations, and they are not eligible to vote in other member association elections unless they choose to pay the dues of that member association and join as a member. Individual members are represented at GSF leadership meetings by delegates from each member association serving on the GSF Board of Directors. 


===== 1.2 Full Member Eligibility =====
 

A minimum of 40 Members is required to join the Global Speakers Federation.  A Member is defined as a member of the association who: 1) has full voting rights; 2) is charged member rates at association events, and; 3) is eligible for member-only benefits. Full Membership eligibility requires the speakers association:


  * Be an applicant for the time determined needed to verify eligibility for Full Member status
  * Apply in writing for Membership prior to acceptance of the association as a Full Member Association
  * Pay a non-refundable $1,995 USD Membership Application fee
  * Meet the Membership requirements as determined by the GSF Board of Directors and outlined in this GSF Membership Policy
  * Comply with the Policies and Bylaw of the GSF
  * Uphold an image of integrity and have a written policy to enforce a Code of Professional Ethics
  * Organize and implement educational events and programs for professional speakers
  * Conduct its activities in compliance with the not-for-profit rules and regulations of the speakers association’s home nation.
  * Conduct its administrative and marketing activities in a professional manner.

In July 2024, a 5-tier fee structure for GSF Membership Applications was implemented to offer a more feasible rate for associations wanting to join the Global Speakers Federation (GSF).

The structure follows the same guidelines we have established for GSF membership dues based on the GDP as published by the World Bank:

^Word Bank Tier                ^Membership Fee                                        ^
|TIER 5 GDP USD 40,001+        | No discount on membership fee, i.e. $1,995 USD       |
|TIER 4 GDP USD 30,001-40,000K | a discount of 20% on the current fee i.e. $1596 USD  |
|TIER 3 GDP USD 20,001-30,000  | a discount of 40% on the current fee i.e. $1197 USD  |
|TIER 2 GDP USD 10,001-20,000  | a discount of 60% on the current fee i.e. $798 USD   |
|TIER 1 GDP USD 0-10,000       | a discount of 80% on the current fee i.e. $399 USD   |

When a new association applies for membership, the Presidential Leadership Team will evaluate that country’s GDP. The GSF Executive Director will inform associations of the tier level for the fee they will be charged to submit their applications.


===== 1.2.1 Membership Documentation =====
 
The following documents are required from a speakers association when applying for membership:

 
  * Proof of not-for-profit organizational status
  * Articles of incorporation or equivalent
  * Bylaws, constitution, or equivalent
  * Membership Roster
  * Board of Directors and Officers list
  * Schedule for officer rotation
  * Election process or equivalent
  * Proof of organization support for ethical guidelines of membership
  * Code of Professional Ethics or equivalent
  * Membership dues structure
  * Most recent fiscal year’s Revenue Over Expenses (i.e., Profit and Loss) Statement and a Balance Sheet


===== 1.2.2 Membership Review Process =====


Speakers association applications for GSF membership are reviewed by representatives of the New Association Development Committee as appointed by the current GSF President. The representatives bring recommendations forward to the Steering Committee. During the review phase, the Committee evaluates the application documents and the general speaking experience of the speakers association’s current members and membership requirements.


===== 1.3 Affiliate Member Eligibility =====
 
An affiliate membership is available to those individuals, corporations, and partner organizations that are determined by the GSF to support the mission of the GSF and provide benefit(s) to the member associations.   Affiliate Member eligibility requires the applicant:


  * Apply in writing for Affiliate Membership
  * Be an applicant for the time determined needed to verify eligibility
  * Pay a non-refundable $499 USD Membership Application fee
  * Act with integrity and support the mission of the GSF
  * Organize and implement educational events, programs, or services for professional speaker associations
  * Conduct its activities in compliance with their home nation’s rules and regulations
  * Conduct its administrative and marketing activities in a professional manner

===== 1.4 Directory =====


The GSF shall not recommend or promote specific individuals as speakers. The GSF may maintain an online membership directory, which may be available to the public and supplied at this time by [[https://espeakers.com|eSpeakers]].



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