Based on feedback from our membership and Chapter leadership, the ACS piloted the ability to invoice Fellows for their primary chapter dues and ACS dues simultaneously for 2023–2024. This incredibly successful pilot has seen increases in chapter dues collected for the four states involved (see Figure 1) and has prompted the ACS to offer this program to all US Chapters. For 2024–2025, the ACS will offer this program on a national level and Chapters can opt into participation.
Participation Considerations
- This program is only available for Fellow Dues billing.
- Chapters are responsible for billing Associate Fellows, residents, medical students, affiliates, and any other membership categories.
- Chapters are still responsible for marketing and sending invoices throughout the College’s Dues efforts.
- Chapters can withdraw during the open enrollment period for the next year's dues cycle.
- Individual members can opt out of paying Chapter dues by unchecking "Chapter Dues" on the invoice or dashboard when paying.
Benefits
- All four pilot Chapters saw an increase in chapter dues paid from 2023 to 2024.
- Overall, all four pilot Chapters saw an increase of 67% in chapter dues paid from 2022 to 2023, totaling more than $90,000 in revenue.
- Specifically, the Utah Chapter’s membership increased 45%, Iowa saw an increase of 64%, Metropolitan Chicago saw an increase of 103%, and Oklahoma saw an increase of 31% for 2023–2024 over 2022–2023.
- Data collected is from April 2024 and is expected to increase.
- The ACS will remit payments monthly, which helps with the Chapters’ financial health.
- The processing fee for the pilot was 5% (includes 2.6%–3% credit card processing fee), which is a reasonable and competitive rate among dues collection by other medical membership organizations.
- Raises awareness of Chapters and increases membership.
- ACS is hopeful that this will translate into meaningful increased engagement.
- Strengthens the relationship between Chapters and the ACS.
- Simplifies processes and increases satisfaction for members.
- The ACS will provide a web-based dashboard with data and metrics that the chapter can access at any time to view the status of members.
2024–2025 Timeline
2024
Promotion of the 2025 Chapter Dues Billing Program (Timeline: May through July)
- Chapter Dues Billing Project Agreements (May)
- Send agreements to Chapter leaders and administrators through Marketo
Participation Deadline for Chapter Dues Billing Project (July)
- To opt-in for the 2025 dues billing cycle Chapter Administrators must sign and return the agreement by July 31, 2024.
Communication of ACS Dues Cycle and Key Date (Late Summer/Early Fall).
2024–2025
Dues Invoicing and Payment Remittance (November 2024–October 2025)
