Proposed Dues Increase

From: The WDC Board of Directors

Dear WDC Members, 

On May 19, 2026 a resolution to raise WDC’s dues from $35 to $55 per year will be presented and voted upon by WDC members present at the Annual Meeting. 

Over the past four months, WDC’s Board of Directors has been examining and discussing our current dues structure and finances. After an appointed dues task force made up of WDC members conducted a deep dive and made its recommendation, the Board voted to increase the membership dues to $55 per year.

Background and rationale for the proposed dues increase:

WDC’s dues have not been raised in more than 25 years (1999) based on conversations with two former WDC presidents and a review of WDC records.

The increase in annual dues from $35 to $55 will enable WDC to better cover rising operational expenses including insurance, state and federal reporting fees, legal services, digital services, credit card and banking fees. Additionally, expenses associated with WDC programs and events have risen precipitously in recent years: venue rental fees, audio-visual-recording fees, facilities and service staff labor costs, food and beverage. 

WDC will continue to offer free of charge events for our dues paying members including the Fall kickoff, holiday party and the annual membership meeting. WDC will also continue to offer free of charge public events (like candidate forums) as well as selected Advocacy- and Community Education-related events.

Process for Notice to the Membership and vote at the Annual Membership Meeting

The resolution to raise the dues is being communicated to the membership via this newsletter and will be communicated two more times via email before the Annual Membership Meeting on May 19, 2026. The dues increase resolution will be made and voted upon at the Annual Membership Meeting.

The dues resolution will be voted upon by the members present according to the WDC bylaws, Article II/Members/Section 2.01

“Dues: The Board of Directors shall set the amount of the annual dues. Changes in the dues amount shall require a vote by the general membership following approval of the Board of Directors. A simple majority of those members who are present and voting shall be sufficient to adopt the dues.”

Thank you in advance for your consideration of the resolution to raise dues to help WDC maintain its firm financial footing.