The SFWA Board of Directors has decided that a dues increase is necessary. Dues notices for the new fiscal year, which begins on July 1, will go out in a few days. Due will go up twenty dollars across the board for active, associate, affiliate and estate members.

New lifetime members' dues will go up to $700, or ten times the cost of active members' dues. Current lifetime members who have already paid the $500 lifetime fee are unaffected by these increases.

As in the past, those members who can pay double-dues or who can contribute even a little extra are encouraged to do so. That extra money will be ear marked for members who may not be able to afford to pay this year.

Members who are unable to afford to pay dues have two options. First, they can arrange to pay in installments. Secondly, in hardship cases, they may ask for an outright dues deferral.

Posted June 30, 2006