Membership Policy

Introduction

The Pacific-Australia Youth Association Inc. (the Association) is a not-for-profit organisation that exists to foster a deeper knowledge of the Pacific and Australia region by building meaningful relationships, connections and community.. The Association welcomes anyone who supports this mission, and wants to help contribute to the Association and its goals through the membership process. This policy outlines the application process, rights, and responsibilities of different classes of members within the Association, as specified in the Constitution.

Classes of Membership

The Association includes the following classes of members:

Ordinary

  • Aged 18-35

  • Citizens or residents of the Pacific-Australia region, per the Constitution

  • Can vote at general meetings

  • Must renew annually with the payment of the fee

Life

  • Conferred for outstanding service

  • Can vote at general meetings

  • Exempt from fees and annual renewal process

Honorary

  • Conferred for exceptional support

  • Cannot vote at general meetings

  • Exempt from fees and annual renewal process

Associate

  • Not eligible as ordinary members

  • Cannot vote at general meetings

  • Must renew annually with the payment of the fee

General Rights and Responsibilties of Members

All members are expected to uphold the values and objectives of the Association. Members must abide by the Association's Constitution and policies. Members are encouraged to actively participate in the activities and initiatives of the Association. Members have the right to attend and vote at general meetings based on their membership class.

Application and Fees

Applications for membership must be through the Membership Form linked on the PAYA website, and be signed electronically by the applicant.

The membership fee for each class is decided by the members at a general meeting and is payable upon application. The fee will automatically renew every year, unless it is changed at a general meeting.

Admission and Rejection of New Members

The board of directors must consider an application at the next meeting after receiving the application and appropriate membership fee. For the period between the application and payment of the membership fee, and the next meeting of the board of directors, the applicant is considered to be a member for all purposes except voting in a general meeting. The board decides to accept or reject the application at the meeting. If accepted, the secretary provides the applicant with a written notice of the decision.

Review

This Membership Policy may be amended by a resolution at an Executive meeting. This Membership Policy is effective from 29 February 2024 and may be subject to review and amendment as necessary.