On 10 June, the Ecsite Annual General Assembly voted a number of changes to Ecsite membership, reflected in the new Internal regulations. Here's a summary of what's changed.
Widening the definition of Full membership
Over the past 25 years, Ecsite has grown considerably in size and scope, adapting to changes in the science engagement field and to Ecsite members' changing social role and organisational needs. Over time, its membership composition widened and founding members (science centres and museums) welcomed other types of science engagement organisations, such as science festivals, universities or learned societies.
Up till now, however, this has not been entirely reflected in Ecsite governance. Only Full members have voting rights at the Annual General Meeting and can send representatives to the Board - alongside other exclusive benefits such as taking part to the Directors Forum. The AGM therefore decided to widen access to Full membership.
Ecsite members are non-profit organisations legally established in geographical Europe, that connect people to science and technology and that agree with Ecsite’s mission, values and position statements. In addition they:
- Have public engagement with science at the heart of their activities;
- Provide opportunities for free-choice and experiential learning(s)
- Are committed to including everyone as a participant regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, ability or political affiliation
- Share Ecsite’s common values and value its international status.
Introducing a new category of members: one-person company
In recent years, Ecsite has been regularly approached by one-person companies, consultants, free lancers etc. who want to join the association but do not have the legal structure allowing them to do so. The AGM decided to make it possible for these one-person entities to join Ecsite, with a membership fee similar to that of Associate members.
Membership fees for 2016
The following fees have been approved:
- Full member : € 1,660
- Associate member: € 420
- Sustaining member: € 835
- One-person company: € 420
Summary of benefits to different membership categories
Can't read this table on your screen? Download the pdf.
| BENEFITS | FULL MEMBERS | SUSTAINING | ASSOCIATE | 1-PERSON COMPANY |
| ENRICH YOUR PRACTICE / DEVELOP YOUR NETWORK | ||||
| Network with Senior management and participate to the Directors’ Forum | X | |||
| Visit Ecsite members for free and join the Ecsite Move | X | |||
| Join the community of professionals of the 4 Thematic groups | X | X | X | X |
| Discounts and / or Priority on learning opportunities | X | X | X | X |
| SAVE MONEY | ||||
| Discount on the pre-conference workshops and the Annual Conference registration fees | X | X | X | X |
| GET FUNDING | ||||
| Possibility to be invited by Ecsite to participate to EU-funded projects | X | X | * | |
| STAY INFORMED | ||||
| Printed yearly digest of articles highlighting trends in the field | X | |||
| Ecsite’s monthly news and magazine by email | X | X | X | X |
| Access to members’ only news | X | X | X | X |
| RAISE YOUR VISIBILITY AND ENLARGE YOUR MARKET | ||||
| Discount on a booth rental at the Annual Conference Business Bistro | X | |||
| Discount on the Annual Conference Sponsors packages | X | X | ||
| Your corporate profile on the Members’ searchable online directory | X | X | X | X |
| Publish your news and events on the Ecsite website’s members page | X | X | X | X |
| Advertise on the website at a reduced rate | X | X | X | |
| Promote your travelling exhibitions on EXTRA for free | X | X | X | X |
| GOVERN YOUR ASSOCIATION | ||||
| Join the Board of Ecsite | X | |||
| Voting privilege at the Annual General Meeting | X | |||
| Be part of the Annual Conference Programme Committee (ACPC) and other committees | X | * | ||
| Printed Annual Report | X | X | X | X |
| MAKE THE CASE | ||||
| Receive structured information and be part of advocating efforts at European and national levels | X | |||
* Only in exceptional cases, when required.
