We have recently spent a great deal of time and energy studying how to best (and most equitably) adjust our Membership Rate structure to ensure our continued financial stability. Our Membership Team, headed by Diana Ram and Dara Sariaslani, has led the effort and all Members were invited to submit their input in person or in writing.
It’s important to keep in mind that this adjustment was required by the additional costs of our recent expansion, accrued cost increases due to inflation, and the fact that membership rates have not changed since 2021. We knew this step was necessary when we signed the lease on Suite D; we just wanted to make sure to do it properly and with due consideration.
When we opened the Member Shop, we followed a policy of allowing existing Silver and Gold Members the opportunity to renew at the same rate they paid when they first joined. Although no existing Silver or Gold Member has experienced a rate increase since they joined the Shop, we have raised the Membership rate four times over the nine years we’ve been in existence. This means that we currently have four different levels of Membership fees. One comment we heard repeatedly is that all Members should be on the same fee schedule. So, we have begun a gradual adjustment that will ultimately bring all Members to the same rate level. Consequently, those who have been Members the longest will see a slightly larger increase to get us to “parity.”
The Board of Directors has unanimously agreed on the new rate structure, which will take effect July 1, 2026; membership renewal after that date will be at the new rate. The “auto-renewal” will reflect the change and, as always, you will receive an email in advance of your autorenewal, alerting you that you will be charged unless you opt out.
The other theme that ran consistently throughout our discussions was the fact that even at the new rates, membership in the SDFWA is of great value to anyone with a serious interest in woodworking. We have endeavored to build more benefits into SDFWA Membership, and we will continue to do so. Our new expansion, while certainly expensive, enabled us to make so many positive changes… a more comfortable and functional meeting facility, additional space to allow for new features (SIG of the Month, Tables for key leadership Members to provide information and support and Brag Table are just a few). And we can now make professional presentations available on a wide variety of topics… virtually every month!
Thank you to everyone that participated in this process. Together, we look forward to the continued growth and success of the SDFWA.
New SDFWA Membership Rates, Effective July 1, 2026
Shop Memberships
If your current Annual Shop Membership rate is:
• $185, your new rate will be $250
• $235, your new rate will be $290
• $250, your new rate will be $300
• $295, your new rate will be $340
• $335, your new rate will be $430
• $395, your new rate will be $485
• $550, your new rate will be $635
If you are uncertain what your current Annual Membership rate is, you can find this information in your ProClass account under Payments.
Additional Shop Slots will now be $100 for 5 additional slots.
Bronze Membership
Bronze Membership will increase from $35 to $50.
Administrative Fee
Handling checks and cash creates a significant administrative burden. Therefore, we encourage payment by credit card and appreciate those who elect the “auto-renewal” option. If paying by cash or check, we will now charge a $10 administration fee.
Please add this to the Membership amount on renewal.
Questions
Questions can be addressed to Diana Ram or Dara Sariaslani, our Co-Directors of Membership, or to any Board Member.