A. Active Members: Active members are currently employed by University of Georgia Cooperative Extension or Fort Valley State University Extension in professional status or operating under an official agreement with University of Georgia Cooperative Extension in a professional status. Active members who retire may complete that membership year as active members, with full membership benefits. Active members join the state and national association. Active members receive full-membership benefits which includes, but is not limited to, (1) voting, (2) holding elected or appointed position on the Board of Directors, (3) serving as the lead author on awards, (4) seeking reimbursement for attending the national meeting, (5) receiving newsletters, (6) presenting and attending workshops and exhibits.

Examples Include: Extension Educators, Extension Agents, County Extension Coordinators, Extension Specialists and State 4-H Staff, Extension Leadership, and other Extension Professionals

B. State Extension Partner Members: State Extension Partner Members are 4-H/youth development paraprofessionals with University of Georgia Cooperative Extension or Fort Valley State University Extension. State Extension Partner Members only join the state association. State Extension Partner Members will receive GAE4-HYDP membership, entitling them to benefits which includes, but is not limited to (1) receiving newsletters, (2) attending the state meeting, and (3) present and attend workshops and exhibits. State Extension Partner Members will not be allowed to (1) vote, (2) hold elected or appointed position on the Board of Directors, (3) serve as the lead author on awards, and (4) seek reimbursement for attending the national meeting.

Examples Include: Extension Program Assistants, AmeriCorps State Members, AmeriCorps VISTA Members

C. Life Members: Life members are former University of Georgia Cooperative Extension or Fort Valley State University Extension employees who retired in a professional status. Life members must retire from Extension (not merely move out of a 4-H Youth position). Life members are members of the state and national association. Life members enjoy all rights and privileges of an active member. Active GAE4-HYDP members who retire may complete that membership year as active members, with full membership benefits. They will be required to join as a life member for the following year. If a life member returns to active employment status, they will be required to pay dues as an active member. Life member status would be reinstated without additional payment when Extension employee returns to retirement status.

Examples Include: Retired Extension Educators, Extension Agents, County Extension Coordinators, Extension Specialists and State 4-H Staff, Extension Leadership, and other Extension Professionals

D. Student Members: Student members are individuals currently attending a college/university with full-time graduate student status. Student members join the state and national association. Student members will receive state membership, entitling them to benefits which includes, but is not limited to (1) receiving newsletters, (2) attending the state meeting, and (3) present and attend workshops and exhibits. Student Members will not be allowed to (1) vote, (2) hold elected or appointed position on the Board of Directors, (3) serve as the lead author on awards, and (4) seek reimbursement for attending the national meeting. Student members will also join the national association as a student member.

Examples Include: Graduate Assistants and Graduate Students

E. Affiliate Members: Affiliate members can be (1) adult professionals employed in youth development other than Extension; (2) former GAE4-HYDP dues paying members who were Active members but do not currently qualify for Active or Life membership; (3) GAE4-HYDP donors and sponsors. Affiliate members will receive state membership, entitling them to benefits which includes, but is not limited to (1) receiving newsletters, (2) attending the state meeting, and (3) present and attend workshops and exhibits. Affiliate Members will not be allowed to (1) vote, (2) hold elected or appointed position on the Board of Directors, (3) serve as the lead author on awards, and (4) seek reimbursement for attending the national meeting. Affiliate members will also join the national association as an affiliate member.

Examples Include: University of Georgia Public Service and Outreach Faculty, GAE4-HYDP donors and sponsors, and other non-Extension youth development professionals

The Association shall conduct an annual enrollment of members. The membership year shall be January 1 thru December 31. However, persons may be admitted to membership at any time during the membership year. Only active and life members in good standing of the Association shall be eligible to vote or hold elected or appointed positions therein.

A new employee may attend the national meeting upon payment of state and national dues for the current year.

Membership in the Association shall be available in accordance with the latest version of Non-Discrimination Statement used by UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.