Our members are an essential part of the work we do. Join us in making a lasting impact on the lives of deaf people throughout the world.
Here are the ways you can become a member of the GDMF:
Any recognized or registered national organization of the deaf, with legal status, and that has an established position in its country, its majority of members are deaf persons, and its vision and aims similar to those of the GDMF, may apply for Ordinary Member (OM) status.
The Board of Directors shall review for approval Ordinary Member applications by eligible national organizations of the deaf.
Ordinary Membership shall be limited to one national organization of the deaf in each country. The Board of Directors shall have the authority to approve exceptions to these Bylaws, for extraordinary circumstances. If two or more national organizations of the deaf state that they represent deaf people in a country, the Board of Directors shall use “GDMF Role in Ordinary Member Conflicts” to determine which of the national organizations has the widest recognition among the deaf population in that country.
Ordinary Members shall inform the Board of Directors of any changes to their organizational documents as well as any deaf leadership changes, for the official GDMF record.
Ordinary Members shall be responsible for timely, consecutive-year, and full payment of annual membership fees to GDMF, with such fees determined by the Board of Directors.
Any Ordinary Member that has not fulfilled their overdue membership fee within three (3) months of the due date of the fee may not vote at General Assembly, nor do they have the right to submit agenda items for General Assembly meetings.
The Ordinary Member shall be considered to have resigned, if after three months (3) of the due date, no fee has been paid.
Ordinary Members that have defaulted on their annual membership fees shall be noted in the Board of Directors meeting minutes and the General Assembly minutes.
Ordinary Members shall be entitled to receive information from GDMF and other privileges as determined by the Board of Directors.
Any national or regional organisation that does not meet the criteria to become an Ordinary Member, or cannot become an Ordinary Member because one already exists in their country, shall be encouraged to apply for Associate Member (AM) status.
Associate Members are expected to support the vision and aims of GDMF.
The Board of Directors shall review for approval Associate Member applications by eligible organizations.
Associate Members shall be responsible for timely and full payment of annual membership fees to GDMF, as set by the Board of Directors.
Upon fulfillment of annual membership fees, Associate Members shall be entitled only to observer privileges during General Assembly meetings.
If an Associate Member has failed to pay their membership fee for more than three (3) months after the due date of the fee, the Associate Member shall be suspended from GDMF. The Associate Member shall be considered to have resigned if after three months (3) of the due date, no fee is paid.
Associate Members shall be entitled to receive information from GDMF and other privileges as determined by the Board of Directors.
International organizations, having legal capacity and applying for International Member (INTM) status, must provide evidence of their international focus, objectives, and activities, and explain how these are in line with the vision and aims of GDMF.
The Board of Directors shall review for approval International Member applications by eligible organizations.
International Members shall be responsible for timely and full payment of annual membership fees to GDMF, as set by the Board of Directors. The International Member shall be considered to have resigned if after three months (3) of the due date, no fee is paid.
Upon fulfilment of annual membership fees, International Members shall be entitled only to observer privileges during General Assembly meetings.
International Members shall be entitled to receive information from GDMF and other privileges as determined by the Board of Directors. GDMF shall provide support to and collaborate with International Members towards achievement of mutual goals, e.g., defending rights and benefits and seeking solutions.
Honorary Member (HM) status may be conferred upon persons who have served with distinction and dedication on the Board of Directors, its committees, expert networks, or having contributed to the benefit of GDMF. The Board of Directors shall propose Honorary Member candidates for approval by the General Assembly.
Honorary Members shall be entitled only to observer privileges at Board of Directors meetings, General Assembly meetings, and other GDMF activities.
Honorary Members shall be entitled to receive information from GDMF and other privileges as determined by the Board of Directors.
Honorary Member status may be declined by the honoree.
Individuals who wish to support GDMF, its vision and aims, may apply for Individual Member (IM) status.
The Board of Directors shall review for approval Individual Member applications by individuals.
Individual Members shall be responsible for timely and full payment of annual membership fees to GDMF, as set by the Board of Directors. The Individual Member shall be considered to have resigned if after three months (3), no fee is paid.
Upon fulfillment of annual membership fees, Individual Members shall be entitled only to observer privileges during General Assembly meetings.
Individual Members shall be entitled to receive information from GDMF and other privileges as determined by the Board of Directors.
