Membership Terms & Conditions

Updated February 16, 2026

1. Introduction

Open Education Association (the “Association”) is a nonprofit corporation incorporated in the District of Columbia and recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Association is dedicated to increasing access to education through strategic coordination, advocacy, and collaborative action. 

By becoming a member of the Association, you agree to be bound by these Membership Terms & Conditions (these “Terms”) and any other applicable Association policies. Further, by agreeing to these Terms, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and fully agree to comply with the terms and conditions of membership as set forth herein.

2. Membership Eligibility & Admission

Any person who supports the Association’s mission and purposes may apply for membership. Each member shall pay dues and other fees as established by the Association’s Board of Directors. Further eligibility requirements and categories of membership shall be as defined in the Association Governance Roadmap and related policies.

3. Membership Benefits & Privileges

Each member in good standing who has timely paid their dues in full shall have: 

  • Eligibility to serve in working groups, committees, and leadership positions

  • Access to Association programs, resources, events, and publications 

  • Access to a members-only website, member directory, and email list

  • The right to publicly identify as a member of the Association

  • Representation in the Association’s advocacy efforts

4. Membership Term, Dues & Payment

  • Membership Term: Membership begins on the date the Association accepts the member’s application for membership and the member pays their dues in full, and extends for a period of one (1) year thereafter (“Membership Year”). A membership may be renewed upon the first anniversary of their Membership Year and each anniversary thereafter, provided the member remains in good standing and continues to timely pay their dues in full. 

  • Dues: Membership dues are established by the Association’s Board of Directors.Current dues rates are posted on the Association’s website. The Association reserves the right to alter dues rates at any time, provided that any such change will not affect a current member in good standing, who has paid their dues in full, until their next Membership Year.

  • Refunds: Except where explicitly stated otherwise in these Terms,membershipdues are non-refundable.

  • Tax Exemption: A portion of membership dues may be tax deductible as a charitable contribution for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The Association may provide an estimate of the deductible portion by email. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Association does not provide tax or legal advice. It is the member’s sole responsibility to: (i) determine whether any payments made to the Association qualify for a tax deduction; and (ii) maintain proper records for reporting charitable contributions on the member’s federal tax return. 

  • Subsidies: The Association may, at its sole discretion, provide full or partial subsidies for membership dues. When a subsidy is granted, dues are considered paid in full for that Membership Year. Subsidies expire at the end of the Membership Year. Thereafter, members must apply for a new subsidy or pay the applicable membership dues in full.

  • Auto-Pay Option: Members may choose to enable auto-pay, which automatically processes renewal dues thirty (30) days before their Anniversary Date using the member’s selected payment method. Auto-pay enrollment is voluntary on an “opt-in” basis and may be canceled at any time before renewal processing.

5. Termination & Denial of Membership

  • Cancellation due to non-payment: The Association may cancel a membership for non-payment of dues. The Association may cancel the membership of any member who fails to pay their dues in full within three (3) months of becoming due. Notwithstanding the foregoing, during such three (3) month period, the Association may, at its sole discretion, suspend or limit access to the member’s membership benefits until their dues are paid in full. Members terminated for non-payment may re-apply for membership at any time.

  • Expulsion, Suspension, or Termination: A member or membership may be expelled, suspended, or terminated at the Association’s sole discretion for conduct that is detrimental to the Association’s mission or contrary to the Association’s Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, policies, these Terms, or applicable law. 

  • Denial: The Association reserves the right to decline an application for membership or a membership renewal for any lawful reason. If an application for membership or membership renewal is declined, any funds pre-paid for the Membership Year in which the individual was denied membership will be refunded within ten (10) business days of the decision to deny the application for membership or membership renewal.

6. Member Information & Privacy

  • The Association collects and uses member information for membership administration and related purposes, subject to the Association’s Privacy Policy.

7. Limitation of Liability & Indemnification

  • MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS ARE PROVIDED ON AN “AS IS” BASIS ONLY. THE ASSOCIATION DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT, AND ACCURACY. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL THE ASSOCIATION BE LIABLE TO ANY MEMBER FOR INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RELATED TO MEMBERSHIP.

  • The member will indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Association, and the Association’s affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents, and representatives against all losses, liabilities, claims, damages, actions, fines, penalties, expenses, or costs (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and court costs) arising out of or in connection with any third-party claim, suit, action, or preceding relating to such the member’s (i) breach of these Terms; (ii) negligence or willful misconduct; and (iii) violation of applicable law.

8. General Provisions

  • The Association may revise these Terms at any time. The most current version will be posted publicly on the Association’s website, and continued membership constitutes acceptance of any such revisions.

  • Nothing in these Terms shall be construed to alter or limit the authority of the Association’s Board of Directors or any of its delegates.

  • These Terms are governed by and shall be construed under the laws of the District of Columbia, without giving effect to its conflicts of laws principles. 

  • If you have any questions or concerns regarding these Terms, please contact us at contact@opened.org.