Membership Categories
There are three levels of membership categories. The membership categories are an attempt to balance the competing objectives of access to the ICS cave database and protection of that information. This is accomplished by relating access of information to the demonstrated contributions and membership length of each member.
Associate
Level 1 – Start here…
Requirements
Pay annual dues (first year pro-rated)
Open to all
No screening or membership vote required
Benefits
- Access to ICS meetings and participation in discussions
- Will receive the newsletter, ICS Notebook, and other publications
- Access to the ICS eLibrary with over 3000 scanned Indiana-related grotto newsletters, guidebooks, references, etc…
- Access to many useful tools such as GeoPDF topo maps, County GIS websites, etc organized all in one place.
- Associate Membership considered favorably for requests for cave information from County Directors
Regular
Level 2
Requirements
Must submit at least 5 properly completed ICS cave report forms
AND
Must be an Associate member for 2 years
OR
Must have 3 sponsors that are Regular/Contributing members who have been a part of the ICS for at least 2 years
Some requirements can be waived
Must be voted on during a meeting
Benefits
- Includes all Associate Member Benefits
- Voting rights in general meetings on various matters
- Complete access to the on-line ICS Cave database.
Contributing
Level 3
Requirements
Must be a Regular member for at least 1 year
Must submit a resume justifying the change in membership status covering significant contributions made to the ICS
Nomination in writing by three Contributing Members, Board Members, or County Directors who know the nominee personally
Must be voted on
Benefits
- Include all Regular Membership Benefits
- Have the ability to request and have generated special reports and advanced access to the database.