Would you like to be able to utilize some free Active memberships this year? If the answer is yes, keep reading! Each state has ten (10) complimentary Active memberships available to award. When you are ready to commit, we ask state leadership to request them via this form.
State leaders decide who best to give them to with this in mind:
- should be used with Active or potential Active members
- are for new members or members who have had lapsed membership at least three years
- can be used effectively to help current students who are graduating and headed into teaching classrooms to continue their relationship with ACDA
- could be used for hardship cases when a current member doesn’t have the funds to pay dues for one year
You have a choice in Complimentary Membership Programs
Traditional Complimentary Membership Program
ACDA’s Traditional Complimentary Membership Program provides eligible individuals with one free year of Active membership—a great way to become part of a vibrant choral community at no cost. This program is designed to welcome those who are new to the profession, returning to choral work, or experiencing financial hardship.
Who Is Eligible?
This program is ideal for:
- Student members transitioning to professional membership
- Choral professionals who have never been ACDA members, particularly those from underrepresented communities
- Former members who have been inactive for at least three years
- Members who experiencing financial hardship, such as job loss, medical issues, or major life changes
How It Works
- Eligible individuals accept your invitation OR complete a short application form and submit it to their state membership chair. Upon approval, the chair then shares the National Application form link with eligible individuals.
- Once approved, the participant is awarded a one-year Active membership in ACDA at no cost.
- Your state needs a Retention Plan. Only about 20% of complimentary memberships are renewed the following year; 87% with the 2-year plan. We can improve that by making a special effort with these members!
- Many states encourage a local ACDA member to serve as a “buddy” to help the new member connect with resources, programs, and people.
- No refunds can be given to people who have already joined as a regular ACDA member but later receive a complimentary certificate. Check with the national office to ensure that the people you are considering are not already members.
- Complimentary memberships must be submitted by June 30, 2026.
- You must report your results.
Why It Matters
This program is a simple, effective way to expand access to ACDA’s professional network, resources, and support. Participants gain full access to all ACDA benefits, including the Choral Journal, conference discounts, mentoring, and more.
Whether the eligible individual is just starting out, finding their way back to the choral profession, or navigating a tough season—this program is here to help them stay connected.
If your state has additional people who qualify and you have a plan for special outreach and retention efforts for them, contact Trina Kopacka, Membership Experience Manager, gro.a1754409044dca@a1754409044kcapo1754409044kt1754409044, 405.232.8161, ext 110, about the possibility of authorizing additional comp memberships.
These memberships are designed to bring in new members for a trial year, with the hope and expectation that they will experience firsthand the benefits of ACDA membership and renew on their own next year.
2-year Complimentary Membership Program
ACDA’s 2-Year Complimentary Membership Program is a strategic initiative designed to make membership more accessible for individuals who may face barriers to joining or renewing. It is especially well-suited for recent graduates, lapsed members, and professionals navigating financial or personal hardship. The program also strengthens ACDA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion by reaching choral professionals from underrepresented communities.
Rather than offering one free year, this model provides two years of membership at a 50% reduced rate—$62.50 per year.
Originally piloted in Missouri, the program has seen outstanding results. While the national average for post-year-one retention of complimentary members is 20%, Missouri has achieved an 87% renewal rate since adopting this model.
State chapters with stable engaging leadership and strong support from the president, membership chair, and treasurer are ideal candidates to implement the 2-Year Complimentary Membership Program. Contact Trina Kopacka, ACDA’s Membership Experience Manager for questions about and approval for adopting this program.
Who Is Eligible?
This program is ideal for:
- Individuals experiencing financial hardship, such as job loss, medical issues, divorce, or other major life changes
- Student members transitioning to full Active Professional status
- Choral professionals who have never been ACDA members, especially those from marginalized or underrepresented communities
- Former members who have been inactive for at least three years
How It Works (External-Facing Experience)
- Applicants complete a short application form (digital or physical) and submit it to the state chapter with a $62.50 payment to the state for Year 1. The state chapter will hold these funds in escrow for one year. You will then fill out the National Complimentary Form and National will apply a one year complimentary membership.
- In Year 2, the participant pays another $62.50 to the state chapter, completing the discounted two-year membership cycle. The state will send National the payment received in year one and year two (a total of $125.00) and National will renew the member’s membership. From the participant’s perspective, they are receiving a 50% discount over a two-year period.
Considerations for state implementation:
- Awardees should qualify for Active membership.
- Your state needs a Retention Plan. Only about 20% of complimentary memberships are renewed the following year; 87% with the 2-year plan. We can improve that by making a special effort with these members!
- No refunds can be given to people who have already joined as a regular ACDA member but later receive a complimentary certificate. Check with the national office to ensure that the people you are considering are not current members.
- Complimentary memberships must be submitted by June 30, 2026.
- You must report your results.
State Communications Lead should:
- Sends out program information to appropriate audience
- Promotes the opportunity through email, website, and possibly social media
- May collaborate on a landing page or FAQs to answer common questions
Implementation Tools and Collateral
To support smooth rollout, the following tools should be developed:
- One-page overview for prospective participants
- Step-by-step guide for the State Membership Chair
- Step-by-step guide for the State Treasurer
- Sample application form (digital or print)
- Template communications for email and web
Implementing the program
Once a new member has been identified for the program, a comp membership is processed. The ACDA national office will send the members a welcome email, as well as begin their subscription to Choral Journal. We strongly encourage states to proactively engage these members and check in with them throughout the year.
Apply to use one of the ACDA Complimentary Programs
Use this form to apply for the complimentary membership program that best fits your state chapter’s needs. Note: If you wish to use the 2-Year Program, you must contact Trina Kopacka for prior approval.
You can monitor which individuals have activated their complimentary memberships by checking the Google Sheet shared with you when your state was approved.
Need the link? Email Trina Kopacka.
Questions? Contact Trina Kopacka, ACDA Membership Experience Manager, at gro.a1754409044dca@a1754409044kcapo1754409044KT1754409044 or by phone at 405.232.8161, ext 110.
