Membership Changes

Changes in Structure and System

Substantial changes to our membership structure and system started in 2023 and will be completed in 2024.  The previous variation of membership fees between Branches has been removed.  A common membership year for all, from 1st September to the following 31st August, has been adopted. A key aim of the changes is to automate many of the tasks involved in the running of the membership system, thereby speeding up responses to membership applications and reducing the workload on our team of volunteers.

Frequently Asked Questions

The new membership system brings the facilities for online applications and payments, along with means for members to keep their own details up to date.  As with any new system there may be many questions that need answers.  Some of these at set out in the “FAQ” page.  More items will be added when feedback from members and others identifies topics that need clarification.

Renewals for 2024-25 Year

The annual renewal invitation was sent out by email to members in August.  Renewing online through the membership account is the recommended way of paying the appropriate subscription fee.

To ensure inclusion in the distribution of the Autumn edition of North Irish Roots prompt renewal of your membership is needed.

Membership Term

With effect from September 2024 the yearly Membership Term for all members of the Society is from 1st September to 31st August.

The membership subscription rates for 2024-25 year are £25 Single and £40 Joint.

New members can be accepted “early” from 1st May.

Joining the Society

This is now done through the new website at membership.nifhs.org.
The present membership year is from 1 September 2024 to 31 August 2025.

Subscription Payment

Online Payment
The new membership system uses an online payments platform for handling subscriptions.  This is the recommended method of payment. The payment card brands accepted by the platform are Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.  This online payment method allows prompt membership account activation.

Offline Payment
Offline payment by cheque may be selected during the online signup or renewal process.
For a Branch Member, the cheque with the membership form is to be sent to the Branch Treasurer.
For a Virtual Member, the cheque with the membership form is to be sent to the Society Treasurer.
The Membership account is activated after the cheque cleared through the bank.

At Branch Meetings, new and renewing offline memberships and subscriptions are dealt with by the Branch Treasurer.

Some notes about the new Membership System and Website

  • The Membership website at membership.nifhs.org is separate from the existing “old” NIFHS website at www.nifhs.org.
  • The new membership system merges the previous Associate and Branch structures.
  • The standard membership year, from 1st September to 31st August, is adopted.
  • A Membership Account is used for subscription payment purposes through which details about postal address and email address are kept up to date by the member.  It will provide, at a later date, the access to resources for members.
  • Each Member has been allocated a new membership number in the “Mxxxx” series (x = digit).
  • The new membership number is used as the username for the membership account. The password for the account is chosen by the member.
  • A Member, who so wishes, can choose which Branch to be linked with.
  • An email reminder about membership renewal will be sent in early August each year.
  • Members renew through their account.  There is no automatic charging of credit/debit cards.
  • Renewal of membership by subscription payment needs to be done within 56 days of the due date, 1st September.

Passwords

Membership Account Password
The new membership system within the website at membership.nifhs.org uses Membership Accounts for the receipt of subscriptions. Each member sets their own password.

Members Area Password
Through the website at www.nifhs.org members have password-protected access to certain resources.  The password for that access is not the same as that used for the membership account.  It cannot be changed by members.

Looking Ahead
When the work on the new website is completed, only the membership account password will be needed for Subscriptions and Members Area content.

Change Membership Account Password

The new membership system uses “membership accounts”.  A member with a “M” number can reset their account password if it has been lost or forgotten.

Use the “Lost Password?” link below the “Log In” button on the Log In screen.

Sorry – it’s not easily found.