Become a Member & Active Guardian of Our Territorial Memory
Membership in Mémoire et Patrimoine Chaunois is a democratic commitment to the living heritage of our region. As a member, you participate directly in setting our research priorities, electing our leadership, and safeguarding community history.
In accordance with the French law of July 1, 1901 (RNA W022006151), our association is democratically governed by its members, with zero commercial profit motives.
Our Statutory Reinvestment Guarantee
Statutory Reinvestment Guarantee
"All membership fees and dues are fully reinvested in the association's public interest missions."
Under French non-profit law, your membership dues never finance private salaries, shareholder dividends, or speculative ventures. Every cent received directly supports:
- Purchasing acid-free archival storage boxes and protective Mylar sleeves to conserve historical photographs.
- Financing printing costs for free educational heritage booklets distributed to local primary schools.
- Maintaining high-resolution scanning and audio recording equipment used by volunteer field researchers.
- Renting municipal conference halls and audiovisual equipment for free community lectures.
Democratic Rights & Member Responsibilities
Unlike corporate subscriptions or commercial memberships, joining an Association Loi 1901 is an act of democratic civic engagement. As a member in good standing, you enjoy full statutory rights:
1. General Assembly Voting
Every member holds one vote at the annual General Assembly. You directly debate and vote on the President's moral report, the Treasurer's financial ledgers, and proposed amendments to association bylaws.
2. Eligibility for Leadership
After six months of active membership, any member may stand for election to the Board of Directors (Conseil d'Administration), helping steer our research agenda and community partnerships.
3. Archival Consultation
Members enjoy priority consultation access to our physical and digital documentation archives at 7 Rue du Général Leclerc in Chauny, with personalized research guidance from experienced volunteers.
Membership Categories (Annual Voluntary Contributions)
To ensure accessibility for all residents regardless of financial circumstances, our association maintains affordable, transparent membership contribution tiers:
| Category | Annual Contribution | Rights & Benefits | Eligible Public |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Member (Membre Actif) |
€ 20.00 / year | Full voting rights at General Assembly, priority access to documentation center, quarterly newsletter. | All residents, researchers, and local history enthusiasts. |
| Benefactor Member (Membre Bienfaiteur) |
€ 50.00 / year | Full voting rights, commemorative certificate, dedication in annual research monograph, tax receipt (CGI 200). | Supporters wishing to provide additional financial assistance to youth education programs. |
| Volunteer Member (Membre Bénévole) |
€ 10.00 / year (Reduced Rate) |
Full voting rights, participation in working groups (archival, oral history, walks, exhibitions). | Students, job seekers, retirees, and active field volunteers contributing regular service hours. |
How to Submit Your Membership Request
To join Mémoire et Patrimoine Chaunois, you can visit our documentation center during public hours, mail your application to our headquarters at 7 Rue du Général Leclerc in Chauny, or initiate the process online by reaching out to our volunteer coordination team.