What does it mean in the by-laws when an inactive member is taken off the rolls? Does that mean that they are no longer a member and have to reapply for membership? We have a member who left the organization 20 years ago and wants to rejoin. Are they a new member or a returning member? And do their previous years in the organization count if they want to run for office?

Dear Doris,

I would say that anyone who has been taken off the rolls because he is inactive means that the organization removed him from membership. I am part of an organization that has an inactive membership status. The board is to contact inactive members. If the person does not respond after so long he can be removed from membership. I would say that he has to reapply for membership and will come in as a new member. Do your bylaws have a returning member status? If not then the person needs to come in as a new member and start from the beginning.

Cheerio,

Little Ben

Question submitted by Doris on June 2, 2016

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