Membership in Oriole Dog Training Club

How do you become a member of Oriole? 

Oriole DTC is an entirely volunteer organization, and we need volunteers to teach, help put on events, and help with running our two buildings. As an incentive to work for the club, we provide benefits such as lower class fees. Usually people begin the membership process by taking an introductory or upper level class at Oriole. But if you have moved to the area and want to become involved right away, that's okay too! First you must become a Provisional member This means that you are applying for membership. The procedure is as follows:

Send in an application, available on this site, or have one sent to you by calling (410) 298-K9K9 and leaving your name and address information.

• You must ask an Oriole member in good standing to act as your Sponsor. This person is expected to answer questions about the club and introduce you to other members, and to provide input to the board in reviewing your application. A member may sponsor only two Provisional members per year.
• Once the application has been received and processed and notification sent, you become a Provisional member for about six months.The Board of Directors reserves the right to continue Provisional membership for an additional six months if necessary.
• Once the six months are up, the Board will vote on full membership at the next scheduled Board meeting and you will be notified of the results. While you are a Provisional member, you will be expected to volunteer to help the club with activities. You may also teach classes at Oriole, but you cannot vote or hold office until you are voted in as a full member and have paid your dues.

Membership Categories

• Contributing members must take substantial responsibility for some aspect of club activities, and in return receive discounts on classes and other benefits as listed below. 
• Members (both training and non-training) must attend two membership meetings within a membership term and help at club activities as needed, and in return receive discounts on classes and other benefits.
• Honorary and Lifetime members are appointed by the Board for outstanding service to the club. Honorary members are appointed for a period of one year, and Lifetime members for life. During these periods they do not pay training fees.
• Provisional members. (See above)
• A list of Contributing members will be prepared by the Membership Secretary prior to each registration period. Class fees to be paid will be based on this list.

Membership Benefits

• Contributing members pay 33-50% of full price for all classes. and get first choice for seminars and ALL classes, if they meet the class criteria and deadlines.
• All other members in good standing pay 66-75% of full price for all classes and seminars, and get second choice for seminars and ALL classes if they meet the class criteria and deadlines.
• Non-members and Provisional members pay full price for classes and seminars.
• Remaining spots for all classes and seminars are open to the public.
• All members except Provisional and Honorary members can vote.
• All members have access to the club newsletter, The Dumbbell, either online or by regular mail .
• Only Contributing and (training) members in good standing are eligible for club trophies.

For additional information on joining Oriole, call (410) 298-K9K9, or email the Membership Secretary.