Membership Policy

At the YMCA of Southern Maine, we know we are the strongest when everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive at the Y. Our mission statement (above) calls us to serve all people in our community. We have recently updated our membership policy to ensure we are fulfilling our mission and meeting the diverse needs of our membership. Below is a brief summary of the changes:

Family: Family structures in our communities are evolving and the definition of “household” is changing as a result. The Y is committed to supporting all types of families.  We’ve changed our definition of household to include grandparents, caretakers, foster children, siblings, friends, partners, etc. Our family membership definition now includes all adults and dependent children in a household living at the same address.

Privacy: We hear about the importance of privacy from many different people, for many different reasons: members recovering from surgery or cancer treatment, members who are obese, underweight or modest, members with certain cultural or religious beliefs etc.  In order to meet the privacy needs of all members, we are making sure that there are private showering spaces and at least two private changing spaces in each locker room.  There will also be private locker room options within each of our facilities that any member can use.

Gender: Our society is learning more and more about the complexity of gender. Our membership policy now clarifies that gender is self-identified. The Y community will honor a member’s gender identification and will ensure program, service and facility access is available based on that identification.

Our updated membership policy is listed below. We hope these changes better serve the diverse needs of our members and better reflect our core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. We value our members’ personal beliefs and respect the right to those beliefs.

If you have any questions, concerns or thoughts about the changes listed above, you can reach me at hbrena@ymcaofsouthermaine.org or 207-874-1111.

Helen L. Breña
Chief Executive Officer
YMCA of Southern Maine

Membership Policy - Updated July 1, 2014

I.  The Y Mission

Building an inclusive, healthy community for all, regardless of ability to pay.

II.  The Y Cause

The Y is a powerful association of men, women and children of all ages and from all walks of life joined together by a shared passion:  to strengthen the foundations of community.

III.  Areas of Focus

Youth Development:  Nurturing the potential of every child and teen
We believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve.  That’s why, through the Y, millions of youth today are cultivating the values, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health and educational achievement.
 
Healthy Living:  Improving the nation’s health and well-being
In communities across the nation, the Y is a leading voice on health and well-being.  With a mission centered on balance, the Y brings families closer together, encourages good health and fosters connections through fitness, sports, fun and shared interests.  As a result, millions of youth, adults, and families are receiving the support, guidance and resources needed to achieve greater health and well-being for their spirit, mind, and body.
 
Social Responsibility:  Giving back and providing support to our neighbors
The Y has been listening and responding to our communities’ most critical social needs for 170 years.  Whether developing skills or emotional well-being through education and training, welcoming and connecting diverse populations through global services, or preventing chronic disease and building healthier communities through collaborations with policymakers, the Y fosters the care and respect all people need and deserve.  Through the Y, thousands of volunteers, donors, leaders, and partners across the country are empowering millions of people in the U.S. and around the world to be healthy, confident, connected, and secure.
 

IV.  The Y Values

Our core values unite us as a movement with a common cause.  They are the shared beliefs and essential principles that guide our behavior, interactions with each other and decision-making.
The four values of the Y:
Caring:  Show a sincere concern for others
Honesty:  Be truthful in what you say and do
Respect:  Follow the golden rule
Responsibility:  Be accountable for your promises and actions
 

V.  Policy of Nondiscrimination

It is the policy of the YMCA to make membership available to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or financial circumstances without discrimination.
 

VI.  Membership Privileges and Conditions

Benefits and Privileges
Continuity of Membership:  Members shall be encouraged to regard membership in the Y as a continuous relationship regardless of payment timing.  Members are terminated through cancellation by the member (including non-payment of dues) or by action of the CEO or Branch Executive Director.
 
YMCA of Southern Maine Reciprocity:  A member at one branch of the YMCA of Southern Maine shall have the same privileges at all branches.
 
YMCA Movement Reciprocity: The YMCA of Southern Maine offers universal reciprocity.  Members of any other YMCA shall be admitted at no charge.  Verification of membership is required.  YMCA of Southern Maine members are also eligible for reciprocity throughout New England and for the AWAY program throughout the movement.
 
Program Enrollment: Members may receive priority privileges for most programs, including pricing.  Members of a YMCA other than the YMCA of Southern Maine are considered non-members for program usage.
 
Services for People with Disabilities: The Y serves people of all abilities.  We provide reasonable accommodations to enable all people to participate in our programs and services.  Please contact us if there is an accommodation that you need.
 
100% Satisfaction Guarantee: The Y is proud to offer a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.  A dissatisfied member may, upon notice to Y staff, terminate their membership effective immediately.  If a draft member, the next draft will not take place.  If the member has paid in full, he/she can request a refund for the unused portion of the membership.  Joiners fees are not refundable except at the discretion of the CEO or Branch Executive Director and his/her designee.
 
Physical Readiness
Before starting any exercise program, members will be encouraged to check with their primary care physician.
 
Code of Conduct
Members join the Y in an intentional step toward seeking new opportunities to learn, grow and thrive.  Members come together with men, women, and children from the community in a commitment to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.  With the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility, the Y works with each member every day to help them realize their potential.  We promote and expect the same from our members to create a safe, fun, inclusive and nurturing place for all.  Our Code of Conduct outlines these expectations:

We encourage the following:

• Engaging in Healthy Lifestyles
• Respecting Differences and Celebrating Diversity
• Modeling Empathy
• Learning New Skills
• Meeting Other People
• Supporting Relationships
• Volunteering
• Being a Role Model
• Behaving in a Safe Way

 
The following are not permitted on YMCA premises, in YMCA vehicles or at YMCA sponsored functions:

• Inappropriate sexual, physical or verbal contact
• Posturing, bullying or intimidation
• Using or possessing alcohol (unless express permission is granted for special events) or illegal chemicals
• Smoking– the YMCA and its property is a smoke-free environment
• Carrying or concealing a weapon or any device or object that may be used as a weapon
• Harassment or intimidation by words, gestures, body language, or any type of menacing behavior
• Physical contact with another person in an angry, aggressive, inappropriate or threatening way
• Verbally abusive behavior, including angry or vulgar language, swearing, name-calling or shouting
• Discriminatory speech or actions
• Sexually explicit conversation or behavior; any sexual contact with another person
• Theft or behavior that results in the destruction or loss of property
• Loitering within or on the grounds of the YMCA
• Any other behavior deemed in conflict with the YMCA Mission by the CEO or Branch Executive Director

 
If members are in violation of the Y’s policies and procedures, or for any other improper and/or inappropriate conduct, they may be disciplined.  Disciplinary action taken is at the sole discretion of the Y and it reserves the right to take whatever action is appropriate based on the nature of the violation.  Discipline may result in a verbal, written or final warning, suspension, or immediate termination of membership if deemed appropriate.
 
In addition, the YMCA reserves the right to deny access or membership to any person who has been accused or convicted of any crime involving sexual abuse, is or has been a registered sex offender, has a history of violent offenses, has ever been convicted of any offense relating to the use, sale, possession, or transportation of narcotics or habit forming and/or dangerous drugs, or is presently or habitually under the influence of dangerous drugs or chemicals, narcotics or intoxicating beverages. (NOTE:  The YMCA conducts periodic sexual offender scans on the National Sex Offender Registry Database)

Members and guests are encouraged to take responsibility for their personal comfort and safety by asking any person whose behavior threatens their comfort to refrain from such behavior, and/or should immediately report the behavior to a staff person or the Building Supervisor on duty. Members and guests should not hesitate to notify a staff member if aid is needed.
 
Discontinuance/Suspension of membership:
Voluntary
Paid in Full: A member who has paid his/her membership fee in full is considered a member for the duration of the paid membership.   If the member does not renew his/her membership, it will terminate automatically as of the renewal date.  The member will have a 30 day grace period to renew without being charged a joiners fee.  A member may also request to terminate his/her membership at any time and may request a refund for the unused portion of the membership.
 
Monthly Payment Plan: A member who has paid his/her membership fee using the monthly payment plan remains a member until he/she notifies the YMCA in writing or in person.  The draft will terminate as of the next draft date. 
 
Involuntary
Inappropriate behavior – any member may be disciplined, as outlined in the Code of Conduct, by restriction, suspension or expulsion from membership whenever such action shall be necessary or appropriate.  This action will occur at the discretion of the Branch Executive Director.  If a member wishes, he/she can appeal the decision to the CEO.  The member will be suspended until the final decision by the CEO has been made. 
                   
Failure to meet financial responsibility:  Any draft member who misses a payment and does not make payment within 10 days of notification shall have his/her membership terminated.  If you are having difficulty paying for your membership for any reason please contact us.  
 
A person whose membership in another branch that has been suspended or terminated shall not be eligible for membership in any other branch of the association. 

VII.  Membership Categories

Youth Program:  Children between 0 and 7 years interested in taking programs at the Y.  This program participation status does not allow access to the facility (pool, gym, wellness center, etc.) but will enable a child to take programs at the youth rate.
 
Youth Membership:  Children between 8 and 22 years.  This is a full facility membership with some restrictions for children ages 8-14.   Please refer to the facility access chart.  An exception will exist for swim team members over age 6, who are required to have a full YMCA membership in order to participate in YMCA meets. 
 
Adult Membership:
Individuals ages 23 years or older. This is a full facility membership
 
Single Adult with Family Membership
One adult and dependent children living in the same household and at the same address. This is a full facility membership.
 
Family Membership
All adults and dependent children living in the same household (at the same address). This is a full facility membership.
 
Group Memberships
Employee Group Memberships: Companies (for profit or non profit) requesting membership for their employees are offered a group membership under the following parameters:

• A contract will be executed on an annual basis outlining payment terms
• All memberships will be issued individually
• There will be no membership fee discount
• A one-time group joiners fee will be charged upon initial set-up
• The company will pay the YMCA directly for all membership costs. 
• Financial assistance will not be offered to the company.  However, if individual employees personally qualify for financial assistance, the Y will work with them on their portion of the membership fee.

 
Service Providers Group Memberships: Service provider agencies will be offered group memberships for their clients/members as follows:

• A contract will be executed on an annual basis outlining payment terms
• Unless the agency is an emergency shelter, all memberships will be issued individually.
• There will be no membership fee discount
• A one-time group joiners fee will be charged upon initial set-up
• The service provider will pay the Y directly for all membership costs
• If financial assistance is warranted, upon discretion of the CEO or Branch Executive Director, the branch may first offer financial assistance for each individual based on their individual needs and then offer financial assistance based on the agency needs.

 
Caregivers
Caregivers will be issued a caregiver card to be used when bringing the member to the Y. They are required to stay with the member throughout the visit. Caregivers such as nannies and adult assistants will be required to have their own membership for personal use of the Y facilities. They are not included, as caregivers, in any membership, including family memberships.
 
Residential Members
All YMCA residents of the YMCA Dormitory Program and Affordable Housing Apartment building are given a complimentary full facility YMCA membership during their stay.
 
 
Child Care Members
Families enrolled full-time in our Full-Day Child Care programs are given a complimentary full facility family membership during their participation in the program.
 
YMCA of Southern Maine Employees
Memberships are available to full-time and part-time employees as outlined in the YMCA of Southern Maine Personnel Policy 
 

VIII.  Membership Dues

Determination of Dues
The YMCA of Southern Maine is committed to providing financial assistance to those who are unable to afford the membership dues.  No other reduced rates for membership are offered. Membership rates are approved by the Board of Directors. They will be reviewed on an annual basis.  Thirty days written notice will be given to members for any rate change.
 
Payment
Membership can be purchased as follows:

Paid in full at time of enrollment or renewal by cash, check (with proper identification), credit card, or draft

Monthly payment plan to be paid by automatic withdrawal from a checking/savings account or through a monthly charge to a major credit card accepted by the Y.  At the discretion of the CEO or Branch Executive Director, monthly cash payment plans will be allowed.

Financial Assistance – the YMCA of Southern Maine is committed to turning no one away due to financial need.  Financial assistance is available through a need-based process.

NSF Fees-Members are charged an NSF fee for overdrafts and declined credit cards.

Holds-Memberships can be placed on hold for a duration of one to six months for a fee.  Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the CEO or Branch Executive Director for medical conditions or military duty.

IX.  Facility Access

View our Youth Facility Access and Swim Test & Youth Pool Access information sheets.

Locker Room Access (By Branch) 

NOTE:  The policy of the YMCA of Southern Maine is to allow each individual to self-identify their gender. 

X.  Guest Passes

Guest/Day Passes
Guests can use the Y up to three times in a twelve month period. Discretion will be used on a fourth visit, after which a membership is required to use the Y.
Guests must be a minimum of 18 years to use the facility without parent or guardian supervision. Guest will be required to sign a waiver of liability.
 
Temporary Cards
Sporadic use of temporary cards will come with membership campaigns and financial assistance
 
Long-Term Guest Passes
Long-term guest passes will be available as an exception for those who do not have access to our membership due to a limited stay in the area (eg. college students on break, ‘snow birds’, and work visitors). They will be offered for two weeks or one month and are not consecutively renewable. Year round residents are not eligible for long term guest passes. 
 

XI.  Member Input

We value suggestions for improving the Y.  A mechanism for member comments is in place and e-mail and phone contact information is made available to members for suggestions or concerns.