Membership Terms & Conditions

Updated October 21, 2025

1. Introduction

Open Education Association (“OEA”) is a nonprofit corporation incorporated in the District of Columbia and recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. OEA is dedicated to increasing access to education through strategic coordination, advocacy, and collaborative action. 

By becoming a member of OEA, you agree to be bound by these Membership Terms & Conditions (these “Terms”) and any other applicable OEA policies. Further, by agreeing to these Terms, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and fully agree to comply with the terms and conditions of membership as set forth herein.

2. Membership Eligibility & Admission

Any person who resides in the U.S. or has substantial professional activity in the U.S. and supports OEA’s mission and purposes may apply for membership. Each member shall pay dues and other fees as established by OEA’s Board of Directors. Further eligibility requirements and categories of membership shall be as defined in the OEA Governance Roadmap and related policies.

3. Membership Benefits & Privileges

Each member in good standing who has timely paid their dues in full shall have: 

  • Eligibility to serve in working groups, committees, and leadership positions

  • Access to OEA programs, resources, events, and publications 

  • Access to a members-only website, member directory, and email list

  • The right to publicly identify as a member of OEA

  • Representation in OEA’s advocacy efforts

4. Membership Term, Dues & Payment

  • Membership Term: Membership begins on the date OEA accepts the member’s application for membership and the member pays their dues in full, and extends for a period of one (1) year thereafter (“Membership Year”). A membership may be renewed upon the first anniversary of their Membership Year and each anniversary thereafter, provided the member remains in good standing and continues to timely pay their dues in full. 

  • Dues: Membership dues are established by OEA’s Board of Directors. Current dues rates are posted on OEA’s website. OEA reserves the right to alter dues rates at any time, provided that any such change will not affect a current member in good standing, who has paid their dues in full, until their next Membership Year.

  • Refunds: Except where explicitly stated otherwise in these Terms, membership dues are non-refundable.

  • Tax Exemption: A portion of membership dues may be tax deductible as a charitable contribution for U.S. federal income tax purposes. OEA may provide an estimate of the deductible portion by email. Notwithstanding the foregoing, OEA does not provide tax or legal advice. It is the member’s sole responsibility to: (i) determine whether any payments made to OEA qualify for a tax deduction; and (ii) maintain proper records for reporting charitable contributions on the member’s federal tax return. 

  • Subsidies: OEA may, at its sole discretion, provide full or partial subsidies for membership dues. When a subsidy is granted, dues are considered paid in full for that Membership Year. Subsidies expire at the end of the Membership Year. Thereafter, members must apply for a new subsidy or pay the applicable membership dues in full.

  • Auto-Pay Option: Members may choose to enable auto-pay, which automatically processes renewal dues thirty (30) days before their Anniversary Date using the member’s selected payment method. Auto-pay enrollment is voluntary on an “opt-in” basis and may be canceled at any time before renewal processing.

5. Termination & Denial of Membership

  • Cancellation due to non-payment: OEA may cancel a membership for non-payment of dues. OEA may cancel the membership of any member who fails to pay their dues in full within three (3) months of becoming due. Notwithstanding the foregoing, during such three (3) month period, OEA may, at its sole discretion, suspend or limit access to the member’s membership benefits until their dues are paid in full. Members terminated for non-payment may re-apply for membership at any time.

  • Expulsion, Suspension, or Termination: A member or membership may be expelled, suspended, or terminated at OEA’s sole discretion for conduct that is detrimental to the OEA’s mission or contrary to OEA’s Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, policies, these Terms, or applicable law. 

  • Denial: OEA reserves the right to decline an application for membership or a membership renewal for any lawful reason. If an application for membership or membership renewal is declined, any funds pre-paid for the Membership Year in which the individual was denied membership will be refunded within ten (10) business days of the decision to deny the application for membership or membership renewal.

6. Member Information & Privacy

  • OEA collects and uses member information for membership administration and related purposes, subject to OEA’s Privacy Policy.

7. Limitation of Liability & Indemnification

  • MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS ARE PROVIDED ON AN “AS IS” BASIS ONLY. OEA DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT, AND ACCURACY. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL OEA BE LIABLE TO ANY MEMBER FOR INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RELATED TO MEMBERSHIP.

  • The member will indemnify, defend, and hold harmless OEA, and OEA’s affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents, and representatives against all losses, liabilities, claims, damages, actions, fines, penalties, expenses, or costs (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and court costs) arising out of or in connection with any third-party claim, suit, action, or preceding relating to such the member’s (i) breach of these Terms; (ii) negligence or willful misconduct; and (iii) violation of applicable law.

8. General Provisions

  • OEA may revise these Terms at any time. The most current version will be posted publicly on OEA’s website, and continued membership constitutes acceptance of any such revisions.

  • Nothing in these Terms shall be construed to alter or limit the authority of OEA’s Board of Directors or any of its delegates.

  • These Terms are governed by and shall be construed under the laws of the District of Columbia, without giving effect to its conflicts of laws principles. 

  • If you have any questions or concerns regarding these Terms, please contact us at contact@opened.org.