Have you ever stopped and asked yourself, ‘Just what do my NCRA member dues support?’
In short, they support a lot.
“As professionals, we all strive to be better at what we do, and we do that by committing ourselves to continuing education, welcoming networking opportunities, and seeking out others who are like-minded and just as dedicated to growing and protecting our profession as we are,” said NCRA Vice President Cathy Penniston, RPR, CRI, a teacher and independent broadcast captioner from Waukee, Iowa.
“Member dues are the lifeline required for an association to thrive. Without the support of member dues there would be no benefits and perks like those I mentioned above,” she added.
The NCRA Board has approved a motion calling for a dues adjustment that would take effect in 2026. The proposed adjustments are $30 for Registered and Participating members, $15 for Participating or Registered International members, $18 for Associate members, and $15 for Associate International members. There would be no increase in the membership costs for Students or Retired members.
Per NCRA’s Constitution and Bylaws, dues adjustments must be approved by the voting membership. The issue will be discussed during the Annual Business Meeting being held July 24 at the 2025 NCRA Conference & Expo taking place July 24-26 in Minneapolis, Minn. Voting on the proposed change in dues will follow the Annual Business Meeting.
As a past NCRA Secretary-Treasurer, Penniston said she knows first-hand that every penny of every dues dollar goes to support the Association’s programs and benefits that are designed, developed, and continuously enhanced and expanded to support the members. She understands that, like any household, small business, large conglomerate, or a non-profit association like NCRA, everyone is feeling the squeeze of rising costs. From programing to operational costs that support staff salaries, the cost of rent and utilities, insurance, technology, and software support, and more.
“In my role as NCRA Secretary-Treasurer, I was tasked with overseeing budget planning, financial reporting, record-keeping, and managing incoming and outgoing funds. And continuing on my service as a Board member, I have also witnessed difficult decisions to make cuts to programming, member benefits, and even staffing, to aid in keeping NCRA afloat. Now more than ever, if we are going to keep our Association fiscally sound and growing, we need everyone to support this call for a dues adjustment,” she said. “It is imperative.”
Penniston urges all members to consider the benefits and perks listed below that NCRA membership provides them to ensure they are fully aware of what’s at stake should the vote to adjust the dues fail.
- Access to the latest resources and information pertaining to the profession as delivered via the TheJCR.com, JCR Weekly, JCR print magazine, Up-to-Speed student newsletter, NCRA Insider, and the state association Monthly Matters.
- The funding of research and data in the form of surveys and white papers.
- Special discount programs that allow members to save on office supplies, electronics, insurance, entertainment, gifts, and more.
- A strong advocacy and unified voice with lawmakers at the local, state, and national levels to help ensure the profession is safeguarded and recognized for the value members provide to their clients and the public.
- Recognition through nationally recognized professional certifications, and access to high-quality continuing education that keeps members ahead of trends and relevant within their profession.
- Student support that includes grants, scholarships, and other vital programs to help secure the success of future professionals.
Voting on the 2026 dues adjustment proposal will begin within two hours of the Annual Business Meeting taking place on July 24 in conjunction with the 2025 NCRA Conference & Expo.
Learn more about the proposal.
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