Become a Member of CERA

The Central Electric Railfans' Association depends on contributions from members like you to be able to put on the one-of-a-kind programs and publications it does throughout the course of the year.

CERA offers two basic types of memberships: active and associate.

While it is the active members based in the Chicago area that serve on its board and who typically attend regular meetings and programs, CERA also relies on associate members for financial support.

Both types of memberships entitle you to receive CERA's books as a benefit of membership based on the year or years of membership required for the given book, as well as to purchase additional books at the special membership discount rate.

 

Basic Membership Facts

Each membership year is a simple calendar year.

All members, regardless of class of membership, receive a book published by the organization for that year (usually published the year after its designated membership year). Also note that some books are

Some books are two year books, meaning that the member had to have been a paid member for the specified two years to receive the book.

 

Membership Application

First, print out this form:

CERA Membership Application (.pdf)

Then, fill it out, enclose check or money order to "Membership Services" and send it to:

CERA (Membership)
P.O. Box 503
Chicago IL 60690

 

 

Types of Memberships

Active membership - $45 level

Benefits:

  • Bulletin (book) when issued for that membership year
  • Notice of all regularly scheduled and special programs/meetings (10 a year)
  • Notice of all fan/inspection trips
  • Right to run for Board and serve on the Board if elected
  • Right to elect Board members
  • Right to serve on committees
  • Right to vote on amendments to the bylaws and any other matters to come before the Active membership

 

Associate membership - $38 level

Benefits:

  • Bulletin when issued
  • Annual activity report
  • Notice of fan/inspection trips

 

Contributing/Sustaining memberships

Contributing membership - $90-$179 level
Sustaining membership - $180 level (or more)

Contributing and Sustaining members have the same rights and receive the same benefits as Active members. They help support CERA through their higher dues.

The portion of those higher dues beyond the Active Membership level is deductible for income tax purposes as provided by law.

Contributing and Sustaining members are further recognized by having their names published annually in the report to the membership.