# Trial Period for New Members
As Greens & Beans continues to grow, we should ensure that new members demonstrate consistent interest and engagement with the group before obtaining full membership rights. This will avoid situations where new members join and then stop paying dues or disengage from contributing time/labor shortly afterwards, while retaining their voting rights and store access for the six month grace period currently in place for permanent members in arrears.
To address this, we will institute a **three-month trial period** for all new members.
**The Membership Agreement will be updated as follows:**
Membership Process
- Fill in interest form
- Pay dues
- Attend an orientation
- Fill in the membership agreement form
Once all of the above have been completed, you will be added as a trial member. After completing your responsibilities and remaining in good standing for three consecutive months (payment of monthly dues and order fees, contribution of time/labor, general appropriate conduct), you will become a permanent member. Otherwise, you will be removed as a member at the end of the trial period.
During the trial period, new members **can:**
- Contribute to discussions on chats and in person meetings
- Attend social events
- Submit agenda items and proposals
- Shop at the store
During the trial period, new members **cannot:**
- Access the store without a permanent member present
- Vote on proposals or be counted towards a quorum needed to pass a vote
- Elect members to serve as representatives on the Coordinating Committee
- Run for positions and serve as a representative on the Coordinating Committee
**Results**
- The total number of eligible voting members was 19, so the number of votes needed for the proposal to be approved was 10.
- The number of ballots cast was 14 ballots (14 valid ballots, 0 empty ballots), 13 of which voted to approve the proposal. Thus, the proposal passed.
[](https://greensandbeansgrocery.com/uploads/images/gallery/2025-10/image.png)