FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We hope browsing through our pages to unearth one of Wisconsin’s hidden gems – our WI button collecting community – intrigues you to consider joining WSBS. We know there’s likely a few questions about membership, so hopefully you’ll find some answers below (click on a question and it will jump to the answer).

If you have more questions, please feel free to go here to SUBMIT them.

What kind of organization is the WI State Button Society (WSBS) and how is it funded?

What benefits are included in the membership?

Is there another way to join other than online?

Is a WSBS membership tax deductible?

Is there a specific time of year to join?

When are membership renewal fees due?

Are membership dues prorated if i join after the first of the year?

What kind of organization is the Wisconsin State Button Society (WSBS) and how is it funded?

  • WSBS is a tax-exempt 501(c)(7) nonprofit social/recreational organization which relies on membership fees and dues as the main source of funding.
  • Occasionally, we host button shows/sales/auctions for additional fundraising purposes.

    What benefits are included in the membership?

    • Access and connections to a community of fellow enthusiasts with 80+ years of accumulated button collecting knowledge and resources. 
    • You’ll receive two (2) annual printed bulletins (Winter & Summer) with articles and insights related to button collecting and the behind the scenes workings of WSBS, along with a special Supplement (Spring) typically sharing the details for our upcoming Button show, and an annual member roster. 
    • Members providing emails receive an occasional “Button eBlast” with updates between Bulletins. (Upon request, hard copies may be sent to members without emails.)
    • Participation in the WSBS Annual Button Show/Member Meeting, held in June or July.
    • Exclusive online access to: the WSBS Bulletin archives, the full Gallery of Show trays, and a wealth of useful button collecting resources.

    Is there a way to join other than online?

    • There are three (3) ways to join – by Mail, PayPal or online.
    • To find out more about each method, or to print a membership form to mail in with a personal check, go HERE. (Scroll down to see printable form on that page.)

    Is a WSBS membership tax deductible?

    • No. Unfortunately, as a 501(c)(7) nonprofit, membership dues, gifts or donations given to Wisconsin State Button Society are not tax deductible as a charitable contribution.

    Is there a specific time of year to join?

    • Yes – any time of year is good! Your membership is applicable for the calendar year in which you pay. 
    • In order to receive the printed bulletins for any given year, dues must be received in that year. (The exception is December, see the following point…)
      • If joining WSBS in the month of December, you will be asked to specify whether they’re paying to join for the current calendar year, or for the next, in order to receive the applicable years’ bulletins. (e.g. to clarify, if joining in December, in order to receive the bulletins for both the current calendar year, and the next calendar year, payment for both years’ dues would be required.)

    When are membership renewal fees due?

    • Per our Constitution & Bylaw‘s, the deadline for annual renewal of member dues is on or before January 1st each year. However, we request/prefer renewing at least one month (Dec 1st) prior to the next calendar year in order to prepare our Winter bulletin mailing which typically comes out in January.
    • Note, if someone wishes to join WSBS in the month of December, they will be asked to specify whether they’re paying to join for the current calendar year, or for the next, in order to receive the applicable years’ bulletins. 
      • e.g. to clarify, if joining in December, in order to receive the bulletins for both the current calendar year, and the next calendar year, payment for both years’ dues would be required.

      Are membership dues prorated if I join after the first of the year?

      • Unfortunately, no, we do not prorate membership dues. However, if someone joins after the first of a given calendar year, you will still receive both printed bulletins for that calendar year, and have access to the Member Only areas online, upon confirmation of the membership.

      If you have more questions, please feel free to go here to SUBMIT them.