The e-Membership program started as a pilot in 2011. The intent of the pilot was to test the impact of substantially reduced dues on membership recruitment and retention in countries where the per capita gross domestic product is US$15,000 or less. Data has shown that there was no significant increase on recruitment or retention during this period. Thus, a dues increase is necessary to make the program economically sustainable. The MGA Board approved an increase in dues for the e-Membership option this past June. Dues for e-Membership, beginning with the 2015 membership year, will be US$75, an increase of US$23. Members choosing the e-Membership option will continue to have all of the advantages of standard IEEE membership. These include the ability to:

• vote in IEEE elections;
• join Societies;
• engage in local activities;
• be considered for membership grade elevation to Senior member and Fellow;
• access member discounts and new offerings such as IEEE ResumeLab and IEEE MentorCentre.

In addition, e-Membership members will receive electronic, instead of printed, versions of the membership card, IEEE Spectrum, and The Institute. IEEE will continue to look for ways to improve the value of membership worldwide and examine ways to make it more affordable to new and existing members who are most in need. E-mail Jamie Moesch, Senior Director, Member Experience, with questions about this change