RIGHTS OF REGULAR MEMBERS

An individual who takes pride in his profession, occupation, or skill naturally seeks membership in the organization of his coworkers. When you join Farm Bureau, or any other voluntary organization, the law says that, in effect, you establish a contract between yourself and the organization. Under that contract you acquire certain fundamental rights; these rights may be changed or broadened from time to time by amending the provisions of the bylaws.

When you join Farm Bureau you acquire the legal right to share in all of the benefits, opportunities, privileges and advantages enjoyed by its members.

Among the specific membership rights which voting members acquire are the following:

1. To be notified of meetings

2. To receive official Farm Bureau publications

3. To attend meetings

4. To present motions or resolutions for consideration by Farm Bureau members

5. To discuss questions at Farm Bureau meetings and to advocate and work for whatever action you think best

6. To vote

7. To nominate candidates

8. To be a candidate for Farm Bureau office

9. To consult official records of the organization

10. To insist on the enforcement of the rules and procedures of Farm Bureau

11. To share equally in all benefits offered by Farm Bureau.

OBLIGATIONS OF REGULAR MEMBERS

In return for these rights of membership, you assume certain obligations and responsibilities. Your most important obligations are:

1. To study and vote on Farm Bureau issues

2. To participate in developing Farm Bureau policies

3. To abide by the decisions of the majority of the members

4. To support Farm Bureau policies

5. To carry out duties which may be assigned to you

6. To work within the structure of the organization and according to its policies and rules

Working within the structure of an organization means working through the channels which have been established by the vote of you and your fellow members. For example, if you wish to present an idea which concerns Farm Bureau, you do it in the manner agreed upon, by presenting it first to your community group - not by telegraphing the governor or by giving an interview to the newspaper. Thus you observe the procedural pattern of your organization and work within its structure.

This contractual relationship of rights and obligations continues until ended by you or by the Farm Bureau.

MEMBER SERVICES

The Rhode Island Farm Bureau offers its members a complete line of insurance services through the Farm Family Insurance Companies and has a professional staff of agents to assist members with their insurance and estate planning needs. They can be contacted by phone at 401-737-2932 or 800-843-3276.

In addition we offer:

Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance with a face value of $2,500 which increases by $250 for each year membership dues are paid by November first to a maximum of $7,500.

The Coast to Coast Vision Plan, a discount on prescription lenses and frames.

A cellular phone discount from Cellular One.

The Choice Hotels International Discount, a 20% discount on room rates at participating Clarion, Quality, Comfort, Sleep, Rodeway, or Econo Lodge hotels.

Rebates on Dodge vehicles.

Entitle you to a Hertz car rental discount.

Entitle you to a propane gas discount through Suburban Propane.

Entitle you to purchase insurance (pending insurability) through Farm Bureau affiliate Farm Family Insurance companies.

Our staff is always looking for service programs to benefit our members.