The Apereo Foundation enjoys a 20+ year track record of success supporting open source software projects in higher education through co-creation, cooperation, and collaboration because of organizations just like yours!
Does your organization support open source software in and for education?
Community Memberships, available at no cost, allows organizations that support the adoption and development of open source software within higher education to join Apereo, adding their own unique experience and expertise to the discussion and direction of the organization.
Does your organization qualify?
First, check the Community Membership Qualification and Criteria.
Second, join as a “Community Member” by reading and signing the Community Member Agreement and returning it to membership@apereo.org.
What is the Apereo Community Membership Program?
The Community Membership Program was developed to extend the reach of the Foundation and its projects, initiatives, and networks through cooperation, collaboration, and co-creation. The program provides a platform to identify, communicate, and address issues important to furthering open source awareness and adoption within the higher education sector, whether those initiatives are begun by the Community Member, Apereo, or both.
Membership does not require a financial commitment, yet elevates the Apereo Foundation and its work throughout the open source and higher education communities. Cultivating and collaborating with a “who’s who” of diverse foundations and organizations increases Apereo’s capacity and capabilities, extends our awareness, increases our intelligence, improves our work, and furthers our mission.
What are the benefits of participation?
- Join a network of peers, with no financial commitment: meet, partner, and collaborate with like-minded individuals and organizations working toward shared goals. Contributions focus on ideas and insights, ideal for those organizations that may not be in a position to financially support Apereo. For those who can provide direct support, please see our other membership levels.
- Shape vision and direction: nominate candidates for the Apereo Board; vote in Apereo Board elections. Participate in other Apereo committees, groups, or initiatives.
- Raise awareness and advocacy: help increase the adoption and development of open source software projects within academic and research institutions.
- Foster organizational development: advance your organization’s experience and expertise while helping Apereo as a model and mentor.
- Extend your reach and impact: Amplify your organization’s efforts and interests through a global community of practice.
- Learning Resources: Access and develop tools to advance open source, education technology, and non-profit organizations generally.
How does my organization become a Community Member?
We’re glad you asked! Please review the Community Membership Qualification and Criteria and Community Member Agreement: if your organization meets the requirements, simply send us the requested documents in an email introducing your organization or group and why you’re interested in joining Apereo to membership@apereo.org
We will follow up with more information on how to submit your signed application and how we can verify your organization is eligible. If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch.
Who can join?
Community Members represent diverse organizations from various fields, united in a shared vision of open source for higher education by higher education: individual projects and development communities, advocacy and user groups, non-profit corporations, government departments and agencies, and, of course, academic and research institutions.
Apereo Community Members must represent either a government-recognized non-profit charity, a not-for-profit industry association, an accredited academic or research institution (or college, department, division, or other entity therein), or an independent user group or community anywhere in the world.
While it is not necessary for a Community Member to be a legal entity, it is preferred.
What is the commitment?
As an Apereo Community Member, your organization’s commitment would be:
- To express public support for the Apereo Foundation and the value of open source software in higher education.
- To appoint a representative to act on behalf of their group in relevant Apereo business and give direction to that representative. While representatives will be welcome to also participate in working groups, we anticipate this representative role involving a minimal time commitment by default.
- Participate, through the group’s representative, in Apereo board elections; nominating and/or voting for any organizational board seats.
- To make annual contributions towards the running of the Apereo Foundation where possible.
How can Community Members become more involved with Apereo?
Community members are welcome to participate in any of Apereo’s community activities, committees, programs, and initiatives.
We also invite you to consider joining Apereo through one of our other membership programs, providing Apereo with even greater support for our work. These include Foundation Members, Institutional Members, Sustaining Members, and Commercial Members. Each of these memberships provides unique opportunities for organizations working in different sectors/industries or specific objectives to maximize their support for Apereo and our communities of practice.
What about me? I don’t represent any of these organizations.
A program for individuals, “Friends of Apereo,” supports the Foundation in a variety of important (and fun) ways. We invite you to learn more at Friends of Apereo.
How to sign up.
Please review the Community Membership Qualification and Criteria and Community Memberships Agreement: if your organization meets the requirements, simply send us the requested documents in an email introducing your organization or group and why you’re interested in joining Apereo to membership@apereo.org. We will follow up with more information on how to submit your signed application and how we can verify your organization is eligible. If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch.
Membership contact: membership@apereo.org.