New Member Process

The vitality of The Cincinnatus Association and its ability to improve the quality of life in the Cincinnati metropolitan region depends on its having civically engaged and effective members.  Since perhaps only a handful of the Association's limited membership positions become open each year, it is essential that members proactively bring forward membership candidates on a regular basis and make their names and qualifications known to the Membership Committee.  The Association must continue to seek new members who reflect racial, gender, professional, community experience and age diversity as well as diversity and depth of thought.

The process by which prospective members are nominated and elected is set out in the Association's Constitution.  This process is intended to ensure consistency in the application, review and selection of new members.  The fulcrum of this process is the Association's standing Membership Committee which reflects the diversity of the Association's membership, created within Cincinnatus to receive recommendations and applications, review candidates and make recommendations for membership.

All questions and candidates should be referred to the Membership Committee Chairperson.

The Mechanics of Membership Candidacy

1. 100 Members - Cincinnatus Association is a highly selective organization, comprised of no more than 100 of the top action-oriented community leaders in the Greater Cincinnati metropolitan region.
2. Perpetual Search - Existing members are constantly alert for good candidates and, when one is notes, immediately discuss the possibility of Association membership with that individual.  If they are agreeable, the member submits a Candidate Recommendation to the Membership Chairperson.
3. Committee Review - The Membership Committee will review all prospects and provide a formal New Member Application and informational materials to those prospects who, in their opinion, best meet the membership criteria, standards and needs of the Association.
4. Membership Application - The candidate completes a New Member Application and returns it to the Membership Committee.
5. New Member Class - At the request of the Executive Committee, the Membership Committee will periodically commence a New Member Class.  This begins with an annoucement and invitation to the membership to submit qualified candidates for consideration.
6. Membership Committee Interviews - Each candidate is personally interviewed by one or more members of the Membership Committee regarding their personal and professional qualities, capabilities and potential relative to the nature and mission of the Association.  A candidate cannot be recommended without the support of the interviewing Membership Committee member(s).
7. Candidate Submission - After assessment and interview of all candidates, the Membership Committee will discuss, decide and submit the names and information of all qualified candidates, as well as their recommendation for each, to the Executive Committee.
8. Candidate Approval - The Membership Committee Chairperson coordinates the presentation of each candidate's information to the Executive Committee, which discusses, modifies (if needed) and approves the proposed candidates for membership.
9. Fees & Dues - Upon approval and payment of their initiation fee and dues, the candidate becomes an Active Member with all associated rights and privileges.
10. Orientation - The Membership Chairperson will coordinate New Member Orientation.
11. Presentation - The Membership Chairperson will coordinate the formal presentation of new members at a regularly scheduled Member dinner meeting.