There are times when members may need relief from their annual dues assessment due to natural disaster, illness, physical impairment, other health emergencies or any number of other reasons that might affect their ability to practice. The ASTRO Board of Directors recognizes that these challenges can arise and has therefore enacted a hardship policy to help members maintain their membership when practice may not be possible. Member dues can be forgiven for those practicing in an area that has been impacted by a natural disaster, as in the recent case of the devastation cause by Hurricanes Katrina and Ruth along the Gulf Coast.

To provide the greatest flexibility for decisions regarding temporary dues waivers for natural disasters and other special situations ASTRO  has incorporated this hardship policy within the membership function to address the various possibilities.

In the event of a natural disaster or other event that has the potential to negatively affect a group of ASTRO members, the Membership Committee should direct the membership department to determine the scope of the problem and to make recommendations based on the potential dues impact, and any other potential member changes, as well as any potential administrative costs related to printing, postage, database changes and overhead. If it is determined that the scope of the problem is manageable then members whose business, place of work, etc., have been significantly impacted are eligible to have their dues waived. ASTRO will contact the potentially affected members as soon as possible following an event.

In individual cases of illness, physical impairment or other situations that may prevent a member from working they, or someone representing them, can contact the membership department to determine eligibility.