Benefits of Membership

Businesses and institutions who join and participate in our sustainabile business network take part in the exchange of ideas and experience. Some who are just starting to learn why sustainable business is a "hot" strategy will gain benefit mostly from listenening to others. The companies with longer-standing commitments to sustainability and have real-world experience with implementation will gain from offering their leadership, and from earning recognition for that leadership.

A very important business benefit is positive publicity. We feature our Members on our web site, and will feature them in printed material, press releases and at our major events. In summary, benefits include...

• Participation in all membership meetings, workshops, field trips and networking events
• Access to SD newsletters & updates, teleconferences, webinars, public web site directory listing, referrals and discounts
• Access to the members-only part of our web site, including collaboration tools such as online forums, shared documents, calendars, workgroups, lists and project information
• You have a voice in the planning of our programs - topics for speakers, workshops, field trips and events
• You are featured on our website and in selected public relations activities
• You may display the "Member of Sustainable Dallas" logo on your company website & promotional material

Any member who brings in 2 other members will be credited the full amount of their annual membership fee, applicable to either this year or to next year.

Membership Types

Sustainable Business Council

• Open only to For-Profit businesses, who are the focus of our network. Government agencies, nonprofits and educational institutions may join as a Council Affiliate.
• Council Members are our Leaders, so membership is open only to businesses already committed to implementation of at least their first sustainable businesses practices.
• Membership application must be approved by the Sustainable Dallas Board who will conduct due diligence to confirm the applicant's Sustainability Profile.
• Application for annual renewal of Council Membership may be declined by the Sustainable Dallas Board if participation in the past year has been very low, or if the updated Sustainability Profile falls below an acceptable standard.

Sustainable Business Council Affiliate

• Open to government agencies, nonprofits, educational institutions and any non-business with a stake in the support of sustainable business.
• Council Affiliate Members are our important link between business and the community, so membership is open only to institutions already committed to implementation of at least their first sustainable businesses practices.
• Membership application must be approved by the Sustainable Dallas Board who will conduct due diligence to confirm the applicant's Sustainability Profile.
• Application for annual renewal of Council Affiliate Membership may be declined by the Sustainable Dallas Board if participation in the past year has been very low, or if the updated Sustainability Profile falls below an acceptable standard.

Sustainable Business Network

• Open any business, institution or individual interested in learning about sustainable business.
• Network Members are our Learners, so membership is open to everyone who is seriously interested in sustainable businesses practices.
• Individual Network membership is designed for people who are no longer active in business, and for businesses that want an inexpensive way to "look and see". It is easy for a business to upgrade later from Individual Network membership to Business Network Membership for only the difference in the fee.
• Application for annual renewal of Network Membership is automatic, but we encourage Network Members to upgrade to Council or Council Affiliate Membership once they have started to implement sustainable business practices.

Become a Gift-giver

We rely primarily on Membership Fees to fund our core activities, but the genrosity of special financial Gifts can allow us to expand our capacity sustantially. If you or your foundation want to significantly contribute to the sustainable future of our region, talk to us about becoming a Gift-giver.

Become a Sponsor

Later in 2007 we will be considering ways in which we can offer sponsorship opportunities to our Members and to non-Members. One idea already put forward is to promote a Regional Sustainable Business Directory, or to feature vendors of sustainable goods and services at an expo.

Watch this space for developments...