Why Become a Member?
Learn about the different types of memberships and benefits offered in the Young Mineral Collectors, and find out which will work best for you! Once you have choosen a membership type, please select one of the three options below to register:
WHY BECOME A MEMBER?
ABOUT MEMBERSHIP
Below, you will find explanations of each membership category, and highlights of the benefits offered to our Young Mineral Collector members. For a detailed overview of all category benefits, please see this document. Please also review our membership policy before joining.
Want to dip your toes into the YMC Community first before becoming a member? Check out our free Facebook group!
Already a member? Log in, if you have not already, and check out the Member Portal for member-exclusive content.
ALUMNI / MINERAL VETERAN
Anyone over the age of 40 who was a member of the Young Mineral Collectors Facebook Group and is paying dues is an Alumni or Mineral Veteran.
Members will pay 15 USD per year and can access some of the same benefits as YMC Members, but they cannot participate in exhibitions, certain events, and field trips, except as the field trip guide.
YOUNG MINERAL COLLECTOR
Anyone between the ages of 18-40 and is paying dues is a Young Mineral Collector.
Members will pay 30 USD per year and can access any and all benefits provided by the Young Mineral Collectors, such as exhibitions, field trips, special events, social media, and SO much more!
JUNIORS
Anyone under the age of 18 sponsored by a parent(s) or guardian(s) is a Junior.
Juniors parental sponsors will pay 30 USD per year and receive the same benefits as YMC members, except parental consent is required.
ACTIVITIES
Participate in mineral show exhibition cases, field trips, and in-person events with other members. Gain access to symposiums, early access to podcasts and media, sell-and-trade platforms, and discounts on YMC merchandise!
SPOTLIGHT
Learn more about community members and participate in member/veteran spotlights. There are opportunities to showcase both you and your collection at some of the most prestigious mineral events around the world.
EDUCATION
Grow your knowledge and participate in writing your own articles for the newsletter! Learn from experts in the hobby and join in on educational talks both in person and virtually. Apply for scholarships dedicated to earth science fields of study (coming soon!(
Ready? Register now!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How much does membership cost?
A: Membership for those under the age of 40 is 30 USD yearly. For those over 40 and using alumni/veteran reduced membership, the dues are 15 USD yearly.
Q: Are the offerings different depending on the membership category?
A: Yes, YMC Members and YMC Junior Members will have the same benefits. However, there are fewer benefits for YMC Alumni and Mineral Veterans.
Q: Why are there more benefits for members under 40?
A: To fulfill our mission and purpose, we are focusing our programs and activities on the younger members of the mineral-collecting hobby. Alumni and Veterans are seen as mentors helping to raise the next generation of collectors!
Q: What if I age up during the middle of my membership term?
A: If your birthdate is in the middle of your membership term, you will still receive all the same benefits and in the next billing cycle you will be moved into either the YMC Membership if you are over 18 or Mineral Alumni if you are over 40.
Q: Can I just pay a la carte for certain benefits?
A: No, we are keeping our benefits under the dues system. There may be opportunities for certain events free to members to have a small fee to attend for the general public.
Q: I want to cancel my membership, can I receive a refund?
A: No, YMC Memberships are non-refundable. You may cancel your membership before the renewal date to not be charged for a subsequent year.
Q: Can I just make a donation of 15/30 dollars instead of paying for yearly dues?
A: No, we require dues as a donation is tax-deductible. Since you receive benefits from the organization, you cannot claim dues as tax-deductible.
Q: How soon can I participate in activities after joining?
A: You become an active member once the dues have been paid and the application has been processed. You will be able to participate as long as the date the attendee registers for the event matches up with your registration date.
Q: I am a parent/guardian of a child interested in minerals. How can I get them involved?
A: Please sign up for the Junior Membership! You will receive information and announcements on activities and programs designed for younger audiences.
Q: Will there ever be discounts or sponsored dues?
A: We are actively working to secure funding to allow for donated membership. Stay tuned!
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