Kannatusjäsenyys

Kannatusjäsenyys refers to a type of membership in an organization, typically a non-profit association or society, where an individual or entity provides financial or other support without necessarily having the full rights and responsibilities of a full member. This form of membership is designed to allow supporters who may not be able to actively participate in the organization's core activities or meet the criteria for full membership to still contribute to its cause.

The benefits and obligations of a kannatusjäsen vary significantly depending on the specific organization's statutes and rules. Generally, kannatusjäsenyys involves paying membership dues, which can be a fixed amount or a recurring contribution. In return, supporters might receive certain perks such as newsletters, invitations to events, or public recognition of their support. However, they typically do not have voting rights in general meetings, cannot hold executive positions within the organization, and are not usually involved in the day-to-day operations.

This membership category is valuable for organizations seeking to broaden their support base and secure a stable source of funding. It also offers a way for individuals and businesses to align themselves with an organization's mission and contribute to its work in a meaningful, albeit indirect, manner. The term itself, originating from Finnish, directly translates to "support membership," clearly indicating its purpose of providing backing to an entity.