Liikmeline

Liikmeline is an Estonian-language term used to describe the concept of membership in an organization. It denotes the legal and social status of individuals who belong to a group, as well as the administrative processes that govern membership.

Origin and scope: The word is formed from liige, member, with the suffix -line, and is used primarily in official documents, bylaws, and organizational policies to discuss membership as a status and process rather than a single person. It applies to voluntary associations, unions, clubs, and professional bodies.

Usage and governance: In many organizations, liikmeline encompasses eligibility criteria, application and verification procedures, rights and duties of members (such as voting rights, access to services, and obligation to pay dues), and the management of membership states (applied, active, inactive, suspended, or canceled).

Records and privacy: Member information is typically stored in a membership database. Data may include name, contact details, date of entry, expiration or renewal date, and status changes. Compliance with privacy laws, including the EU General Data Protection Regulation, governs storage, processing, and retention.

Relation to other concepts: Liikmeline is related to the broader ideas of membership, governance, and organizational affiliation. It is distinct from the concept of individual membership as a personal attribute and from fees or benefits that may accompany membership.

See also: Membership, by-laws, governance, nonprofit sector.