21 May, 2024
Dear Members,
We hope this message finds you well. We would like to remind everyone of an important policy regarding our membership process and policy:
If you are a Mentorship Program member and, at the upcoming renewal date – the end of December 2024 – you will no longer be a fresh graduate (i.e., more than two years since your bachelor’s degree graduation date), then you will need to pay the membership fee to continue participating in the WhatsApp group.
*If you are a non-paid member and you exit the group for any reason, you will need to follow the duly established process to be re-added.
The duly established process is as follows:
1. Apply for membership through our website: [www.emirateslegalnetwork.com](www.emirateslegalnetwork.com)
2. Complete the membership application form.
3. Pay the applicable membership fee when required.
Why We Implement This Process:
1. Fairness and Equality: Our goal is to maintain a fair system for all members. Since June 2023, we have introduced a membership fee to support the operations and growth of ELN. It would not be fair to allow some members to bypass this fee while others contribute financially to the community.
2. Operational Costs: Running and maintaining a high-quality network like ELN involves significant costs. The membership fees help cover these expenses, ensuring we can continue providing valuable resources, events, and networking opportunities to all members.
3. Sustainability: To keep ELN sustainable and beneficial for everyone, we need consistent financial support. This allows us to enhance our offerings and support the professional development of our members.
Retention of Old Members:
We have decided not to remove existing WhatsApp group members who joined before the introduction of the membership fee. This decision was made to honor their early support and participation in ELN. However, we do request that these members regularize their membership by creating a profile on our website and paying the membership fee.
We understand that this transition may be challenging for some, but it is necessary for the growth and sustainability of our community. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in adhering to this process.
Thank you for being a part of the ELN community and for your continued support.
Best regards,
Emirates Legal Network