Last week when we launched the new membership program, we had some technical issues. Those issues have now been resolved, and we’ve also decided to give a free download of the 2016 Hutchmoot Audio Archive to all new members upon sign-up. Keep reading for more information.
Note: If you attempted to sign up for a recurring gift last week, you may need to try again, even if you got a confirmation email. To be sure your donation was set up, check your account at donate.rabbitroom.com (sign in with the link in the upper right and select “My Donations”). If you see your donation there, you’re all set. If you don’t, please try again.
In the past year, the Rabbit Room has gone through some changes, and today we’re happy to announce some exciting changes to our membership program as well. Before I discuss the new system, however, let me cover the basics for those who might be new to the membership idea.
The Rabbit Room is committed to fostering community by drawing people together around faith, art, music, and story. We approach that mission in a number of ways: live music, conferences, Bible studies, book publishing, writer’s groups, discussions of books and music and film, etc.
For years, readers asked for a way to support the Rabbit Room’s mission beyond merely shopping in the store and attending events. In the beginning we were a for-profit organization and couldn’t easily accept donations, so the Rabbit Room Membership program was our solution. In exchange for a yearly fee, we offered a number of benefits, but the primary purpose was to provide an avenue for those who felt called to give financially.
The program gained a core of loyal members and we’re thankful for each and every one of them.
Last year, the Rabbit Room made the transition from a for-profit company to a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, meaning that we are now able to accept tax-deductible donations. However, with this evolution the combination of the membership program with the fundraising program became confusing—both to us, and to our readers and supporters. Today’s restructuring of the membership program is our solution to that confusion.
What is the purpose of the new membership program?
In the Rabbit Room, we believe that community nourishes art, and art nourishes community. If you share that belief and want to be a part of helping the Rabbit Room in its mission of drawing people together through the books we publish, the articles we write, the events we plan, and the art we create, then consider becoming a member and helping us to make those things a reality.
How do I become a member?
We welcome supporters to visit donate.RabbitRoom.com and make a one-time donation in the amount of their choice—but if you’d like to get involved in a bigger way, consider joining the membership. When you begin a monthly recurring donation of $25 or more, we’ll immediately send you a “Thank You!” gift in the form of a hand-made Rabbit Room Mug, a membership card (which grants discounted admission to the Local Show—not to mention powers of great and terrible insight), and a download of last year’s Hutchmoot Audio Archive (over 20 hours of recorded sessions).
Then, each quarter of the year that you continue your monthly donation, we’ll send you an additional gift of our choosing as a way of showing our appreciation for your continued support. Quarterly gifts may be a book or a CD or any number of things (it’ll be a surprise). You are, of course, welcome to cancel your recurring donation at any time.
What about my discount in the store?
Store discounts are no longer a part of Rabbit Room membership. But wait! If you’ve been in the store lately, you may have noticed that each purchase now earns you reward points. You can save up these points and redeem them for anything in the Rabbit Room Store. This reward program is available to everyone, and our goal is to provide a system that effectively replicates the 15% membership discount for those who shop in the store often. As an added bonus, we’ve backdated everyone’s rewards to credit you with reward points for purchases made since the beginning of 2017. Visit your account page to see what your balance is. Save up your points. Get free stuff!
But what if I’m already a member?
Good news! Existing memberships remain unchanged until they expire. Your store discount will continue to work (and you’ll be earning reward points!). When your yearly membership term expires, you can set up a new membership with the new system. But there’s no need to wait, you can sign up for the new membership system any time you like by visiting donate.RabbitRoom.com.
I support the Rabbit Room’s mission and just want to help.
We understand that some people just want to offer support and don’t want anything in return. If that’s the case, you can set up a recurring donation at any time and opt out of the membership program.
I’m already a monthly donor. What about me?
Thank you! Those who are already recurring donors have been granted membership status. Expect your mug and membership card in the mail soon.
And a final word…
We want to say thank you to all the many members who have supported us (and who continue to support us) over the years. Your support is having a very real impact. Rabbit Room Press is publishing three beautiful new titles this year—and we have supporters like you to thank. The Local Show is now in its third year and continues to grow—and we have supporters like you to thank. Hutchmoot has burst at the seams and is growing into a whole new vision—and we have all of you to thank. Those are just the most visible effects of the support you’ve given us over the years. There are a million other little things that we couldn’t do without you and we’re humbled and grateful for the trust you’ve placed in us and in the work we’re called to do for the Kingdom. So thank you, sincerely.
If anyone has any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask in the comments.