Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can anyone join this club?

Yes. Although Madison Civics Club was started as an all-woman organization, particularly to promote women’s suffrage, it has welcomed men for many years now. When the club was founded, membership was by invitation. Today, we welcome anyone who is interested in joining. We also encourage our members to introduce their relatives, friends, coworkers, and acquaintances to Madison Civics Club.

2.  I have become a member but I can’t attend all the meetings. May I make a reservation and give it to a friend?

Yes. Members who must miss a Madison Civics Club meeting can transfer their seat for that meeting to another person for a transfer fee of $5.

3.  What if I attend as a guest and then decide to join Madison Civics Club?

FOR NEW MEMBERS WHO JOIN IN THE MIDDLE OF A SEASON, THE MEMBERSHIP FEE WILL BE PRORATED AT $25 FOR EACH OF THE REMAINING MEETINGS. In other words, if you were to join when there were only three meetings remaining in the season, your membership fee would be $75. This reduction of the membership fee applies only to new members in their first year, and does not apply to returning members.

4.  May I bring a group that is especially interested in a particular speaker or topic?

Madison Civics Club will welcome your group to the extent that space allows. Please contact  Assistant Reservations Chair Vicky Topp (221-0726) to make group arrangements. Civics Club reserves the right to give preference for seating to members until the deadline for reservations. Although it is possible that we will not be able to accommodate your group, we will make every effort to do so.

5.  I am not currently a member and don’t know any members. I am very interested in attending a particular meeting. May I?

We invite you to call Assistant Reservations Chair Vicky Topp (221-0726) to make a reservation for any Madison Civics Club meeting. Please keep in mind that we do have space restrictions, so we may not be able to accommodate everyone who is not a member. The luncheon fee for nonmembers and for guests of members is $30. If a luncheon is sold out, we may be able to create extra seating space (without the meal) for a $20 fee.

6. Why does the Madison Civics Club invite students and special guests to its meetings?

In 2005, the board of the Madison Civics Club amended and restated the bylaws that define the purpose of the corporation as:  supporting and recognizing active local citizens; awarding grants to youth groups for their civic achievements; and promoting non-partisan education and the discussion of important contemporary issues in its annual lecture series. This statement of purpose was the basis for our successful application for 501(c)(3) tax status in 2006. This status makes the Club a not-for-profit organization that is eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions. We encourage our special guests to become members of the Madison Civics Club. More information about our 501(c)(3) status.

7. Who pays for the students and guests who attend our meetings?

We conducted a silent auction fundraiser in April, 2011, and we receive grants from local businesses and institutions. (See Community Support for our current and recent benefactors.) The grant money is used to support the costs of our student guests. Adult guests pay a guest fee unless they are being recognized or are the advisor of a youth group.

8. How does the 501(c)(3) tax status affect members of Madison Civics Club?

Members are not allowed to claim a tax deduction for their $100 dues because this is not a charitable contribution to the organization. The member receives services (lunch and the opportunity to hear the speaker) for the basic dues. Any donation made above the $100 dues may be tax-deductible. Sustaining members, who pay $150, may claim a charitable deduction for $50. Contributing members, who pay $200, may claim a tax deduction for $100. Businesses may also claim a tax deduction for grants they make to the Civics Club. You should consult your tax advisor regarding your donation being tax-deductible. 

9. What impact has gaining a 501(c)(3) tax status had on the finances of the Madison Civics Club?

The Madison Civics Club, now defined as a charitable and educational organization, is exempt from paying state taxes on lunches, meeting rooms, printing, and speakers’ fees. This tax-exempt status makes it easier to qualify for grants to support our educational outreach programs. This new status requires detailed budget and corporate reporting. 

10. Do board members and hospitality volunteers get free lunches or additional perks?

All board members and hospitality volunteers pay for their annual membership and pay for all guests they invite to meetings. Seating is reserved for board members, hospitality volunteers, and their guests because they are busy before the meeting, greeting members and special guests or performing other duties. The Madison Civics Club board is a volunteer board. All mailings, registration activities, grant writing, financial and legal work, website development and updates, publicity, and hospitality activities are done by volunteers. We encourage all members who are interested in serving on the board or on one of our committees to contact one of our co-chairs, Laura McFadden at (608) 770-7763; or Kristi Williams at (608) 839-7458.

11. What happens to comments about the food?

The board takes concerns about our meals very seriously and continues to strive to order meals that make our members happy. It is important to note that while one portion of our membership has indicated that they like a light lunch, another group has told us that the noon meal is their main meal of the day, and they wish it to be substantial. As always, we encourage your feedback.

12. What determines the meeting schedule during the year?

The dates of the four luncheon meetings are determined by the speakers' schedules and the availability of a room at Monona Terrace Convention Center. We also consider religious holidays and UW-Madison home football games when creating the annual schedule.