New Membership Information
We can't wait to include you in our family!
Interested in Becoming a Member?
Our membership structure is designed to accommodate families and individuals alike. A family membership covers a spouse and/or children under 21, all under a single membership. If you are married or have children under 21, you must register for a family membership. For individuals without a spouse or children under 21, a single membership is available.
We offer two types of membership: Active and Passive. Both membership types grant access to a variety of benefits, including discounted admission to our themed dances (held approximately once a month) and members only events, participation in our group dances, receipt of newsletters, and inclusion in our ever-growing community.
The primary distinction between the two membership types is that Active Members are eligible to participate in our annual elections.
Membership Fees:
- Passive Membership:
- Family: $90 (includes a $50 activation fee and $40 annual fee)
- Single: $80 (includes a $50 activation fee and $30 annual fee)
- Active Membership:
- Family: $130 (includes a $100 activation fee and $30 annual fee)
- Single: $120 (includes a $100 activation fee and $20 annual fee)
Annual renewal fees apply for both membership types.
How to Join:
Joining is simple. Request a New Member Application form and complete it in full. As we are an all-volunteer organization, we encourage members to contribute their time and skills. If you are willing to volunteer, please specify your area of interest, and your information will be forwarded to the appropriate board members for further coordination.
If you are already acquainted with an active member, they may sign your application. Otherwise, Julie Bitecofer, our Membership Secretary, will be happy to assist you. Once your application is completed, please submit it along with your payment to:
German Family Society
3871 Ranfield Rd
Kent, OH 44240
Your application will be reviewed at our next monthly meeting, after which your membership card will be issued, and your payment processed.
Questions?
For more information, please contact Julie Bitecofer, Membership Secretary:
Email: membership.gfsakron@gmail.com
New Membership Application:
CLICK HERE TO APPLY NOW >
Types of Memberships
Active Membership
Passive Membership
Passive Membership
To become an active member, it costs
$130 for active family ($100 activation fee and $30 yearly fee)
or $120 for active single ($100 activation fee and $20 yearly fee).
Each year you will pay the yearly fee to renew the membership.
Can participate in annual elections.
Admittance to members-only events & perks.
$17.00 per person to reservation required events
Passive Membership
Passive Membership
Passive Membership
To become a passive member, it costs
$90 for passive family ($50 activation fee and $40 yearly fee)
or $80 for passive single ($50 activation fee and $30 yearly fee).
Each year you will pay the yearly fee to renew the membership.
Can not participate in elections.
Admittance to members-only events & perks.
$19.00 per person to reservation required events
Membership faq's
Do I need to be A GFS Member to attend events?
No, all of our events are open to the public unless otherwise stated as a "Members Only" event" (volunteer picnic, annual elections, etc.) Some indoor events may require reservations, but you need not be a member to attend.
Do I need to have German heritage to become A GFS Member?
Not at all! All we ask is that if you are new to the German Family Society, we hope you love our customs just as much as our Oma and Opa do!
Is volunteering a requirement to be A GFS Member?
Yes, our organization is run entirely by volunteer help. All members are required to volunteer throughout the year for multiple events. If you are unable to volunteer in person or aid in online organization, due to any reason, please clarify with our Membership Secretary.
What does volunteering mean?
Volunteering at the Akron GFS is providing a few hours of your time assisting in the preparation or running of an event. Duties may vary by hours and effort. The Akron GFS is run entirely by volunteers to allow every penny to go back into maintaining our heritage, history and traditions. By lending a hand during our events, festivals and occasions, you can help to make sure we are around for many more years.
There are many volunteer opportunities all year round, including:
-Kitchen (cooking, prepping, cleaning, serving, taking tickets, cashiering, etc.)
-Bar/Biergarten (serving, cashiering, cleaning, stocking, etc.)
-Grounds (lawn-care and maintenance, leaf cleanup, pond maintenance, etc.)
-Parking (during large festivals)
-Facility (cleaning, repairs, maintenance, etc.)
-Tickets/Entry (cashiering events, greeting, ticket booth, etc.)
-Children's/Fundraising Booth (parents of dancers, supervise, cashier, etc.)
-Online Event Help (committees for elections, fundraisers, charities, etc.)
-Secretarial (correspondence, letters of condolence, PR, etc.)
-Wedding/Event help (serving, bartending, cleaning, etc. during hall rentals)
-Misc.
Our largest Volunteer day is our annual Spring Cleaning (April 5, 2025 9am)
Interested or have a specialty in any of the above? Please let us know!
What are the advantages of becoming A GFS Member?
Our mission is to share our history, traditions and heritage through dance, food, song, language, costume and more to future generations. Whether you have German heritage yourself, or are looking to be part of something bigger, the Akron German Family society will welcome you like family. Your yearly dues help support the on-going needs of our organization's maintenance, and makes you eligible to participate in our groups, active voting, and members-only events with special perks!