Important Membership Updates Coming August 17
Posted by Jenna_Resch on Jul. 10, 2026 / Subscribe 0
Over the past several years, Central Wisconsin SHRM has continued to grow while providing high-quality educational programming, professional development, and networking opportunities for HR professionals throughout Central Wisconsin.
Beginning August 17, 2026, two important changes will take effect that will impact all current and future members:
• SHRM's new Dual Membership Release (DMR) will simplify how members join and renew both SHRM National and their local chapter.
• CWSHRM membership dues and event pricing will be updated for the first time since 2022 to support rising operational costs and continued investment in the member experience.
Why This Increase Is Necessary
This is our first chapter dues increase since 2022. Since then, the costs of venues, meals, technology, speakers, and educational programming have continued to rise. To continue providing engaging, relevant, and professionally valuable experiences, these updates are necessary.
At the same time, in conjunction with our SHRM partnership for Dual Membership Release (DMR), this change allows us to expand and strengthen the benefits available to our members, including:
• More intentional networking opportunities to help you build meaningful professional connections
• Enhanced certification education and support for SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP preparation and recertification
• A new mentor/mentee program designed to support career growth and knowledge-sharing across experience levels
• Elevated program speakers, featuring more diverse, high-impact thought leaders and subject matter experts who bring relevant, timely insights to support your professional growth
These enhancements are focused on ensuring your membership delivers even greater professional development, community engagement, and overall value.
How Does This Change Affect Current Members
SHRM National Members + Local Chapter Members (Dual Members)
On August 17, SHRM will automatically add a Chapter Membership to your national account, with an expiration date aligned to your national membership. The chapter will follow up with additional details regarding your pro-rated dues and instructions for paying your 2027-chapter membership.
- Example #1 (expires in 2027): I have a national member expiration date of June 30, 2027. My local chapter membership will expire on the same date. The chapter will invoice me for chapter dues for dates of January 1, 2027, through June 30, 2027. When I renew next June, I will login to shrm.org to renew both my National and Local chapter memberships.
- Example #2 (expires in 2026): My national membership expires on October 31, 2026. I will login to shrm.org to renew my national membership + add my local chapter membership. My local chapter membership will now expire on October 31, 2027. The chapter will reimburse or credit me for the overlap of paid chapter dues between November 1, 2026, and December 31, 2026.
Non-SHRM National Members (Local-Only Members)
On August 17, you will receive a complimentary SHRM national membership valid through December 31, 2026. During this time, you are encouraged to explore and take full advantage of your national membership benefits. The chapter will provide additional information on how to continue your national membership into 2027. If you choose not to renew your national membership for 2027, you will transition to non-member status and may continue participating in events through an Annual Events Pass or guest registration fees.
what is changing?
CWSHRM Membership (requires SHRM National Membership)
- Increase from $125 → $175 per 12-month membership
- Average cost of $25 per member meeting
- Multi-year discounts available when purchasing multi-year SHRM National membership
- Beginning August 17, 2026 - New and Renewed CWSHRM memberships will be purchased through SHRM website and align with SHRM National expiration dates
Guest Rate (Non-Members)
- Increase from $40 → $50 per member meeting
Annual Events Pass (Non-Members)
- $225 per calendar year
- Average cost of $32 per member meeting
- Event passes can be purchased through chapter website only
- Rates will be pro-rated monthly based on purchase month (expires on 12/31 of each year)
If you have any questions after reviewing this information, please don't hesitate to reach out to a member of the CWSHRM Board. We're happy to help make this transition as smooth as possible.
Thank you for your continued support of Central Wisconsin SHRM. We look forward to continuing to serve our HR community and providing exceptional value for years to come.

Central WI SHRM Board of Directors
0 Comments