Membership

Membership Eligibility

Full membership is open to Cameroonian nationals living in the USA, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion or political affiliation, and irrespective of whether or not they have acquired any other foreign citizenship. In this respect, a “Cameroonian national” should be construed to mean anyone born to at least one Cameroonian biological or adoptive parent, and includes naturalized citizens of Cameroon. The Board of Trustees reserves the right to request evidence in support for any application to become a Fellow of the CPS. Membership may be extended to other nationals who subscribe to and agree with the vision and mission of CPS as determined by the Board of Trustees.

Five Membership Categories 

Fellows of the CPS (FCPS)

The CPS Fellow designation is awarded to select CPS Associate members who have made significant contributions to the advancement of the goals of the Cameroon Professional Society. Fellows are nominated annually to the Board of Trustees by the Nominating Committee and inducted annually during the Distinguished Annual Congress of the CPS. CPS Fellows are professionals in various fields of specialty. The number of Fellows is limited by the CPS bylaws to be no more than 10% of the total CPS membership. They hold at least a bachelors degree and are nominated based on demonstrated participation in CPS activities and work within the Cameroonian community. They are the highest ranking members of the CPS. Only current CPS Fellows can submit a Fellow Nomination. These members are strongly encouraged to submit worthy candidates for this special membership classification. The deadline for nominations is March 1st

 Eligibility:

  • Cameroonian professional and Associate CPS Member
  • Resident in the United States
  • Holds at least a bachelors or equivalent
  • Must be nominated by a current Fellow of the CPS

Responsibilities:

  • Current on annual dues: $150
  • Participate in CPS sponsored symposia
  •  Submit reviews, opinion articles to the Journal of Cameroon Affairs – JOCA.
  • Participate in standing committees

Associates of the CPS

Associates are general members of the CPS and are Cameroonian professionals residing in the United States. Any Cameroonian with at least a bachelor’s degree is eligible for membership. This includes graduate students and young professionals. Other professionals, who may not necessarily hold a Bachelor’s degree such as, but not limited to, professional artists, athletes, business men and women, are eligible for membership.

 Eligibility:

  • Cameroonian professional
  • Resident in the United States
  • Holds at least a bachelors or equivalent

Responsibilities:

  • Current on membership dues
  • Participate in CPS sponsored symposia
  • Submit  articles to the Journal of Cameroon Affairs- JOCA
  • Participate in standing committees
  • Annual Dues: $150

International Affiliates

International members are Cameroonian professionals residing in countries other than the United States. They must hold a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree and must meet all the requirements to be an Associate of the CPS. International members enjoy the benefits offered by the CPS to all Associates.

Eligibility:

  • Cameroonian professional

Responsibilities:

  • Current on membership dues
  • Participate in standing committees
  • Annual Dues: $150

Student Affiliates

Student membership is extended to Cameroonian students enrolled full-time in undergraduate degree programs in the United States.

  • Proof of student status required
  • Annual Dues: $50

Honorary Member

An Honorary Member is an individual who has attained acknowledged eminence in his/her profession and/or within the Cameroonian community. Whether elected from the membership of the CPS or from beyond its rolls, Honorary Fellows are entitled to all the privileges of the CPS and are exempt from the payment of entrance fees and annual dues. The total number of Honorary Fellows elected in any year should not exceed one for every 300 CPS members. Members of the Board of Trustees are ineligible for election to honorary membership during their terms of active membership on the Board.

Cessation and Termination of Membership

Membership ceases when the registered member dies, discontinues the payment of her/his dues for more than ONE YEAR, expressly resigns, or is dismissed in accordance with rules set up by the Board of Trustees.