Does OCPA's membership run on a calendar year?

Yes

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What if I join as a new member late in the year?

If you join OCPA as a new member after September 1, your membership is good for the current year plus the following year.

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What are the differences between a voting member and an associate member?

A VOTING MEMBER is a paralegal who meets the definition of California Business & Professions Code Secion 6450 et seq. and Article III, Section 3 of the Association's bylaws, who resides or is employed in California, and who has worked as a paralegal for at least the six months previous to the date on his/her membership application. Only Voting Members shall be "Members" as defined in Section 5056 of the California Corporations Code. Voting Members have the right to vote on all matters brought before the membership of OCPA, and have the right to hold office within the Association.
 

An ASSOCIATE MEMBER is a paralegal who has not performed paralegal duties within the previous six months, attorney, or other legal professional who do not meet the qualifications of Voting Membership, but who are interested in and support the mission, goals and purposes of OCPA and the paralegal profession. An Associate Member does not have voting privileges and may not hold office within the Association. An Associate Member is entitled to serve on any Association Committee and is entitled to all other benefits of the Association. The board of directors reserves the right to deny Associate membership to any individual it deems to be in contradiction with OCPA's bylaws, policy, mission, goals and purposes.

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What if I am a student member and I graduate from a paralegal program and get a job working as a paralegal?  How do I change my status to a voting member?

A STUDENT MEMBER is an individual enrolled in any educational program which will lead to employment as a paralegal as defined by California Business & Professions Code Section 6450. A Student Member may serve on any committee within the Association, or may participate on the board of directors as a student liason, as appointed by the board of directors. A Student Member is entitled to all other benefits of OCPA but does not have voting privileges and is ineligible to hold any office or position voted upon by the general OCPA membership. A Student Member who does not find paralegal employment within six months of graduation must convert his or her membership to Associate status.

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