Any person of good moral character who at the time of making application is engaged in service within the jurisdiction of the association, including all full-time, paid employees engaged in fire fighting, emergency medical or rescue service activities, will be eligible for active membership in the association through its chartered locals, state or provincial associations and joint councils.

The association may allow other categories of employees as required by applicable state, provincial or U.S. or Canadian federal laws, subject to appropriate documentation and the approval of the General President.

Local unions organized as local affiliates of the IAFF shall pay the General Secretary Treasurer a fee of $150 for their charter, books and seal. Additionally, a $10 initiation fee must be paid for each member. Finally, a per capita tax must be paid by an organized local to the International each month for each member.

Three or more persons in the same jurisdiction (usually a city, town or county) who are qualified for active membership in the IAFF as discussed above may submit a proposal to charter a local union. Charters will not be granted to applicants in any jurisdiction where a chartered local union in good standing of the IAFF already exists, unless that chartered local consents to the granting of an additional charter.

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