Membership

Our members are everything to us – they drive our agenda, run our working groups (we have no employees) and, through subscriptions, provide our only financial support. For over 50 years we have shown that working together, our members can influence the city for everyone’s good – and enjoy the city in new ways.

Read about how our members have shaped Oxford in our Changing Oxford report.

Please join us and enjoy:

  • supporting us as the independent voice for Oxford
  • a year-round series of free talks on a wide range of topics: architecture, local history, planning and transport issues, science in Oxford and much more
  • a lively programme of walks and visits to places of interest, many of them closed to the public. Recently we have visited historic and modern buildings, gorgeous gardens, art collections, high-tech industries …
  • regular newsletters and e-bulletins to keep you in touch with our work
  • the opportunity to join our working groups – or even start a new one – see the Volunteers page
  • online resources such as our Walks in Oxford website and guidance such as how to comment on a planning application.

How to Join

Subscriptions are due annually on 1 January. If you join during the last three months of the year, your subscription will last until 31 December the following year.

For the first time since 2006 we have increased our membership rates. With effect from 1 October 2020 the new rates are:The Society has been running at a deficit since 2017, which is unsustainable. Our membership rates have been held without increase since 2006 and our new rates still compare very favourably with other Civic Societies. The new rates are:

  • Individual membership – £15 a year
  • Joint membership (2 people at the same address) – £25 a year
  • Students and Groups – £5 a year (unchanged)

If you are already a member you will need to pay the new rates from 1 January 2021. If you join as a new member on or after 1 October 2020 you will pay the new rate but your subscription will run until 31 December 2021.

Already a member?

If you are already a member and would like to help us by switching your payments to Direct Debit, please use the link below to set up a Direct Debit from your bank account. Our Direct Debits are managed by GoCardless and are covered by the Direct Debit guarantee; Oxford Civic Society does not see or store your bank details. Your account will be debited with the appropriate amount on or soon after 2 January 2021.

Set up Direct Debit

Online – new members

It greatly helps us to manage our membership records and keep administration to a minimum if you choose to pay by Direct Debit (DD). This allows us to renew your membership automatically each year. You may of course cancel your Direct Debit and your membership of the Civic Society at any time. Our Direct Debits are managed by GoCardless and covered by the Direct Debit guarantee; Oxford Civic Society does not see or store your bank details.

Please note: as of 1 October we have a problem which is preventing new members completing the Direct Debit sign-up process. We hope to have this fixed very shortly. If you were planning to join by this method, please either join as an Annual Member via Paypal and we will contact you again once the problem is resolved, or come back in a few days when the Direct Debit route should again be available. Thank you for your understanding.

Existing members switching to Direct Debit are not affected.

Alternatively you can opt to make a one-off payment by PayPal, in which case we will send you a reminder when your membership is due to expire.

Join by Direct Debit

Join by Annual Payment

By Post

Download an application form and send it with a cheque for your subscription to the address on the form.

Gift Membership

Why not give a friend or neighbour gift membership of the Society for one year? We will send them a card with a note that their membership has come from you. We cannot offer this service online yet, but just send us a cheque for £15 or £25 as appropriate, with your name and the name and address of the person or people receiving your gift.

Corporate Membership

The Society is very appreciative of the ongoing support of our Corporate Members. Please see the Corporate Membership page for information about our corporate membership rates and how your organisation can join.