Chapters Forming

BNI Member Policies

BNI General Policies

Membership Committees of each chapter have final authority related to BNI Policies. Membership Committees may put a BNI Member on probation or open a Member’s classification for failure to comply with the Member Policies, the Code of Ethics or BNI Core Values.

1. Only one person from each BNI classification can join a chapter of BNI. Each Member can only hold one BNI classification in a BNI Chapter.

2. BNI Members must represent their primary professional focus.

3. BNI Members must arrive on time and stay for the entire published meeting time.

4. An individual can only be a Member of one BNI Chapter. A Member cannot be in any other program that holds Members accountable to pass referrals.

5. A BNI Member is allowed three absences within a continuous six-month period. If a Member cannot attend, they may send a substitute; this will not count as an absence.

6. Members are expected to be engaged in the BNI Chapter by bringing qualified referrals and/or visitors.

7. Visitors may attend BNI Chapter meetings up to two times.

8. Only BNI Members who have completed the New Member Onboarding Program, and BNI Directors/Director Consultants can do Feature Presentations during the BNI Meetings.

9. Leaves of absence are possible for certain extenuating circumstances (e.g. an extended medical issue that prevents a member from working) at the discretion of the Membership Committee.

10. Members who wish to change their BNI classification must submit a new membership application for approval.

11. All BNI membership lists are for the purpose of giving referrals only. Before sending any marketing or business solicitation communications to BNI Members outside your chapter or Director/Director Consultants, the recipient must give their consent. Consent must be freely given, specific, informed and unambiguous

Policies are subject to change. All proposed policy changes need to be reviewed first by the International Board of Advisors.

Upon Your Acceptance to BNI, Fees Are Non-Refundable

Upon acceptance to BNI, I accept the above Terms & Conditions and agree to abide by the above Code of Ethics during the tenure of my participation in the organization.

Administrative Policies

1. There is an initial application fee. Participation fees are paid annually or biennially. Contact the local Secretary/Treasurer for amounts and payment instructions.

2. In addition to the Membership Fees above, you may incur additional fees during the course of your BNI Membership (examples include Chapter meeting fees, training fees and other events). The period for such payments will be determined by the Chapter Leadership Team. Failure to remit payment within the specified timeframe may result in the assessment of administrative charges, as determined at the discretion of the Chapter Leadership Team.

3. BNI may establish Chapters in every city or community with people interested in developing a referral-based business. In addition, BNI reserves the right to open more than one Chapter per community or city where the demand of BNI’s services are requested.

4. Membership fees are payable 30 days prior to the due date. Members not paid by the first day of the month they are due, are considered late and will be assessed a late charge. If fees are not paid within 15 days, the Member will be officially dropped by BNI.

5. Fees are non-refundable. A Certificate of Credit will be given, upon request, to Members in good standing for the unused portion of their time. This certificate of credit will be valid for a duration of 2 years from the issue date.

6. Fees cannot be transferred from one person to another unless the fees are from the same company.

7. BNI has a strict policy on returned cheques. A Member has three working days in which to contact their Regional BNI office and resolve the matter. Any returned cheques not resolved within this period will be turned over to collections. All returned checks will be assessed a minimum AED 300 (plus 5% VAT) returned cheque fee. If a Member passes a second Insufficient Funds cheque, that Member will be subject to immediate termination.

8. BNI is a marketing service provided by BNI Global, LLC. BNI or any of its franchisees reserve the right to discontinue a Member’s participation in this program.

9. A Member requesting a transfer from their current Chapter to a new Chapter will be required to submit a completed new Member application to the Membership Committee of the new Chapter. In addition, if the Member has less than 6 months of paid membership credit, they must submit a renewal payment. Or, if the Member has more than 6 months of paid membership credit, no additional investment is required. Upon acceptance into the new Chapter, the credit from their previous Chapter will be added to their membership in the new Chapter as well as the renewal time, if applicable.

BNI's Code of Ethics & Other Terms & Conditions

BNI’s Code of Ethics

1. I will provide the quality of services at the prices I have quoted

2. I will be truthful with the members and their referrals

3. I will build goodwill and trust among members and their referrals

4. I will take responsibility for following up on the referrals I receive

5. I will display a positive & supportive attitude with BNI members

6. I will live up to the ethical standards of my profession.*

Other Terms & Conditions

Arbitration. All disputes arising out of or related to this Agreement or the member’s participation in BNI shall be resolved by binding arbitration in accordance with the laws of the United Arab Emirates. The Arbitration shall be subject to the Rules of the Dubai International Arbitration Centre. This clause encompasses any and all disputes involving BNI, its franchisee, and their officers, directors, agents, and representatives.