For over a century, the alumni of Canada’s military colleges have supported their alma maters through a proud tradition of paid memberships. From the early days of the RMC Club, founded in 1884, to the more recent evolution into the Royal Military Colleges Alumni Association (RMCAA), membership dues have played a vital role in sustaining operations, fostering camaraderie, and advancing the mission of our institutions.
However, as our community and the world around us have evolved, so too must our approach to engagement and sustainability.
The History of Paid Memberships
Historically, paid memberships—both annual and life—were the cornerstone of alumni engagement and a primary source of operational funding. At its peak, the RMCAA had thousands of dues-paying members, with life memberships offering a lasting connection to the colleges and a sense of recognition and pride.
But over the past decade, the number of new paid memberships has steadily declined. As of 2025, approximately 7,000 of our estimated 30,000 eligible alumni are active, dues-paying members.
This trend is not unique to us; alumni organizations across Canada and North America have largely moved away from fee-based models in favor of more inclusive, engagement-driven approaches.
Why We’re Moving to a New Model
At our recent board meeting, the RMCAA made a landmark decision: to set the cost of a membership to $0.00. Effective immediately, all eligible alumni who provide current contact information will be considered full voting members—at no cost.
This decision was driven by several key factors:
- Inclusivity: Removing financial barriers allows us to welcome all alumni, regardless of age, career stage, or financial situation.
- Engagement: Younger alumni, in particular, have expressed that mandatory fees are a deterrent to involvement. This change opens the door to broader participation.
- Alignment with Best Practices: No other Canadian university alumni association currently charges membership fees. Our peers in the U.S. military academy alumni networks have also adopted open-access models.
- Strategic Growth: A larger, more engaged membership base strengthens our ability to negotiate affinity partnerships, advocate for our colleges, and support fundraising initiatives.
What This Means for You
If you have attended or are attending any Canadian Military College in a degree-granting program (under-graduate or post graduate) or attendance in a designated certificate program, you are eligible to be a full voting member simply by updating your contact information with us here: https://www.rmcalumni.ca/en/contact-us/
This change ensures you can participate in elections, receive important updates, and access exclusive benefits, including affinity programs.
For those who have purchased life memberships since the merger of the RMC Club and the RMC Foundation on October 7, 2021, we are offering the option to either receive a refund or convert your payment into a charitable donation. This recognizes your commitment while aligning with our new direction. Please let us know by 31 December 2025 if you wish to take advantage of either option.
For those who purchased a life membership, we will continue to provide the 10% gift shop discount. In addition, we will continue on an annual basis to share a portion of the membership with your designated Branch.
Looking Ahead
This is more than a policy change—it’s a cultural shift. We are moving from a transactional model to one rooted in connection, service, and shared purpose. Our alumni community is diverse, dynamic, and deeply committed to the values of leadership, service, and excellence. By removing barriers to participation, we are building a stronger, more inclusive RMCAA—one that reflects the spirit of our colleges and the future we envision together.
We thank all our members—past, present, and future—for your continued support. Together, we are writing the next chapter in the proud history of Canada’s military colleges.
If you have any feedback, or wish to contact us on this subject please email [email protected]
Truth. Duty. Valour.
H12141 RAdm (Ret’d) Bryn Weadon, CMR
Chairperson
Royal Military Colleges Alumni Association