Join Us

Join Us / We welcome new members

Become a member of our non-profit organization. ($30 suggested donation, or what you can afford.) This one-time membership donation helps us and covers costs of mailing to you the welcome packet, which includes a 30-page “Before I Go, You Should Know” planning booklet and any other materials you request on the membership form.

Here are ways to obtain our membership form:

  • Download and print our membership form (pdf). Mail to us the completed form and your check.
  • Complete the application found in the brochure “Don’t Be Caught Dead Without Us!” (an 8-column brochure designed for 8.5″ x 14” paper, with tear-off form on one end).
  • Use our online application and pay online. [Please be patient; this option is under development. Or, you may use the general DONATE button now to pay your membership donation online; be sure to add a message stating your intent to join, and your contact information.]

Benefits of becoming a member:

  • You become an educated consumer, able to shop for services with full knowledge of your rights and options.
  • You get advice from a group of knowledgeable volunteers who are not in the business of selling funeral services.
  • You learn why it is important to plan ahead of time for the funeral or memorial arrangements you want.
  • You gain information on options for body disposal—conventional burial, “green” burial, cremation, donation of organs or the whole body, home funerals, and more.
  • You’ll have the satisfaction of helping to support an organization dedicated to educating consumers on deathcare choices and protecting your right to choose arrangements that are meaningful, dignified and affordable.

Members receive:

  • “Before I Go, You Should Know” FCA planning kit, a 30-page fill-in-the-blanks workbook
  • FCAWM newsletter twice a year (online or print, your choice)
  • Our biennial Price Comparison report of prices charged by funeral homes in Western Massachusetts
  • Invitation to FCAWM events, including our annual meeting (features a speaker of interest; usually held in October)
  • Transfer option, in case you move to another region of the U.S.  Because we are affiliated with the national FCA, our members may transfer into other FCA affiliates without paying another “new member” fee.

Other ways to support and engage with FCAWM:

  • Volunteer to help us at an event or on a project. Read about volunteer opportunities and let us know what interests you. Contact us.
  • Tell your friends and colleagues about us!
  • Sign up for our email distribution list (no cost) for future newsletters and occasional notices from us via Mailchimp. Or Email us and ask to be added to that list.
  • Donate any amount to support our mission. Donations may be tax deductible. Your contributions help us pay to reproduce and distribute educational materials, including our newsletter and price surveys, and to cover other costs (phone, website) of serving the public.

Thank you!