BUDDY UP 20|20

What is the BUDDY UP 20|20 initiative?
The Y is an organization dedicated to strengthening the communities in which it serves.  This membership program is an initiative in which we support our community members on their journey to a healthier lifestyles by inviting their friends and family to join the Y.  When an existing member or non-member helps us to create a healthier community by buddying-up, both will receive a 20% savings off the standard rate of membership. If one of the pair leaves the Y, the remaining member has 30 days to “buddy-up” with a new non-member in order to keep the BUDDY UP 20|20 rate.

How do I get started?
Y members need to identify a non-member buddy and visit a Berkshire Family YMCA branch to sign up. Non-members that join would follow the same process.

Does my friend or family member have to be with me to join?
Yes. Buddies must be present together when signing up.

Can I refer more than one friend or family member?
Yes, but you will only receive one 20% off discount.

What happens if my buddy decides to leave the Y?
You will have a 30-day window to recruit a new buddy to maintain your discounted rate.  If you are not able to confirm a new buddy within that time frame, your monthly rate will go back to the standard membership rate for your membership category.

How long is this membership savings valid?
The 20% membership savings is valid as long as both buddies remain members of the Y.  Should one of you cancel your membership, the remaining member has 30 days to refer another friend or family member to join. If the remaining member does not refer another friend or family member to join within 30 days, the membership will return to the standard rate for the membership type.  The YMCA staff will review the program monthly.  Any changes to the program will be communicated to you 30 days in advance. Membership will be set up to autorenew. A 30-day notice to cancel by you or the Y to discontinue the program is required. 

Will the rate ever increase?
Yes. Future membership rate increases will be applied to the BUDDY UP 20|20 member, but the 20% savings will continue as long as the pair is members of the Y and the BUDDY UP 20|20 initiative is offered by the Y.

Does my buddy have to join the same Y branch?
No.  Buddies can join at either the Berkshire Family YMCA's Pittsfield branch or Northern Berkshire branch.

Who is eligible to participate in the BUDDY UP 20|20 initiative?
Young Adult (20-24 yrs), Adult (25-61 yrs), Families, Couples, and Seniors, who pay through automatic monthly bank or credit card draft are eligible.  Members must be continuous members of the Y in order to participate in the program.  A new member is considered a member that has not been a member of the Berkshire Family YMCA for 3 months or longer. Teen and Youth memberships are not eligible for the discount.

I pay annually for my membership.  Can I participate in the BUDDY UP 20|20 initiative?
Only members on a monthly autorenew membership receive the 20% discount. You may not pre-pay your entire annual membership and receive the 20% discount. Existing members may refer a buddy, but only your buddy can have the discounted rate at the time of joining.  Previously paid membership fees cannot be refunded.  When your membership is due for renewal, however, you may choose to convert your membership to automatic monthly bank/credit card draft to receive the discounted rate.

What happens if I receive financial assistance or a corporate discount?  Can I still get the BUDDY UP 20|20 reduced rate?
Each member is eligible for one price reduction per membership.  Based on eligibility, you will need to decide which one best fits your needs.

My insurance company pays for my Y membership.  Can I be a part of the BUDDY UP 20|20 initiative?  (E.g., Silver Sneakers, Healthy Benefits, etc.)
No.  You are welcome to refer buddies to the Y, but to be a part of this initiative, both buddies must be on a monthly bank or credit card draft.  Please call the Y if you aren’t sure if this applies to you.

I referred my friend and my friend joined the Y.  When will we receive the BUDDY UP 20|20 initiative rate?
The discounted rate will go into effect when the buddy's membership is actually purchased and automatic bank draft is started. The reduced rate for your membership will be reflected in the next billing cycle following the join date of the friend or family member you refer.

Before the BUDDY UP 20|20 initiative began, I referred multiple members to join the Y. Can I receive a rate reduction based on their memberships?
No. The BUDDY UP 20|20 membership savings is only available for current members referring new members or for new members joining the BUDDY UP 20|20 initiative together.

Can I receive a refund if necessary?
No. Membership fees are non-refundable.

I am joining the Y as a new member in the BUDDY UP 20|20 initiative. Do I have to pay a joining fee?
Yes.  You will be asked to pay 50% of the normal joining fee rate at the time you join the Y. NOTICE: Join Fees are waived through December 31, 2020.

Can I put my membership on hold?
No, members in the BUDDY UP 20|20 initiative may not put their memberships on hold. If put on hold, you and your buddy will relinquish the benefits associated with the BUDDY UP 20|20 initiative.

I am interested in a locker upgrade or other amenity/extra.  May I apply the 20% savings to those fees?
No.  The 20% membership savings may only be applied to the standard membership rate.