Reserve members are where most everyone starts out in the NEARPS organization.  Regardless of the membership type chosen on the application, all new members are considered reserve members until he or she completes his or her probationary period.  Reserve membership basically combines responsibilities from active and support memberships. While a reserve member, you may be assigned duties that fall under either of the other two categories. In circumstances where new applicants desire an active slot, but all active positions are filled, the applicant may be offered a reserve position with the understanding that they may be able to move up when a spot comes open if they meet all the qualifications.  When filling spots on teams going to an investigation, all active members are chosen first and if any active members can’t go then their spot is filled by the most qualified reserve member.  Remaining open spots are also filled by qualifying reserve members and are determined on a case by case basis.  We hold several investigations a year where all members are given the option to participate.  Reserve members are rarely required to participate in anything, but for each event a reserve member takes part in they are awarded a participation point.  Participation points are awarded as a basis for determining a member’s level of dedication and are just one of the criteria that is looked at to determine qualifications to move up, or to join an investigative team. This way, the members are rewarded who do the most for the benefit of the organization.  There is no cap to this type of membership, but this in no way means that an applicant will automatically be accepted. We search for like minded individuals who fit in with the organizations goals and who would have the organization's best interests at heart.

This membership type is for the individual who can’t, or does not wish to participate in investigations, for whatever reason, but would like the opportunity to be a part of, and help support, the organization.  This membership type will include everyone who is not covered by active or reserve type memberships.  Members of this group may be asked to conduct research on the history of a location and will, in most cases, spend much time in libraries, courthouses, etc.  This may sound boring but can be very exciting to the right person. This is a very important assignment and is not to be taken lightly.

Support members may also sit on a committee for the purpose of organizing and conducting fundraisers and other public events. This would be a great position for someone who excels with public relations. This is very important to the future of NEARPS as fundraisers allow us to continue to help people and purchase new equipment, as well as allow for future growth of the organization.  Support members may also be trained to assist with analysis review, which is one of the most important things we do!  Should a support member choose to later on, they get first crack at moving up to reserve or active positions.  Support members could easily be considered the backbone of the organization and tasks that these members may be given are not limited to this brief summary.  There is no limit to the number of support members that the organization may have.

We here at the Northeast Arkansas Paranormal Society acknowledge the fact that children under the age of 18 have an interest in investigating the paranormal and we don’t want them to be left out.  Any member who is under the age of 18 falls into this category.  They are allowed to accompany us on investigations that do not involve a private residence or business once they have reached a certain level of training and have been given the OK by the Board of Directors. The minimum age for this category is 13 years of age and each applicant must have a parent sign a permission slip and waiver.