I'm still happy to pay the $3+ increase if that will help cover the cost of Trails. Also happy to upgrade to 1st class postage.
Requiring participation is done at the local level at the chapters, not by TLCA. You want to belong to a chapter, then I'm sure participation is required.
And the internet has allowed me to meet TLCA members all over the country who have taken me wheeling when I'm out of state