EMRAF adopts a non-fee paying membership strategy and the role of members is key to the effective performance of EMRAF as a communication channel on rural issues and as such, members are expected to relate to the wider community of interest they represent. They are expected to keep their sectors fully informed of EMRAF decisions and activities and to use their networks to disseminate information and to promote EMRAF and its activities within their own partnerships.

EMRAF hold 4 meetings a year for Forum members, who are strongly encouraged to attend. The meetings are held in various locations throughout the region and are hosted by Forum member organisations. Each meeting is themed and consists of the EMRAF Chair update, an update from the Co-ordinator, presentations from selected speakers relevant to the theme of the meeting, a regular soapbox slot and forum member interactive sessions. These meetings are open to the media but they are not open public meetings. They are chaired by the EMRAF Chair and are organised by the EMRAF Staff team, with the agenda being agreed and set by the Operations Group.