I'm a long-term individual member of ISI so I can order their manuals and videos, which I think are great.
In the past I've belonged to various local ISI and USFSA (also called USFS) clubs so I could participate in one thing or another, or so I could test something.
Around here (Maryland, near DC), you needed a club to get much ice time in the mid 1990's, when skating was more popular, if you worked regular hours. Now we have more skating rinks than is sustainable long term, and many rinks offer many excellent deals on sessions and activities (e.g., classes, events, shows, productions, competitions) that you can participate in without joining a club.
In the mean time, USFSA has upped its fees for skaters, coaches, clubs and spectators.
So, at least here, clubs have to work harder to attract members than they used to.