I think I did answer that on the other UU board, but yes, some do require "dues." It's to make sure there's enough resources for everyone. It wouldn't be fair if some people came to every event/service/class, and reaped the rewards, but never contributed anything while others had to foot the bill.
Each congregation decides how it wants to handle it: in some congregations, to join, you must pledge something, even if it's only $1 a month. In others, you can become a member without a monetary committment. You learn about it when you talk to the minister about signing the membership book and what committments it entails. Or take the "Newcomers" class.
