The phrase "was member" can be replaced with a variety of synonyms to convey the same meaning with a different twist. Some options include "belonged to," "was part of," "was a participant in," "had membership in," "was affiliated with," "enlisted in," and "joined up with." These synonyms capture the essence of being a member of a group or organization while adding nuance or specificity to the context in which the term is used. Depending on the tone and purpose of the writing, one synonym may work better than another to convey the intended meaning.