What is the best method for starting a club

It is important to lay a good foundation when starting a club in order for it thrive and expand in membership. Here are some tips on starting a club from the ground up:

• Check Out Other Clubs

Find out if there are any clubs in your area that are similar to the club you want to start. A good place to look for clubs is on MeetUp.com or school/coffee shop bulletin boards. See if the clubs have large memberships and if they have the same focus that you want for your club. Contact the group leaders to see if you can attend one of their meetings and observe how the club functions. Observing other clubs is a great research tool in learning what to do and what not to do.

• Get People Together

Get a core group of people together who you know would be interested in joining your club. This will most likely be your family, friends, neighbors, or classmates. It is important to form a core group of people who you trust and you know will be dedicated to the group. Find a location to hold club meetings like a library, coffee shop, or at group member’s house/apartment. Send a group-email to find out the best day/time to meet up during the week.

• Brainstorm

Share your vision for the club with the core members. Give everyone a chance to voice their thoughts, suggestions, and visions for the kind of group they want to be in. It is important to keep an open mind because someone might come up with an idea for the club that you never thought about but would work great with your original vision. Make a draft that states the club’s goals and core values that you all came up with together.

• Club Business

In the next meeting, figure out the expenses to operate the club and budget out an amount that would be required dues. Have the club nominate officers that handle specific responsibilities: treasurer, secretary, publicity, and president. Take a vote for each position and have people share responsibilities if two people desire the same position.

• Get The Word Out

Get the word out about your group if you all desire to expand membership. Put flyers on coffee shop/school bulletin boards and pass them community events. Make a Facebook page and invite send invites to people you think would be interested in your club. Get even more Internet presence by making a “Meetup Group” on Meetup.com or create your own website if your club has the resources to do so.