SmartHomeOwners

Whether you wish to organize a social club or a sports-related club, we've put together some ideas to make the process go much easier.  A social club enables people with like passions and views, or even similar hobbies, to meet others and share experiences.  Social clubs can be for business or pleasure.  Some examples include book clubs, art clubs, tea/coffee socials, writer's groups, dessert clubs, fitness clubs, country clubs, sports clubs and classic car clubs.  Social clubs can also be geared toward specific needs, such as a single mom's social club or a club for divorcees.

When organizing a social or sports club, think about what you would like the club to accomplish?  How do you want members to relate to one another?  Will you get involved in outside activities or simply meet with one another occasionally for a group chat?  Consider your personal interests and whether or not you will be passionate enough to keep the club going for years to come.

Getting Started

Starting a social club is as simple as coming up with a theme and an actual name for your club.  Avoid naming the club after a person, but rather try to capture the theme of your group in the name.  You can use the city or community name for starters, such as the "Memphis Book Lovers Club" or "New Heights Basketball Fan Club."  Try to keep the name short and catchy....easy to remember. 

In the start-up process, tell people you know about the club, especially those you feel would be interested in joining.  Try to get at least two other people to make a committment.  You will need their help when it's time to promote and grow the club.

Meeting Place and Time

Once you have a couple of people to start the club, find a meeting place.  This could be an empty building or office, a restaurant (on a slow morning or evening), someone's living room, or even in a garage or basement!  You can always move to a better location with more space should your club outgrow the original meeting place.

Advertise

Create club flyers that include the meeting locations and times, what your social club is all about, and who to contact if one has questions.  Some local businesses or organizations will allow you to leave the flyers on a counter or table, or hang one on the door.  Think of places where your potential members might visit, shop or relax.  For example, classic car clubs often advertise through local mechanic and body shops, car dealerships and auto parts suppliers.  A book club can advertise at the local library.  You can also promote your club by starting a website with keywords and phrases to target people in your local area.  Other ways to advertise include newspaper and local magazine classified ads, postal mailings and referrals from current club members.

Set Guidelines

Every social club needs guidelines.  Once you start adding members, you'll need to decide on regulations and possibly create a Board of Directors to handle club operations, membership fees, planning of events, etc.  The Board may include a president, vice president, treasurer and secretary.  You'll also need to decide if you want the club to be registered as a 501(c)(7) corporation.  This will give the club "non-profit" status by the IRS, exempting the club from paying taxes as long as it falls within certain guidelines.

Plan Activities

Once you've established the social or sports club, it's time to plan your activities.  Decide which activities will be fun for all while remaining affordable.  You can plan nights out on the town, breakfast or dinner meetings, visits to local venues related to your club theme (i.e. museums, shops, music stores, book stores, etc.), sports games, festivals and parades, etc.  You can even host your own events to gain publicity and grow your club membership even more!

Planning a social club isn't difficult if you follow these steps.  You'll be able to gather with great friends, meet new people and spend at least one or two days out of the month focusing on your greatest passion in life!