Overview
Clubs and organizations play important roles in communities as they encourage people to get involved and donate their time or money. People often reap social rewards from belonging to a club or organization by interacting and forming friendships with others who share a similar interest. Any person can start a new social group in his community.
Step 1
Determine what type of club you want to start. Most clubs and organizations are centered around a hobby, an interest or a purpose. Think of things you enjoy doing in your spare time, such as writing, knitting or hiking, when determining what the focus of your club or organization shall be. If you have a particular cause that is important to you, be it cancer, education or disability awareness, make that your organization's focal point.
Step 2
Establish membership procedures. Clubs and organizations often allow anyone to become a member, so long as they share the interest or cause of the club. A few clubs only accept certain people for membership and often only at the referral of a current member. Early on, you should establish who can join, how people join and how much it costs to join your club.
Step 3
Set your mission, bylaws and goals. Most clubs and organizations establish a mission statement and governing rules at the outset. These help to ensure that the club remains true to its original purpose and that no one person exercises too much control. Your bylaws should contain information on membership, officers, finances and club activities. In addition, your club can establish goals for the future.
Step 4
Recruit members. Once you've established membership procedures and protocol, you can begin finding people to join your group. Visit local Web sites or forums to post information on your new club and to recruit members. You can also post fliers around your community in places where people with similar interests might see them. For example, if you're starting a garden club, hang fliers at local garden supply stores in your area.
Step 5
Register as a nonprofit organization. Most clubs and organizations qualify as nonprofit organizations since they don't make money or profit off of their activities or services. You should register with the IRS to become a 501c3 nonprofit in order to gain tax-exempt status for donations your club receives and purchases you make to carry out club activities.
Step 6
Hold a meeting. After you've gotten members and you've set up your nonprofit status and bylaws, you can begin holding regular meetings. The initial meeting signifies the official start of your club or organization as you elect officers and officially adopt the bylaws and mission you've established.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- TIP : If you are starting a local club or organization that is already established on the national level, such as Rotary or a local chapter of the American Cancer Society, you will first need the organization's permission.
- WARNING : When establishing who can be a member of your club or organization, make sure you don't discriminate against anyone.
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