Replies

1. 
   rpholland | Oct 10, 2007 03:03pm | #1

   I joined the Va. Beach / Norfolk club a couple of years back but dropped out because location was not convenient, I live in Williamsburg, VA.  I would join another if I could find one closer.

   Rob

2. 
   byhammerandhand | Oct 10, 2007 03:39pm | #2

   Our local club just celebrated its 25th anniversary. I was not there for the organization, but joined shortly thereafter. As part of our anniversary, we had both of the still living founders attend. They said they started with just a handful of people and slowly got the word out.

   The best places to advertise are the local woodworking suppliers and on the web (many of the magazine web sites have club directories).

   In general, you will find woodworkers very generous to share their knowledge and help others along. Having presentations on techniques, Q&A, and show and tell are always of interest.

3. 
   9619 | Oct 10, 2007 04:22pm | #3

   Chris,
   I am a member of the Washington Woodworkers Guild, which actually meets in Virginia. It has been around for a long time. We meet on the third Tuesday of each month. Come on over and go to one of our meetings. You can stay at my place.

   To get something going, I'd recommend putting up a sign at the local woodworking stores. If you have a Woodcraft or at Rockler nearby, they might be happy to let you have the meetings at the store.

   Money is always an issue. The current President of the WWG is always raffling off something or other, and money is always an issue. The dues are about $25 a year. I have wondered why we need dues at all. If you want to bring in "famous woodworker" speakers, it will cost you. But I like to hear from the other local woodworkers about what they do and how they do it. They speak for free if you can motivate them to speak at all.

   Everyone who is a member of a woodworking club has something different that they want out of it. Most in the WWG really only want to be entertained for one evening a month. It is difficult (impossible) to get them to do anything extra. Everybody loves the meetings, especially if they don't have to do any work to make them happen. So to me, the most important person in the group is the "program chairman" who finds speakers.

   It is difficult to find many young people (35 - 55) to come to the meetings. Those with kids in Grammar or High Schools don't like to take the time away for a meeting. So the group is mostly made of older males. Recruiting new members around here is VERY difficult, and this is a big area with a lot of people.

   So our group is fairly stable. We have a routine, and it is a lot of fun. If you get going and you want some ideas on talks or anything else, just let me know. Where are you located?

   I hope this info is helpful.
   Mel

   Measure your output in smiles per board foot. 

1. 
   byhammerandhand | Oct 10, 2007 08:15pm | #8

   My experience is, the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. Seat warmers will come, watch and leave, and you will be much the richer if you are one of the organizers, movers and shakers.Our club, too, is mostly 50+ male engineer. My wife calls it the "flannel shirt club."Mel said:
   Everyone who is a member of a woodworking club has something different that they want out of it. Most in the WWG really only want to be entertained for one evening a month. It is difficult (impossible) to get them to do anything extra. Everybody loves the meetings, especially if they don't have to do any work to make them happen. So to me, the most important person in the group is the "program chairman" who finds speakers.

1. 
   9619 | Oct 10, 2007 08:42pm | #9

   Hammer,
   I agree with you. Someone has to put the effort in. I spent a lot of time, energy and fun, getting folks to agree to give a talk. Great experience. It doesn't bother me that most folks just want to be entertained. I joined to meet ACTIVE woodworkers, and to see what they are doing and to swap info, tips, tricks and possibilities. Many of the folks who come to the meetings but don't do much woodworking anymore have graduated to tool collecting. That too is fascinating. It isn't for me, but I like to hear talks on that subject as well. Everyone has something to offer.Hastings and I were both trying to be realistic about what happens in a club, without throwing cold water on an effort to start one up. They are a GREAT IDEA.
   MelMeasure your output in smiles per board foot. 

4. 
   Hastings | Oct 10, 2007 04:35pm | #4

   Kelso:

   I have had a little experience with groups of enthusiasts who wish to form a club - in this case, sea kayaking.

   As Mel said, most people do not have the time or inclination to do anything except to turn up occasionally to club events. Expect more and you will be disappointed. The success of the club hinges around a core group, or individual, who is willing to do all of the work to keep the club functioning. And it is a lot of work requiring a lot of dedication and very little thanks.

   And then there is politics, One club in which I was a member disintegrated because of internal politics! And then there is money!

   Finally, don't be misled by the initial enthusiasm of others! It will be followed by apathy. OTOH, if you're willing to make all the running, others might enjoy the ride.

   Rule 1: You will have to do everything

   Rule 2: When approaching others for help, refer to Rule 1.

   Regards,

   Hastings

1. 
   9619 | Oct 10, 2007 05:45pm | #6

   Hastings,
   you and I must be twins.
   We do think alike.Neither of us was trying to be negative -- just realistic.
   You hit the nail on the head.
   MelMeasure your output in smiles per board foot. 

1. 
   Hastings | Oct 10, 2007 07:26pm | #7

   Mel:Inside every cynic is a passionate person that does not want to be disappointed again!I was concerned that my comments would be seen as cynical. In the initial enthusiasm, the realities can get lost. If Kelso is gimlet-eyed* about this, there is no reason why he cannot prevail and I wish him well in the effort.Don't know about the twins thing! :-)Regards,Hastings* Pun intended!

5. 
   stanley2 | Oct 10, 2007 05:32pm | #5

   I have started 2 woodworking clubs in rural areas with limited media and no tool stores.  In both cases I started with an invitation in our local newspaper that featured free community notices.  The first meeting was at my house with about five to ten people.  They grew from there.  The first club was on an island with 2,000 residents and that club is now in its 15th year.  Presently, the club is in a trading area of about 20,000 and has over fifty members in its seventh year.  Annually, we co-host (with local carving clubs) the only exhibition of woodworking in British Columbia.  We meet monthly and have a shop for members' use.  We have an annual  Xmas toy making program for needy children.

   You have to be prepared to give leadership time - constantly.

   Programming is critical - each meeting needs to have a feature topic.  Our presenters are all volunteers.

   An occassional workshop provided by your experienced members can be used for fund raising.

   We charge $5 dues and a buck per meeting (that pays hall rental).  We have a raffle of an item purchased but always make a profit. 

   Go for it - the rewards are gratifying in spite of the hard work.

6. 
   alanplanesaw | Oct 10, 2007 11:30pm | #10

   I agree with what has been said so far.  I have been part of the beginnings and maturing of two such groups.  One was a model railroading group in Nevada and one is woodworking in Pennsylvania.

   My opinion and experience -- If you want a chance to network and have some low-key programs, keep the organization simple.  Elect a president or chair, someone who is willing to take the lead at the meetings for one year.  Make sure that person is good in leading meetings.  Keeps them moving, gives eveyone a chance at input, etc.

   IF you want more organization, bigger programs, have plenty of time and desire to lead and maintain such, then go for it.

   Remember the old 80/20 rule.  20 percent of the people will have to do 80 percent of the work.  And some would say it is now 90/10.

   Or, just invite a few friends over to your shop some evening for coffee and have a gabfest.

   Alan

7. 
   SawdustSteve | Oct 11, 2007 12:13am | #11

   Let's keep this positive. In the beginning, you will need three officers... President, secretary/treasurer and a Program chairman. Of the three, the program chairman is the most important, the hardest worker, and the most under-appreciated person.

   You need a place to meet. See if there is a local library, church, Moose Hall or similar place that you can get for free, or at least VERY cheap. I'd rather not use my house, as it is usually too small and my wife doesn't appreciate cleaning up after a meeting, especially if she is not a woodworker.

   A pot of coffee and a box or two of cookies is enough of a persuader to get people to join.

   Get notices up in the area libraries, the local newspaper, fire department, Moose, Elk and similar lodges. I'm not sure of where you are located, but The Grange or similar organizations are another good source for membership. Most important, be sure the club is not a stag party. There are plenty of women woodworkers out there and they do great work too. How about the High School?? Are there teens who would like to do more that the standard 'foot-stool and lamp' that some high schools have.

   Keep the dues high enough to cover expenses, but not high enough to scare people away. In this day of e-mail, you could publish a newsletter without going broke paying for postage.

   Your business meeting can be very simple... Welcome to all present, introduce new members, a brief 'Bring and Brag' session and then the speaker for the night. You may want to start with 'basics'. How to tune your table saw or bandsaw. If someone can bring their scroll saw and do a demmo, that is always of interest. Carver?? Why not. And, to keep the members at the meeting, finish off with a raffle or door-prize. The item being raffled does not have to be expensive, just useful. A pint of wood glue, bar clamp or a wood-workers apron are all good items. Does someone have a box of old woodworking magazines that they want to donate as door-prizes. Three or four magazines are always appreciated. Don't forget to invite the owner and staff of the local hardware store to your meeting. (They can be a nice source of door-prizes.) One of the best door prizes I have won was a GOOD quality, 6 inch steel ruler. It's always at my table saw for accurate measurements.

   Just remember, there will be many people who can do great things with wood but can not stand up in front of a group and talk. These are the people who will keep the 'Bring & Brag' session lively, but won't do a half-hour talk. They are just as important as the guy or gal who is willing to talk about almost anything wood related, but is only a fair craftsman.

   I hope this long reply is an encouragement for you .
   Keep us posted on what's happening.
   SawdustSteve

8. 
   ClarkCustoms | Oct 11, 2007 02:08am | #12

   Kelso,

    Unfortunately my input isn't as good as I wish it could be. It's been my experience that if a persons going to start anything with more than one person involved be sure that if anyone else says their going to do something to help or if they say their going to be a part of it make sure they can't find a way to get out of it.(short of something that might be of uncontrolled circumstances such as a unforeseen death or something of that sort.) A few years ago I tried to start a similar group, It all started out ok, I had the word of several "SO CALLED GOOD FRIENDS"that seemed to have the same idea's  that we all seemed to share but in the end I ended up keeping to my word and having the meeting/show but the outcome as far as help went was a catastrophe. (My own immediate family and myself was the ones who ended up putting the whole thing on)  I heard every excuse that I think was heard to man but in the end I and my family got the privilege of shouldering EVERYTHING from sit up to take down to everything in between but when the local newspaper showed up there was one guy(who just so happened to be the first to back out on his part)was out in front and was trying to be the so called "the one in charge" but every time the reporter asked a question,He kept asking me for the answer so finally the interview ended with the reporter and myself since it was obvious by all in attendance he had no idea what was going on since he'd shirked his part of the reasonability. I guess what I'm trying to say is," Be sure, No, I mean be very sure this is something that you want to do because keep in mind, like in my case you could end up being the so called "chief cook and the bottle washer" because I promise you this if you don't have the will to end up doing it yourself then don't even start the whole thing because I promise you like in my case you could end up finding yourself with an overwhelming amount of stuff to do and know one but you and a few close family members to do it. Also if all else fails just remember"THERE'S ALOT MORE TO IT THAN JUST TALKING ABOUT IT".

   Good Luck,And keep us posted on what you decide. Oh yea in case I forgot to mention this little tid bit of information" ,wives's have a way of keep reminding you of their involvement over,and over,and over again.

   Sincerely,

    

   Jim at Clark Customs 

    

1. 
   KelsoChris | Oct 11, 2007 04:29am | #13

   Thanks for the advice every one I will take it to heart as we move forward.  I am located in the Cape Girardeau area of Southeast MO ( home of Rush Limbaugh ) which is about 90 miles South of ST Louis.  We don't have any real woodworking suppliers in the area although there is a lot of woodworking related business.  RP I can see where it would be a hassle getting in and out of Norfoulk from Williamsburg.  We were there on vacation back in May and the hole family loved Williamsburg and we just hit the old part of town and not the modern part.  The guys in the club were of course 95% retired Navy so a lot of the humor was over my head but I had a great time.