Carving Club Membership Boost

[karvinfool]

Hey y'all,
Looking for some suggestions. The leader of our seemingly dwindling carving club is understandably getting frustrated with trying to keep it going. Participation at the monthly meetings is hit and miss with what just seems like a few regulars. From the local entries at the annual National Fair, I know there are many other carvers in the area, who, for whatever reason, are not involved with our club. I am enjoying my hobby and like to share my enthusiasm with other carvers and learn from them, but I'm concerned my only group connection is about to wither and die. Does anyone have some ideas as to how we can generate some interest and excitement about a vibrant local carving club? We are in central Georgia, Bibb and Houston counties.
Thanx for the help

[papasar]

The club I belonged to would display at various street fairs and a local woodworking show. They also have a club carved circus that they would display at local libraries. We usually picked up a few members this way. Advertise in the local papers or get an article written with picture for local papers. Let the population know that you exist. I never knew there were carving clubs when I started and lucked into a carver who got me on the right track.
Maybe offer free beginners lessons. Sometimes you got to give it away to keep it.

Good luck,
Bill K.

[Dagwood]

Well with out knowing a few basics it would be hard to say

1. how offen do you meet?
2. is it in a basement of someones home vs a comfy heated location?
3. does the location change?
4. how much is membership?
5. do u have door prizes/ show an tell?
6. Is there a monthly carving project?
7. What benefits do they get to come other than sit an carve..cause most can do that at home.

Dont give up there may be many reason ppl are loseing interest...step back an think what can be done do get them here..

[p3aul]

I'm in the same club as karvinfool and those sound like good suggestions. I particularly like the ones about a monthly carving project and the free beginner lessons. I think that's what holds back a lot of would-be carvers. "Gosh the things you carve are so beautiful." "How would I ever begin to carve something like that?", prospective carvers might ask. The answer would be a friendly atmosphere and the offer of some free lessons.

I use to carve leather. When the Tandy leather sores were everywhere. One day I told myself that woodcarving might be easier than I thought. I bought some cheap chisels at a local hobby shop and carved a simple shell in some soft pine. I was hooked! What I would have given then for someone in a club to take me by the hand and show me some basics! It's not been easy, and I'm still not good carver, but I still enjoy woodcarving.

[papasar]

Dwayne made some good points. If the only thing that happens at the meeting is displaying our latest carving and hearing a lecture, then the beginner is pretty much on his own. Group projects with a purpose (ornaments for children in hospital), theme carving, etc. help to keep the enthusiasm going. IMHO
Bill K.

[Lynn O. Doughty]

I think most carving groups suffer because they forgot what they were originally set up for......CARVING! Who wants to go to a club meeting that usually consists of sleep inducing reports from the secretary, treasurer, president, or some featured carver who carves in a style you care nothing about. I think this is the reason why lots of clubs now feature an additional meeting where people actually come to CARVE! My suggestion would be to limit the "business" to about the first 5 minutes and then devote the rest of the meeting to whittling, telling jokes, saving the world, bragging about your grandkids, or other important things.

[brian-bailey]

Hey! I'm actually agreeing with Lynn for a change.

As for me, I avoid groups that abide by "Robert's Rules of Order".

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

I also agree with Lynn, keep it simple and have fun ! I carve with a group on Monday morning at one of the members homes, he is an excellent carver and will teach you anything you want to know in regards to carving, he calls it a free carving class. But 99.9% of the time we carve, talk about current events, tell stories etc., but most of all we have fun!

Dave

[Benjamin]

Lynn has a good point. I am still trying to get a club or something started. I want to carve and have fun with others. Who cares about the club part details.

[Ripton]

Retention in volunteer fire departments is also having the same issues, in some areas. There were a few great articles on "Marketing your department" in a national trade journal. Your meetings should have some structure, formal or informal. Offer something for everyone to learn and participate. There's a lot of information on marketing your club or volunteer organization on the web and at local libraries, unless you enjoy buying books or services of a professional marketing agency. Visibility and getting your name out there, providing a benefit for membership etc.. good luck