[ElWoodTroll]

For Easter, Vera and I and most of our children and grandchildren stayed at a hotel for a few days close to where our folks live. They have a small house and can't handle our noisy clan for more than a few hours at a time.It was nice to relax for a couple of days and visit with every one without falling over one another.
I found myself sitting by the pool trying to finish up the Easter bunnies in time for our Sunday gathering. I had several people stop to watch while I was carving and one young fellow hung around for quite awhile asking questions from time to time about where to get wood and patterns and so on. I was so engrossed with what I was doing that I almost failed to realize that there was a young fellow who had a genuine interest in wood carving.
I drug out all my tools and various WIPs and magazines and how to books which normally accompany me and gave him the 5 cent tour. Before we parted company we had decided on a time and date for the first ever meeting of the M---k Ne. wood carving club.
Having said that......HHaaalppp ...what have I gotten myself into?
We'll be starting from scratch so the first order of business will be to try to get our hands on some basic tools. In a town that lingers in a state of chronic ecomomical depression this could be difficult. I would love to hear from anybody that any experience working with organizations that provide assistance to charitable or not for profit clubs or if you have any other ideas that might help us get off the ground, please feel free to post your ideas or send me a p.m. if you'd prefer

[Eddy Smiles]

It sounds like you might be rushing things just a bit. I would think that your first step would be to establish a viable organization with more than just two members. First you need to snag a place to carve. Then you'll need to start collecting dues. Once you have a good solid carving program in place then you can start looking around for outside help. Many commercial enterprises will donate door prizes for special events (Woodcarving Illustrated, Woodcraft...even Lowes and Home Depot) but it might be difficult to get these companies to invest in starting up a club. The exception might be a smaller company which has an investment in your organization's success such as providing your club a place to meet or encouraging employees to participate...etc. As for calling yourself charitable or not-for-profit, I would caution you about making any claims of organization until you have both feet on the ground. Liability is always a factor. That's why many clubs who don't have their own insurance meet in locations that have umbrella policies which also will cover the club's meetings...such as a private company or a city recreation building.

[ElWoodTroll]

We discussed some of those very issues at the last meeting (another club). Liability is big issue, where young and inexperienced are concerned. In our home club we have the benefit of experienced profesional people who provide guidance, but no elected officers. Some members would like to hold raffles and other fund raisers but without the commitment of a majority were unable to establish ourselves as a non-profit organization, So I'm inclined to agree. I have my work cut out for me. Even in an established club, it's tough to overcome the inertia of members who have their heels dug in and don't want proceed beyond coffee, doughnuts and agreeable conversaion. The idea maybe doomed from the outset

[squbrigg]

We began a small group here last October. We have no rules, no organization, no insurance, but plenty of spirit and enthusism. We tried meeting in various locations and have settled on meeting here in my home, and the group is very happy with the location and set up. We have higs and lows on membership, and new members wander in and some older ones wander out, but we have maintained a core group dedicated to the concept.

We use our own tools, and new carvers are given the basics in sharpening, and various carving styles, a few simple exercises to get them started and some help when they ask for it. I provide the newcomers with catalogues that various suppliers have given me and arrange for their beginners kits from Rick, if they so wish.

The set up works well for us. We all look forward to our Monday evenings, including my wife. We have made some very good friends through it.

Bob

[ElWoodTroll]

I suppose a small informal gathering would require only a few guidelines. A strict adherence to safety would be be my biggest concern. Perhaps a guard at the door to make sure members are wearing full body armour before they enter

[Thor]

Good luck with your new group ElWood. We started one here last year, and it's like Bob's. We don't have dues, agendas, or officers. Lots of members have freely given tools, wood and advice to others who have shown an interest in learning.
You may not have to do a thing other than round em up and introduce them to each other. I think you'll find they will help each other with finding tools, patterns and stuff.
Thor

[Eddy Smiles]

I do believe that Bob and Thor hit the nail on the head. Keep it low key and manageable. We did the same thing to a small group that I carve with in Tennessee and it's by invitation only. You hate to be that way but at least you have some what of an idea of who you're carving with. Not only that but if it's just a group of friends over to the house and not a formal organization your homeowners should cover you in the event something did happen.

[ElWoodTroll]

Good points all. I guess i should mention that I'll be driving 60 mi. I make a trip once or twice a week to help the folks (wifes parents) with chores they just can't manage on their own and spend a good part of the day making a pile of chips at their table (I move to the yard in nice weather) and it's not really a place that would work for even small gatherings which is why I was considering other places to meet hence the comment about seeking help.