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Guys, Steve (GaWag) posted in the General Discussion Forum about getting together to finally discuss formally organizing our local group. We are looking at possibly Sunday, November 9 either in the morning or the evening (or Saturday if that works better for everyone). After that, we could all collectively set a monthly meeting date during the week that is convenient to all?
Here is the original thread:
Atlanta Folk
EVERYONE is invited (even if you haven't met the rest of the locals before), and everyone is encouraged to be there. Below is a preliminary list of things we might talk about at the first meeting:
I'll compile these & everyone else's suggestions, and email a list a few days before the first meeting so everyone can prepare responses.
Also, as I have experienced before in creating clubs, we will not answer every question within the first meeting or two. Some of this will take time, and there are bound to be disagreements. But, with the collective group, we can make a group decision and move forward.
Here is a quick list of things we might want to talk about:
1. Club Name - agree and set in stone
2. Club By Laws - this will probably take the longest amount of time
3. Club Dues - if so, how much, how often, and to whom
4. Club Website - if we want one, and what we want on it (photo gallery, calendar, shopping cart for merchandise/dues, links, etc.)
5. Club Events - how often, where, what kind
6. Club Meetings - membership meetings, when, where, how often, etc.
7. Membership Requirements - minimum to join the club, and what things will get you thrown out
8. Club Ride Requirements - how many, how often, minimum rig & driver standards/requirements (ie: working lights, brakes, driver's license, fire extinguisher, 1st aid kit, etc.)
9. Sticker / Shirts / Hats - do we want them? (I have a contact locally for this stuff)
10. Club Logo - what is it? Text? Motto?
11. Non-Profit - should we formally organize & register? (this will cost us around $170, and I have the necessary forms on my computer)
12. Become Part of the Southern 4WD Assoc. - should we partner up with them (they are a blanket club that includes many local clubs throughout the southeastern region)?
13. Titles or no Titles (President, etc.) - Do we want to have them? If so, how do we nominate? What positions do we need at a minimum? What will be our system of checks & balances? Also, if we form a non-profit corp., we will have to have these positions.
14. If titles, vote & term requirements? How do we vote? What if there is a deadlock (4 vote yes, 4 vote no), how do we resolve? How long is each term for each title? Can the person be re-elected, or mandatory change? What is the transition period?
With regards to #11 above, the formation of a non-profit corp. for our club, I have done some research on this. Here is a prime reason we should do this:
You Want Protection From Personal Liability for the Group's Activities
"If your group finds itself the target of a lawsuit, incorporation can provide welcome peace of mind. Nonprofit corporations can be sued -- but their members and directors are generally protected from personal liability, meaning that their own money, houses, cars or other property isn't at risk. That's not true of an unincorporated association."
Also, I know of a local club that was recently sued for various activities while they were off-roading. This can help us to be better protected.
Many of the items above will fall under several categories, but I think this will get us started in the right direction.
Also, for all who are interested in our club creation, and would like to be a part of this, email me your current email addy & phone number, and I'll create a database so we can contact everyone & so that I can send out a copy of all the "Items to be Discussed". Send the email to:
[email protected]
or, you can contact me at 770.529.7779
[ October 23, 2003, 09:25 AM: Message edited by: billyrb ]
Here is the original thread:
Atlanta Folk
EVERYONE is invited (even if you haven't met the rest of the locals before), and everyone is encouraged to be there. Below is a preliminary list of things we might talk about at the first meeting:
I'll compile these & everyone else's suggestions, and email a list a few days before the first meeting so everyone can prepare responses.
Also, as I have experienced before in creating clubs, we will not answer every question within the first meeting or two. Some of this will take time, and there are bound to be disagreements. But, with the collective group, we can make a group decision and move forward.
Here is a quick list of things we might want to talk about:
1. Club Name - agree and set in stone
2. Club By Laws - this will probably take the longest amount of time
3. Club Dues - if so, how much, how often, and to whom
4. Club Website - if we want one, and what we want on it (photo gallery, calendar, shopping cart for merchandise/dues, links, etc.)
5. Club Events - how often, where, what kind
6. Club Meetings - membership meetings, when, where, how often, etc.
7. Membership Requirements - minimum to join the club, and what things will get you thrown out
8. Club Ride Requirements - how many, how often, minimum rig & driver standards/requirements (ie: working lights, brakes, driver's license, fire extinguisher, 1st aid kit, etc.)
9. Sticker / Shirts / Hats - do we want them? (I have a contact locally for this stuff)
10. Club Logo - what is it? Text? Motto?
11. Non-Profit - should we formally organize & register? (this will cost us around $170, and I have the necessary forms on my computer)
12. Become Part of the Southern 4WD Assoc. - should we partner up with them (they are a blanket club that includes many local clubs throughout the southeastern region)?
13. Titles or no Titles (President, etc.) - Do we want to have them? If so, how do we nominate? What positions do we need at a minimum? What will be our system of checks & balances? Also, if we form a non-profit corp., we will have to have these positions.
14. If titles, vote & term requirements? How do we vote? What if there is a deadlock (4 vote yes, 4 vote no), how do we resolve? How long is each term for each title? Can the person be re-elected, or mandatory change? What is the transition period?
With regards to #11 above, the formation of a non-profit corp. for our club, I have done some research on this. Here is a prime reason we should do this:
You Want Protection From Personal Liability for the Group's Activities
"If your group finds itself the target of a lawsuit, incorporation can provide welcome peace of mind. Nonprofit corporations can be sued -- but their members and directors are generally protected from personal liability, meaning that their own money, houses, cars or other property isn't at risk. That's not true of an unincorporated association."
Also, I know of a local club that was recently sued for various activities while they were off-roading. This can help us to be better protected.
Many of the items above will fall under several categories, but I think this will get us started in the right direction.
Also, for all who are interested in our club creation, and would like to be a part of this, email me your current email addy & phone number, and I'll create a database so we can contact everyone & so that I can send out a copy of all the "Items to be Discussed". Send the email to:
[email protected]
or, you can contact me at 770.529.7779
[ October 23, 2003, 09:25 AM: Message edited by: billyrb ]
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