A pal and I started a club in our community back in 2008. The next closest club was over 60 miles away. He puttered out after about a year, and at some meeting meetings we had but 3-4 folks. We considered shutting it down. But stuck with it. Then in 2011, a LHBS opened in town, and agreed to host meetings. Our club now has about 300+ folks on the email list, and about 35 paid members. Usual attendance is about 20 folks. We are starting to outgrow the LHBS.
Anyway, I have been part of the leadership from the beginning. I don’t think most folks really understand the work involved in running a club. In 2014, I stepped down from any leadership role, but SWMBO was elected president, so that, of course, included my participation. It’s now 2015, and we have completely new leadership. I haven’t missed a meeting yet.
But oh what a relief it is to know I don’t HAVE to go to the meeting this Sunday.
(although it is a bit like you child going off to college, LOL)
Nice work! Even in college a little guidance is required to keep them on the path, but it is generally a lot less hands on. PAWA is a great location for a club.
I’m there right now Mic. After assuming the reigns in 2008 with a handful of members meeting at homes, we’ve grown the club to 36+ members. It’s a bundle of work. Last month I announced it was my last year as prez. If they wanted the club to continue, then someone needed to step forward and shadow me for the year so they could take over in 2016. Reluctantly, someone finally volunteered, when I assured them I’d be right behind them propping them up where ever necessary. I want to concentrate on educational activities for the club and sometimes I’m just too darn busy with the rest of the agenda to get anything put together. The friendships formed and social activities are fun, but it’s really nice to take some new bit of knowledge home from each meeting as well. So, I’m looking forward to getting away from leading the meetings, but hope stepping down means I’ll have time to bring more value to membership.
I was President of the Falcons for 4 years and I’ve been on the board since 1999, so yeah… apparently I have issues. (and a very good crew of folks doing things as well)
Good on you for being able to keep it motoring and keep it safely spinning enough that it’s stable.
We found that introducing a term limit of one two-year term for the President, and adding past-President as a Board position, greatly increased the participation of more members in club management. I think it’s because it’s more apparent that we’re inclusive, and it’s not just a narrow group that makes all the decisions. I just became past president. Just in time ;D
Thanks for all the nice words folks, I do feel good about the club and it’s future. The folks taking over the leadership are fairly new to the club, and like mentioned above, both SWMBO and myself have volunteered to mentor them in any way they see fit.
This Sunday will be the first meeting for them to lead. I’m sure I’ll end up there to lend support, and heckle them from the back of the room. LOL
(Plus even though I sell my beer now, there’s one guy in our club that brews much better beer than I do, and I love drinking his stuff)
Well, I went to the meeting last Sunday, and the new folks did great. Another guy like me (1bbl commercial system) gave a talk on hop utilization. I didn’t necessarily agree with every point he made, but I kept quiet, and let the group ask questions. There were even three new faces.
And they guy who’s beer I really like brought a rye IPA (your recipe Denny). Quite tasty.
(and a very good crew of folks doing things as well)