The club that works together, stays together -- in theory at least. The one thing I've observed over the years is that relationships that start as a very successful club often disintegrate a few years later, leaving everyone's relationships and friendships a little rocky, if not totally ended.

What happens? What chain of events results in the death of a potentially successful club? Or better yet, how can you ensure that your club stays healthy?

I think the major issues fall into the following areas:

• The organization's mission statement


• The organization's stated goals


• The organization's leadership


• The degree of member involvement in the organization


• The organization's group and relationship building strategies

Mission Statement

And the usual demise of this group is when it has achieved its original mission, but has not established an overall vision for the group. What often happens at this point is that members break into numerous groups, each assuming that everyone else want to go the same direction they do, and the club disintegrates.

Early in the growth of a club, the membership must commit some time to developing a mission statement for the group. This statement clarifies for existing members, and potential new members, exactly what your group is about.

If your club exists purely for trail riding pursuits, it's mission statement would be something to the effect that, "SnowRiders club is a non profit organization, commited to providing fellowship and snowmobiling opportunities for local snowmobilers. We welcome snowmobilers who want to share the local trails, meet for fun family activities on week-ends and holidays, and socialize regularly as a group."

Now that is a very simplified version of what a club may be about. There is an excellent site which can help you establish the mission statement for your non profit organization at: What Should Our Mission Statement Say?

Please remember that it takes a whole group to decide on a mission statement, not just one or two members! The best route is usually to have a membership meeting to brainstorm, then a committee to word the statement before it is voted on by the whole group. Remember, that this mission statement can be revisited if the needs of the group change!

Setting Goals

Generally a club will have some long term goals, and some short term goals. If these are looked at annually, there can be discussion that may help solve problems before they become insurmountable. For instance, if the club had a short term goal the previous year to increase membership by 20%, or ten people, but only managed to get two new members, there were several possible problems.

First of all, perhaps the club's mission statement isn't worded in such a way as to appeal to the general public. If that's the case, maybe your club is really a specific interest group, and may never have a large membership - don't worry about it! Or second, perhaps the membership drive just wasn't successful, and needs to be re-evaluated and tried again.

This advice is given on goal setting:

• Goals must be specific


• Goals must be measurable


• Goals must be targeted


• Goals must be time specific

Choosing Leaders

For clubs the best style of leadership is often one that relies on group consensus, and not on control. In clubs the Directors and commitees can be volunteers who have specific knowledge of certain areas, whether it is fund-raising, or choosing the best trail for the week-end ride.

Of course there still has to be a visible leader who can be relied upon to take the helm if there is an issue to be dealt with. This can mean speaking out to the media to get public support for problems, or making a final decision on the club's direction, based upon the club's vision and goals.

While it is often easy for a club to just accept the leadership of a dictator, usually the dictator remains in control for years, while the membership is gradually replaced year after year. If you value your club, spend some time considering your potential leaders.

For more information on leadership, you can read Leadership Theory and Skill Development.

Membership Involvement

Some ways to generate club participation:

• Make part of the Mission statement, or goals for the year, the involvement of all members in a particular situation - whether it is a rotating four person committee that plans the entertainment and kids games at the club house after each week's ride, or whether it is the member who phones everyone to advise them of cancellations.

• Make things fun - that way an inexperienced individual will not feel self-conscious if his or her activity ends up having unexpected results, such as the pot-luck supper having all dessert and no meat.

• Make it clear to all members that everyone is a working member of the club, particularly if the group conducts regular fund raisers. So often, 20% of the club work to support the other 80% - and predictably, the club dies.

• Make it clear that the expert in any given situation, whether it's purchasing the canteen food for an event, or marking a trail for a function, must have at least two in-experienced helpers. This way everyone will gain the required compentencies, and the pro will never feel used, since soon there will be lots of qualified club members.

Group And Relationship Building Strategies

• Providing whole family activities, such as Christmas parties and other family oriented events.
• Providing regular, year-round activities. Our snowmobile club used to meet every summer for a two day family campout that we loved. Not only did our friendships continue through another season, but we got to know each other by sharing different activities.
• Providing an "open" door to new members. It isn't always easy to be the new person in a club where everyone has been friends for years. Perhaps new members could be paired with a mentor, or old member, who could help them feel more comfortable. Clubs can often get a reputation for being a "clique" - don't let it happen in yours.

Keeping a club together requires the same commitment as any other relationship - but it's worth the investment!