How does one start up a local fishkeeping club?

[CACAdmin]

Here at CAC part of what we do is support local fishkeeping clubs. After all, participation in local clubs is one way for a hobbyinst fishkeeper to meet with other local fishkeepers, etc. However, for people who don't have a club available nearby, the only option may be to start one.

I may have figured out (with much assistance from my co-Admin, Melody) how to set up a website but if I were to try to form a Fish-keeping Hobbyist club, I would have no idea where to begin. (Of course this is a moot point here in the lower mainland as we do have the VAHC (http://www.canadianaquariumconnection.com/forum/gardneri makurdi).)

Some of you may have been one of the founding members of a club in your neighborhood and can enlighten us. So, with that in mind for the members for whom there are no local clubs, how does one go about forming a local club?

[Pamelajo]

Jay I sent you an email with a PDF file.

[Lisachromis]

You can contact CAOAC (http://www.caoac.ca/FramesetMain.html).

http://www.caoac.ca/projects/Operating%20A%20successful%20Aquarium%20Club.pdf

[CACAdmin]

Thanks ladies.

[CACAdmin]

Great minds think alike apparently, ladies.:yes: That booklet is a handy tool that not only indicates a suggested structure and explains the need for a Constitution and Bylaws, etc. but has some suggestions for helping make the club a success.

If planning to incorporate your club, you will need to check the requirements in your local province which will include what can or cannot be used in the name, etc.

[PintoHawk]

Pam, may I have a copy of that PDF file too please, if you think it might be relevant for me? I am in southern Alberta and would like more info on starting a new club. Thanks. :)

[CACAdmin]

Sorry for the confusion Anna. (I guess I was't very clear in my previous post when I said "Great minds think alike"). The pdf file is the same one Lisa posted the link to. You'll find it here: http://www.caoac.ca/projects/Operating%20A%20successful%20Aquarium%20Club.pdf .

[KnaveTO]

There are some other things outside of those documents that you should look at. The one thing you must have is Directors and Officers Insurance as well as some sort of general liability policy.

[PintoHawk]

Ah, ok, thank you Jay. :)

[truckedup]

first things first you need to make a secret handshake.....the rest will just fall into place

[Melody]

lol Just nothing that has to do with spit please... snail slime maybe.