by Bob Hoysgaard
Keep in mind the mission of every club: to protect the right to skate.
Any time an individual is on skates, the fun will come on its own. The purpose of club formation is to give a political voice to the skate community. Anyone can join a club, but it takes a special person to organize one. The good news is that once a solid infrastructure is established, the club will quickly grow in size and influence. “If you build it, they will come.”
Here are the ten commandments of any successful club:
- Club application, including reasonable dues (around $25/year)
- A consistent schedule of events (weekly group skates, maintenance sessions, etc.)
- A good meeting place, which includes parking, refreshments, and safe skate route
- Timely newsletter for members and community leaders
- Provide good example by following the IISA Rules of the Road
- Branch out: form a speedskating team, hockey team, town watch or NSP chapter
- Be active: organize competitive, charity and festive events open to entire community
- Make friends: align with local and national bicycling and running organizations
- Once organized, register and follow rules of non-profit incorporation
- Keep in mind that club is a lobbying force; how many votes represented by membership?
