Starting a men’s social club is challenging, but the resulting organization can bring rewards for years to come. In order to maintain tax-exempt status, the club should have a limited (but nondiscriminatory) membership, exist for social or recreational pursuits, be sustained by dues, and involve face-to-face contact among members with shared interests. The social club may not provide profit for individuals (see Reference 1). There are men’s social clubs on college campuses (fraternities), glee clubs, religious social clubs and social clubs in retirement communities.
How to Start a Men's Club
Determine a mission for the club. Will it be strictly social, or will members undertake charitable or community service activities? Will the club welcome guest speakers or concentrate on social networking?
Determine leadership positions to be filled and solicit people to fill the offices. At the minimum, you will need a president to coordinate club activities, a secretary to record meetings and keep a calendar of events, and a treasurer to open a checking account for dues and expenses.
Plan social club activities by listening carefully to all ideas offered by members. These ideas may include fishing trips, golf outings, charitable functions or visits to local attractions. The person offering the suggestion can head up a committee and report on committee findings at the next meeting.
Appoint a meeting chairman who will be responsible for securing a venue for social club meetings. He will book an appropriate place, order refreshments, secure tables and chairs, and form a cleanup committee if necessary. He will also publicize meetings to the membership well in advance.
Hold a brief business meeting at the beginning of each general meeting to inform members of the state of the social club's finances. The treasurer can state the amount of money currently in the checking account, deposits expected, and anticipated expenses.
If there are to be guest speakers at general meetings, appoint a committee chairman to conduct a search for an interesting and informative speaker by investigating the Speakers Bureau of a local college or university. Guest speakers generally speak to the membership after committee chairmen report on the progress of planned activities.