Start A CB Club
ACBRO's mail sometimes brings in an item
requesting information on starting up a CB club. This invariably raises the
issue that there appears to be no ground rules for this, so we do it by applying
logic and a little common sense.
The following handy hints will help those contemplating starting a club, but
shouldn't really be considered the hard and fast ground rules for such an
enterprise.
So where and how does it all start? Maybe two or three operators on the band,
who may very well be new chums, decide to continue their communications face to
face. As their on-air 'clubs' become dominant on the frequencies in their area,
they'll eventually decide to meet on a regular basis, and a formal club will be
created.
Now, most people have had some exposure to committee activity in other
organisations, and realise there needs to be some sort of a 'top cocky'.
Invariably the creator of the scheme will feel that it is appropriate that
he/she shall become such and they will look to having the title of President.
Others who have agreed that the idea of setting up a club is warranted will
probably seek some other title to maintain importance - but from here, where do
you go? Perhaps it's time to put it in writing...
In writing a constitution, the objects of your club should be clearly defined.
Without this, your club's future may be doomed. So now, you have a small group
of people with common interests, you've set out your objects and aims in
writing, and it's now that the 'hierarchy' should be established.
If you need to, you can even pick straws for the position of President, but your
Secretary should be chosen based on the experience of the potential candidates
in this sort of job. It is most importaunt that this position is filled by one
who is willing to put in a bit of time, because the Secretary will end up with
most of the work. Many clubs fall simply because they did not have an
appropriate and effective Secretary.
While the President and Secretary are invariably the mainstays people
organizations, subject to the size of the group, some others will need to be
elected or delegated to other positions to form a Committee. As to how many,
you'll need to decide that at the time.
If the group grows - as is often the case- it is not unreasonable to think that
more office bearers will be required. These could be, for instance,
Vice-President, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, Public Relations Officer,
Publicity Officer, Membership Officer, to name a few, who in turn need to be
supported by a Committee of so many members. But in the initial instance your
group may start with the two major principals, the President and the Secretary
and, if the numbers of members are small, they could serve to be the committee.
Once you have this infrastructure in place, where should you turn next?
Possibly at your first official meeting it would be appropriate to endorse any
preliminary arrangements that have been made then, to secure and promote your
future, perhaps some ground rules should be established.
Your first meeting will also need to establish the frequency of your meetings
and other such matters. Most Importantly, you will have to establish if any
money is going to be involved. If so, and it probably will be, as some form of
financial subscription will be considered appropriate, then a Treasurer should
be appointed.
Okay, you've done, it. You have established a basic radio club. Presumably you
have also given it a formal name, but If you haven't yet got that far, our
advice is keep it short.
So now you continue talking on your rigs, but now with the exclusivity of being
the 'Mickey Mouse #1' or whatever. This may provide you with the appropriate
contentment that your foundations are laid, and that little more needs to be
done, And this may well be the case.
If your 'on air' conduct is found to be exemplary, the attention of others may
well be shown, and they may indicate a desire to become one of your group. With
pride you will accept a new member, and appropriately initiate him/her into the
group. A trial period before the membership is accepted may be part of your
rules, but be careful that strict insistence on this prerequisite doesn't
offend. After all, you may create an enemy instead of a member. And who needs an
enemy on CB radio?
But if you win one or more new members, the handling of them needs to be done
with kid gloves and diplomacy, because poor handling of newcomers may also
be the making or the breaking of your club. Only experience in operating on the
bands will guide you in the right direction to be taken in this regard, but to
ignore some of the troublemakers will assist your survival
You may decide to have QSL cards printed, Tee Shirts made with the club logo on
them or whatever. All of this introduces more administration and, more
importantly, more money changing hands. Systems are now important to keep this
matter under control, which can only be established with good office bearers.
You may see fit to publish a small newsletter for your members, needing still
more money changing hands and added responsibilities. Before entering into this
stage, make sure that you can continue the commitment of your publication,
because one of the first signs of your club going downhill, is its failure to
serve the members in a way that they expect or have been promised.
Most club principals who have 'been there-done that' would agree that it is not
all beer and skittles, but immense satisfaction can be derived out of building
up a respected CB club with a multitude of members. But some in reading these
notes will wonder whether it is all worthwhile. But do not despair - if in your
neighborhood CBers appear to be a little disorganised and in need of direction,
get them together in some simple fashion.
Let the togetherness of CB radio operation progress in a way that new friends
can be made and your common interests served. If you create a club, to join the
list of ACBRO affiliates may be a wise decision. To be kept informed in radio
matters is important as well as having ACBRO act on your behalf to the
Regulatory Authorities. Reading CB Radio related magazines and having your club
affiliated with ACBRO are two of the few ways in which this can be achieved.
So while these notes are presented under the respected banner of ACBRO Inc, they
are not intended to be strict guidelines but, as suggested at the start, just a
few hints to prompt thought.
If setting up your own club now appears to be placed on the back burner, or in
the too hard basket, then consult one of the clubs near your station, ask about
becoming a member, and if you're invited to take out membership, do so
conscientiously, knowing that you can only get out of any enterprise that which
you are prepared to put in.
ACBRO will be glad to be of any assistance to you.
Good Luck.