How to Form an Antique Tractor Club

Forming an antique tractor club can be fun and rewarding.

Most clubs center on a common interest or a particular collectible. In the area of farm and country living, one popular kind of club focuses on antique farm implements like tractors. Some young people are fascinated with the way things got done in decades past, and seniors may enjoy reliving their younger years. Starting an antique tractor club takes some work; finding like-minded individuals is the key to success.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Internet access
• Desktop publishing software or document editor
• Announcement flier
• Blank printable business cards

Instructions

1. Name the club. You may want to include the town or city name in the club's name, so it both tells people where the club is located and appeals to their hometown loyalty.

2. Create a logo for the club. You can do this with graphics software or the graphics tools in document editors, perhaps using free clip art available online. Include the club's name and a graphic of an old tractor, and put border around the logo. Save the logo as a .jpg or .gif file that can be pasted into newsletters, fliers and announcements.

3. Make a list of every organization, school, church and farm club in the area and get their address and phone number. Most farm communities have Granges, 4-H and social organizations. Call everyone on the list and announce the formation of your antique tractor club. Ask who their point person is for club contacts and how they might spread the word. Often, if the club is non-profit, they will post an announcement in their office or premises or include a flier in their next mailing.

4. Meet with charter members of the club and elect a president, secretary and treasurer. Decide on the scope of operations and the club's goals and objectives. Investigate a space or building location where the club can meet monthly. Clubs often can find a meeting space in a school, office or church classroom. If not, meeting in someone's home or a fast food restaurant will typically work.

5. Decide on an event to mark the announcement of the club. If a charter member owns an antique tractor or knows someone who does -- two or three would be better -- a kickoff mini-show of them would be an exciting way to get started.

6. Design and print an announcement flier and photocopy it on colored paper. Include names and phone numbers of the club's charter members and their titles. Small-town print shops may donate the photocopying. Make as many copies as available funding will allow.

7. Mail the announcement to every organization and business on your list. Post copies on all available bulletin boards and ask permission to post them on business windows and doors. Staple or tape copies to street signs and telephone poles.

8. Assign duties to the charter members, such as distributing fliers on the windshields of cars in parking lots, securing a location for the kickoff event, handling refreshments and inviting guests to the event.

9. Print business cards on blank card stock and give a supply to all the charter members. Decide on and document the charter members' duties in helping to expand the club. Arrange for future events and monthly newsletters.

10. Make formal documentation of new club members a priority. Ask charter members if they have spreadsheet or database program to keep track of new members.

Tips & Warnings

• Hold a car wash or bake sale to raise money for the club.

• Be aware of any community or county regulations that require the registration of clubs or organizations that accept charitable donations.

References

• "How to Start a New Association"; Robert C. Harris; 2007