How to Start a Local Poetry Club

Starting a club is a lot of fun but it will take a lot of organization and planning. Getting the word out about your new organization can be a daunting task, but by word of mouth, plenty of flyers, and contacting your local newspapers, people will know about your club in no time. When a group of people come together to participate in a hobby that they enjoy, the activities and friendships that form will be something that can last a lifetime.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Flyers to advertise poetry club
• Press release with information about the club
• Applications for members to fill out
• Telephone to contact local chamber of commerce and newspapers
• Computer and printer to create flyers, member applications and newsletters

1. Plan the club and what you want it to do. Create a list of goals for the upcoming year(s). Decide on the times that the club will meet, what its duties will be, and what kinds of activities that the club will do.

2. Create flyers about your club to distribute within your community. Contact the local chamber of commerce to find businesses that can be contacted to advertise your club. Also talk to the chamber to find out where you could hold your meetings. Contact libraries or schools that may allow you to meet in their facilities.

3. Design a membership application in which members can fill out when they join the club. Include information such as name, address, phone number and email address. Also include some short survey questions about why they like to write poetry, when did they start writing and who inspired them, and a list of any books that have been published.

4. Set a membership fee. Keep in mind what it will cost to send out newsletters, supply fees, and also activity fees as well.

5. Write a press release about the poetry club and contact local newspapers to have your press release published. Be sure to include your phone number or email address for possible new members to contact you for information. Include a date for when the first official meeting will be held.

6. Have new members fill out the applications during your first meeting. Keep them filed for future use. Discuss with the group about what they would like to do in your club, and plan any future activities that could be held too. Decide on possible dates that everybody can meet. Meetings could be held weekly, bi-weekly, or even monthly.

7. Send out a monthly newsletter to keep the entire club informed. Always include the date of the next meeting so that everybody can plan accordingly.