How to Start a Bird Watching Club

Bird watching, like any passion, is more fulfilling if you can share it with others. Once you are familiar with the birds in your area, starting a bird watching club may be the best way to draw others into your hobby. With a little time and dedication, you can start a club that will bring other birders into your life and also allow you to introduce the hobby to newcomers.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Research other clubs. Talk to members of other bird watching clubs and see how they organize their meetings and membership. Choose the methods that appeal to you.

2. Write a constitution. Every organization needs basic rules of conduct. You may want to include the club's name, objectives, membership guidelines, dues, officers, election guidelines meeting times and places, committees and the steps needed to dissolve the club.

3. Find a meeting place. Look for a location where you can be either indoors (for meetings) or outdoors (for bird watching.)

4. Set a schedule. Decide how frequently you want to meet and what time of day will work best for your prospective members.

5. Advertise. People need to know your club exists in order to join. Use word-of-mouth advertising among enthusiastic bird enthusiasts for the most effective advertising.

6. Get together and find those birds. The point of the club is to see more birds and learn about them. Now is the time to get busy doing what you love.

Resources

• Bird Watchers Digest Website for More Information