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TheGreatDane Regular user White Plains, NY 183 Posts |
Hey all you nutty Café regulars --
Another student and I up here at Binghamton University are attempting to charter Binghamton U's first magic club. We have a few ideas already (which I'll get into later, if you're lucky) (j/k) but I wanted to know what you think goes into making a successful, productive, and all-around good magic club. For example, should anyone be allowed to join, or only those with some prior knowledge and skill? Should we attempt to do shows, or keep it on a strict basis of just helping each other out? What resources should be available to the members? Etc. etc. etc, the questions are endless. I was just wondering what all of your thoughts are. Thanks in advance! Zach
"I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of stars makes me dream." ~Vincent Van Gogh
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Chrystal Inner circle Canada/France 1552 Posts |
Hi Zach,
I can pass on lots of ideas to you what makes a successful club...however it's the wee hours of the morning and too much info for my brain at the moment. Here's a start, however. Some clubs are IBM and SAM sanctioned. Meaning members must join those clubs first before joining yours. IBM requires members to have an interest in magic for at least 2 years prior to joining. Individual clubs have various requirements...ours ask new members to perform three effects subject to the satisfaction of the club members. Check the IBM or SAM website and see if there are existing clubs already in your immediate area as I believe there has to be some distance between clubs so as not to vie for the same members within the district. If you decide to go that route IBM and SAM will assist you setting up your club regarding rules and regulations I believe. Good Luck! |
Peter Marucci Inner circle 5389 Posts |
Zach,
Since much of what you and the other members will want to do is dependent on precisely that -- what you want to do -- it's almost impossible for someone who is not a member or not going to be a member to give you any advice. However, there is one thing that should be said: Know when to let go! Many clubs have died an agonizing -- albeit deserved -- death when the founders insisted on the club being run along the lines that they wanted, rather than how the new membership decided. I've seen it happen far, far too many times to look on it as an isolated instance; it's a very real possiblity and one that you will have to look out for! cheers, Peter Marucci showtimecol@aol.com |
Chrystal Inner circle Canada/France 1552 Posts |
Great Advice Peter you are absolutely correct!
No matter what you decide to do GreatDane, whether it's informal sessions or an organized club - Good Luck! |
Gregg Tobo New user Denver 64 Posts |
I agree with Peter, once a club is founded, in order for it to remain vital, it must be allowed to evolve as the members see fit.
That being said, there is the concurrent danger that the club will fail by trying to "be all things to all people." If you try to appease everyone, no one will be happy. In this regard, electing club leaders is of the utmost importance. When I see a club that only has one person running for each office (and that person had to be coerced into accepting the nomination...), I know the club is in trouble. An officer elected under these conditions has no mandate, and will most likely be ineffective. In a dynamic club, elections should involve multiple candidates running for each office, each with a specific clearly stated vision for where they want to take the club (this is most critical for the office of President). Then as Peter stated, allow the members to chose the direction they want the club to go, by voting for their candidate. By democratically electing your officers, it is hoped that the majority will be happy with the direction the club takes. The minority can always look forward to the next election, or if there is chronic disagreement, they may be best served by splitting off to form their own club. Although a large membership is much desired, if you find the members are working at cross-purposes, sometimes a smaller, more focused, club is more beneficial to all involved. Gregg Tobo |
Tom Cutts Staff Northern CA 5930 Posts |
One simple word...
Participation. Tom |
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