Starting a new Newf Club

[bo'smom]

There's a growing number of people in the central Oh area with Newfs. The regional club that includes our area (we're on the eastern most edge) holds their meetings about a 3 hour drive from here. Sooooo...some of us were wondering what it would take to start a NCA recognised club in our area. Does anyone know how we would go about this?

 

[KatieB]

I don't but I think it's a wonderful idea...count us in if you need help getting things going as long as Murph can be an honorary member as the closest Berner club is also over a 2 hour drive. I have noticed a significant number of people in the area with newfs and there seemed to be a lot at the dog show in Columbus the weekend I was there. Would be nice to get something going.

 

[bo'smom]

Hi Katie! I was hoping you would chime in. Of course Murphy's going to be a member! It wouldn't be the same without him. And Bella will need her big brother there to protect her virtue.

 

[Sound Bay Newfs]

There is someone on this board that will know exactly how to do this, but my understanding is that it is quite comprehensive to organize and maintain, and has to offer all varieties of newf events.

"Regional clubs offer meetings, matches, Draft and Water Tests, NCA Regional Specialties, and educational programs" (according to the NCA site).

It sounds like a good idea if you could get it together.

 

[CMDRTED]

Go to the NCA Website and you will have to read the constitution and by laws. You may (I haven't read it) have to petition NCA, and have a certain amount of signatures, etc. I will bet there are a lot of start up costs, and I will also bet you will have to pay a fee to NCA. I will also bet it will be a long drawn out process.

I am currently a Club Officer of a non-dog not-for-profit Club and on the Board of Directors of another. Starting a Not-for-profit origanization takes A LOT OF WORK, including stuff like Registering and paying fees to the State it is registered in, Registering with the IRS as a not-for-profit, many, many little details. Also you will need an attorney, etc.

Not wanting to rain on your parade, but these are things to think about.

EDITED PORTION: I did read the Constitution, and clubs can be formed, however, they must meet all the requirements of the AKC as well as the NCA. LOTS of WORK!!!!

[ 12-02-2006, 10:23 PM: Message edited by: Captnted ]

 

[NessaM]

Well, never started an AKC recognized club, but I DID start a new social sorority when I was in college. (all the existing ones at my school were AWFUL). It took over three years and it shocked me how much work it was. Good luck!

 

[Sound Bay Newfs]

I remember that you will need insurance too.
Maybe what you can do is just form a casual, social, club. You could have a monthly play date (like we do on Long Island) and email everyone of when and where it is going to be. If you wanted to do something special, like a fun raiser or grooming demo, you could do that with no pressure or requirements.

 

[KatieB]

After reading over the NCA 2006 Bylaws etc. on Regional Clubs it sounds like a LOT of work to meet their requirements. We could give it a go if we got a big enough group or just continue the social gatherings etc. I just wish there were a closer place to do water work or drafting etc.

 

[bo'smom]

Originally posted by KatieB:
After reading over the NCA 2006 Bylaws etc. on Regional Clubs it sounds like a LOT of work to meet their requirements. We could give it a go if we got a big enough group or just continue the social gatherings etc. I just wish there were a closer place to do water work or drafting etc.

Starting out as a social gathering might be the way to go. If we get enough people interested, then maybe we can look into becoming formally recognised.
As far as a place for water work and carting, I'm wondering if we could work with the Alum Creek Dog Park people to use their facilities. The dog swimming area would be perfect, if we could get permission from the powers that be to allow people in with the dogs for training. And there's lots of areas there that would work well for carting training. We can do some more brainstorming when you bring Bella & Murph over. (Notice I said when, not if Katie!) I need a puppy fix!!!

 

[KatieB]

Sounds like a good idea...perhaps we should try and get a list together of all those in the area with Newfs who would be interested and maybe start a yahoo group or something so we can send out emails to everyone about upcoming events. I agree come spring lets talk to the heads at the Alum Creek park and see if we can get something going there. Haha in regards to Bella you will see plenty of her...I need a puppy fix also..the wait is killing me...not to mention that Matt picks her up on Friday and I won't be in Columbus until Monday so I'll miss her first few days

 

[swigginton]

If you are starting the club in an area already served by a NCA regional club, the other club would have to sign off to give that area away. That would also require a vote of the membership of the other club in place now.

 

[2Paws]

We have one club for the state of Michigan and it can be a real challenge to get together for newf activities because of the large geographic area our club encompasses. I've gotten to know newfie owners in my region (not all in the state of Michigan)and we've organized training sessions for water, carting and obedience. It has worked out great for us and we can continue to support our club with the activities they hold.

If you are interested in getting together for water training, another resource you may check into is public landing accesses at your lakes. Be sure and check to see if dogs are allowed. Most of Michigan's public sites are dog friendly but the rules do change from one site to another. HTH