My "Club" is going through some major changes in that all the club officers are leaving. We fly from a small field with a 20' x 200' paved runway next to a pond/swamp that's in a park owned by the township. Over the past few years the membership requirements have dwindled to the point where it's now pretty much just pay your dues and go down there and do whatever you feel like doing.
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I've been nominated to be the next club president, however nobody's chomping at the bit to fill the other vacancies. After two months of talking some members have reluctantly volunteered to fill a couple of the open spots.
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I personally don't want to see us lose the field, but I don't think that 2 or 3 people should be responsible for keeping it open for 50 people that won't lift a finger to help out and feel that they should be able to do anything they feel like when they're there. I'd like to turn it into some semblance of a club and would appreciate any input regarding how to do it.
Since your people do whatever they like, I suppose you don't have a very strict set of Bylaws and Club Rules.
Actually your problem is not too big if you're serious about solving it.
You want a real club, then run it as it is, a business. Be sure you have a contract between the Club and the facility owner that gives you control over the facility.
You can surely find a meeting room for at least one big meeting even if you have to rent one at a local restrurant
Write a new set of Bylaws. Try
www.jetero.com and go to documents for the Constitution and Bylaws for examples.
Call a general meeting with a quorum to be the members present. Vote in the new By-laws, etc.
Establish your new rules etc. If needed have the Officers the Board which runs Club Business.
Call for another meeting with a significant dues increase and/or assessment to increase the runway to 40 x 300. Get permission from the site owners and some bids. Go for it while only the few are there to vote. You now have something that will get member attention: MORE MONEY!
Then ENFORCE your new policies. Such as: Each new member must receive a check-out from a Club Instructor. New member applicants must attend a meeting to be voted in. Field Rules posted and enforced.
Those not rejoining within 30 days of dues due date are out and must rejoin only as a newbie including a hefty initiation fee.
You have a lot of options. All you need is the dedication.
10 to 20% of the members will always run the club.
edited for a big peeve: I used your for you're. Bad me!