IN THIS SECTION we want to offer you some guidelines as you form a club. They are proven aids to assist you in structuring policies and maintaining membership, while attaining goals.

"FORMING A FOUR WHEEL DRIVE CLUB"
No question, this can be a most rewarding experience if you have the right tools. A set of established by-laws would be a great start. The first step is to get at least ten (10) people together who share your interest and fun in the four wheel drive sport. You must have at least ten in your new club to join EC4WDA. It may take 3-5 evenings of getting together, talking and planning to get your by-laws structure set up. As you review the sample by-laws herein, bear in mind they were designed by an EC4WDA club who owns their own property, have been in business for 20+ years producing events, trailrides and special events. So, perhaps your by-laws will not have to be as complex. But, please consider the by-laws model club has learned plenty during their years and some of the membership requirements outlined will help your club control situations that may come up. Your club will grow, so pick and choose carefully as you work on your by-laws outline.

"YOUR CLUB STRUCTURE"
Why do we need by-laws? For two primary reasons. 0ne, to incorporate your club in the state you reside, by-laws are a necessary item. Second, by-laws are imperative for your club to operate with decorum and discipline. Incorporation must be accomplished following your move into EC4WDA. Corporate structuring will also protect your board members. These procedures require legal help, so try to find an attorney who has a four wheeler. As you continue to meet and go over the by-laws outline, you will discover you're automatically answering all of the questions concerning name, objectives, goals, types of membership, dues structure as well as establishing policy of your club.

Club activities, community involvement, projects that deal with the less fortunate in your local area are things you will have to tailor to your particular situation and are hard for us to outline for you. Within your board structure, you can elect folks who will look for this type of activity and elaborate on them. Watch as you discuss your new club by-laws.. Notice those who surface as leaders with good ideas. Use the "grass roots volunteers" page in this handbook to help you use and develop these leadership skills so that your club can progress. The "volunteers" page is full of excellent suggestions concerning club growth, ideas and how to spot good leadership.

Agendas are important at club meetings. They permit "organization". Your members know what to expect and they can prepare input when it is called for. Following board elections, it's a good idea to have board meetings and keep them open so that the agenda for the regular club meeting can be planned. Board meetings provide the vehicle for agenda planning, enabling anyone to bring up subjects that can be talked about and eventually placed on the regular meeting agenda. The model agenda, of course, is only a suggested form. All of the indicated items will not be discussed at every meeting, but it helps to have a planned agenda that will cover all the bases when needed. As a result, your people will know what to expect.

"EC4WDA REPRESENTATIVES"
You will notice in the suggested agenda there is a provision "East Coast Committee Reports". Following election of officers, committee chairpersons should be appointed or elected. All of the job descriptions are outlined on page three of this book. Generally in small clubs, two (2) couples will volunteer for these positions. Directors/delegates are needed, as well, for voting representation at region and association meetings. The committees involved are rules, sanctioning, land use, community projects and recreational rights. The latter monitors legislation that can both help or hurt our sport, keeps your club informed of same, plus letting the region as well the association know what is happening in your corner of the world. Legislation concerned with our sport is of utmost importance and must be monitored and discussed.

Region and association meeting attendance means expenses for travel and lodging. Clubs should help their representatives. Two (2) couples can be economical since only two (2) rooms are needed. Typical reimbursement is about $75. per trip. Written reports should be completed by the club reps so that a detailed account can be presented to the club. Packets are available to the reps at the meetings, which include reports from region and association chairpersons. As your club grows you will find more of your membership interested in attending region and association meetings. Region meetings are held in the spring and fall while the association annual meeting is held in November in a central location. Recording secretaries on both region and association level will keep your club up-to-date on when and where to make arrangements to attend meetings.

"DO YOU NEED HELP?"
We are confident you will find the outlines presented in this handbook helpful in getting your club off the ground. If you have any questions at all, don't hesitate to contact any of the personnel listed in your region, or association as well. We take a great deal of pride is being an association that "serves" it's membership. Your participation at both region and association levels makes it possible for EC4WDA to work---for all of us!