Are clubs really short on volunteers—or just blocking new ones? A candid look at club culture, leadership, and needed change.
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Do clubs really have a shortage of volunteers? I’ll answer my own question: I think, in many cases, NOT!
Yes, we have an aging fancy; and yes, we have some people in clubs “doing it all.” But is that because they “have to?” Gonna answer again, and that’s NO!
I cannot tell you how many people say, “Hey, I’ve tried with ABC or XYZ club, to join, to be on a committee, to even be a volunteer or run for the board, etc., but it’s locked down so tight with either an old guard, or a big controlling faction, that I just gave up!” Let’s acknowledge this is not just happening—it’s happening A LOT!
Honestly, in my book, each time a board of directors or club turns down a member or a volunteer, I can see unintended consequences, such as blocking the growth of your club and limiting the enthusiasm for the sport and for breed clubs. And in my humble opinion, when it comes to breed clubs they are likely hurting their breed.
Quit blaming PETA, HSUS, backyard breeders, etc., or even the economy, for driving people away. I’m gonna say it flat out—PEOPLE DRIVE PEOPLE AWAY!
Does someone who has held a board seat for 10 or 15 or 20 years really need to keep squatting on any board seat (and blocking others)? Surely there are others who are qualified and even willing, so, please folks, find a mentee to bring up into the position and let that title go!
We cannot grow or survive if we are just blockers! Open up some lanes for people; let them in your clubs, then welcome and mentor them! Allow newer people on your board (I do recommend first as a regular director, so they can get their feet wet while learning bylaws, standing rules, etc.) Side note: Please don’t “set up” your nominating committees with a faction or with a directive from the incoming president of who they want and/or don’t want on the board.
Dog club boards need balance. In national clubs, you want people from varied areas but also people with different backgrounds and skill sets. Also, not all should be for or favoring a specific kennel or breeder.
In all-breed clubs, ideally with a variety of breeds represented, don’t stack things with members who have breeds that are all from the president’s dogs’ Group. I’ve seen this happen, and when it does the club can really start favoring a single Group.
Of course, in all clubs, please look for varied skills and talents; don’t just install a friend who will blindly follow. Also important is to make sure they will attend board and membership meetings. Sadly, there are many who get on a club board and don’t participate.
Remember, the board is to manage the business of the club, and part of that is to plan for the future. This brings me to the need to mention, as the AKC (American Kennel Club) has recommended, that clubs should have an Annual Plan as well as a Strategic Plan.
Something else, pretty please: Follow your bylaws! No, really, they are not just guidelines; they are the operating rules for the entity. Communication is very important, so please follow the requirements for calling meetings, recording minutes, reporting finances, etc. If the board and/or membership does not like some of the language, work on it and formally change it by working with the AKC.
Dog clubs need members and volunteers! Get out there in your community and promote your club. Maybe the local vet office will take a small flyer; or you can try to involve your 4-H dog community, or attend the county fair or a local parade/community event of some sort.
Don’t forget social media. I am shocked that my breed has around 300 club members (not exactly certain), but the Facebook Groups have in the neighborhood of 50,000 members. If your club is having an event, post it in those groups. Please do not think the dog club members are the only good people with your breed. There are others; they just don’t know about your club—yet!
When a member or volunteer has an idea, listen! It could sound far-fetched, or it could be a really good suggestion. Don’t just say that “that’s not how we do it” or “we have always done it this way.” Improvement often comes in the form of uncomfortable change!
Enough of my volunteer and club ramblings. I’ll close with this: I love my dogs, I love this sport, and therefore, I do love to help my clubs and the fancy so that my grandkids/great-grandkids (and all the subsequent generations) will still have AKC dog clubs, dog shows, and dog sports!
Please don’t be a Blocker. Be a Welcomer and a Grower of the Dog Fancy!
American Kennel Club (AKC)
