Trying to decide what memberships/clubs to be part of...help?

[TinysMom]

Well - I'm already an ARBA member - and I'm thinking I want to join some other clubs - partly to help the clubs (money wise) and partly to be "recognized" as being part of the club...and getting the newsletters, etc.

Here are the ones I'm considering:

National Flemish Giant Club - sending in my check and membership application on Monday

Texas Rabbit Breeders Association - ($13 per year)

San Antonio Rabbit Breeders Club - ($6 per year)

Gentle Giant RBC of Tarrant County - don't know how much that is...

Texas Flemish Giant Rabbit Breeders Association - don't know how much it is...

Stephens County Rabbit Breeders Club (Duncan, OK - big show held 4 times per year)

There are a few other clubs that hold shows in various counties around Texas that I may be attending...I'm guessing the fees are $5 or $10 per year.



If you were looking at a breeder - would the memberships they have influence you at all?

I'm thinking the clubs would be fun for the newsletters and it would help me to get to know people.

 

[BlueGiants]

You don't have to join a club just because you want to go to one of their shows...

Yeah, I would join the National Breed Club. And whicheverRegional breed club you wish to support. And then (only if you want) a local all breed club. That covers all your bases for Sweepstakes Points, Breed Support and Show support. Gives you local Rabbit breeders as friends (especially if you're going to do Mini Rex too!), gives you support within the Flemish Community and covers the National aspect of the breed.

You really can spread yourself too thin. And all those memberships really add up year after year.

 

[BlueCamasRabbitry]

I think that joining at least the national club of your breeds, and some regional clubs as well is definitely good....And of course joining ARBA.

When I look at breeders, I do think the memberships have an influence on me. I like to see a breeder who is a member of other clubs, besides just ARBA. That lets me know that they are active in the rabbit hobby within their region/state, as well as nation.

For me, I plan on becoming a member of ARBA (since I'm currently not...) as well as the National Mini Rex Breeders Association, Washington State Rabbit Breeders Association, Evergreen Rabbit Breeders Association, and I can't remember the rest....lol. But the dues to add up...I say, just choose the clubs that are most important to you to join..and maybe only have 4 or 5 other clubs your a member of, besides ARBA.

Emily

 

[Starlight Rabbitry]

The best way to be part of a club is to just VOLUNTEER!!!As the secretary for 2 specialty clubs and one all-breed club, getting money is not a worry...what is a worry is finding people to help with the running of the show. There is a lot that needs to be done that day...set up, and break down, running folders, getting the judges water, etc...

You can talk to the secretary and offer your assistance to the club. You will not be an official member but it is just as good. I have a lot of members of my clubs that do not help at the show

Sharon

 

[BlueGiants]

If you can help out at a show, it won't matter if you're not a member. They will remember you as a friend forever. As Sharon said, Volunteer to write at a judges table, run folders, come early (set up), stay late (tear down), etc... it's all appreciated.

 

[pamnock]

We're members of ARBA, the Pennsylvania State Rabbit Breeders (my son competes in royalty), I'm a lifetime member of a local club that I was in when we started in rabbits (although I no longer live in the area), and we're members of our national, state, & regional breed clubs.

I feel it's most important to be an ARBA member as well as a member of your breed's national and state clubs. It's also important to be involved in your state &local clubs, so they have your help and support with shows.

I know all the membership fees do add up. I write them off as business expenses.

Pam