The Blues needs champions to survive. The best way Blues fans can help is to join or start a Blues Society. Here's how to start a Blues Society.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: 1 Month
Here's How:
- Join the Blues Foundation. Membership will entitle you to all the contacts you'll need.
- Network with friends and fellow Blues fans and fan the flames.
- Meet with local Blues venues and local businesses to announce your efforts.
- Surely you know a lawyer and an accountant who are Blues fans. Get them to help set up your organisation. The Blues Foundation can help here too.
- Your goal will to become a 501(c)3 tax-exempt corporation. This provides deductability and credibility.
- Use the term 'society' or 'association' in your name. It will help with your tax status.
- Create a Web Site for your society. Promote your site at Blues concerts and in the local media. You'll be able to link to Blues societies all over the world.
- Print up tee shirts, posters and cards with a custom logo for your organization.
- Set up a bank account, P.O. box number, and a telephone number.
- Start a monthly newsletter and distribute via email and snail mail.
- Advertise for new members at Blues clubs and festivals. Try to keep dues as cheap as possible. Formulate a tiered donation schedule.
Tips:
- If tax-exempt, use public service time on local radio.
- Direct proceeds from events to charities and get them to help with promotion.
- Corporations are more willing to support a 501(c)3 tax-exempt society.
