[mandy71480]

I need some help. I am trying to start a chapter in my area and I am hitting brick walls at every turn. I can't find a free place for us to meet!! Anyone have any ideas or suggestions?

TIA!

[jillybean720]

I know the 2 chapters I have been in don't have free meeting space--they both meet in churches and make quarterly "donations" for the privilege of using the space every week. The only truly free option I bet you could find is someone's house, but that makes it hard as your group grows larger. I know my old chapter was looking for new meeting locations since their church was being torn down, and they weren't sure they would have enough space in the new church, but they had a heck of a time finding anything. They checked libraries, schools, fire houses, and even went through the city recreation board and found nothing! Some places refused us simply because they would only allow groups to meet once a MONTH instead of weekly, and some were a ridiculous amount for a non-profit group (like $50+ per week), so I know it can be difficult, and I wish you luck!

[mandy71480]

Yeah the recreation department was going to allow us to use it for $15/week- but then when I told her (after she asked) that we collect dues, she raised the price to $75 for a 25-person room PLUS a $75 clean up deposit EACH WEEK!

[Owensgram]

Have you tried...1. library 2. city hall 3. a neighborhood church?
Also, a city-owned facility, such as a park clubhouse may work. Try contacting your town or village to find out if they allow not-for-profits to meet there free or for an extremely nominal fee.

[phantastica]

Our group meets at a local church.

[Eleni]

Finding a place is hard for all groups. When you make inquiries be sure to tell them it is a non profit organization. Libraries is a good place to look. Most will give you space if any is available . Usually you make a donation. I know other leaders who have to pay a lot. It is a big problem. I know having meetings in your home is discouraged but check with the area captain ir co ordinator.Maybe they can suggest a meeting place. Libraries,churches,club houses are most common places

[Lill]

Hve you tried your public schools?

Lill

[Indiacatz]

I guess the problem is universal... We are in a church and pay the "donation" quarterly. We have searched for places without stairs without much luck.. I think we are lucky to have the church we have.. For a short period of time, we had access to a assisted living place, t hat had space, and an elevator... free.. .but in time the place filled to capacity and we had to go back to the church. The ambulance base also had a room but we decided to stay at the church for now.....You would think firehalls, legions, club houses would be glad to lend their space... but they dont.. Good luck

[Belle013]

We just had our first meeting at a new place. The Tops meeting had been in the library for 15 years and the group made a donation a couple of times a year. We moved to a house that is owned by one of our members sister who has DUI classes there on Thursday nights. The problem you run into in a private home is the question of insurance. People don't want to be sued if someone gets hurt on the place. However Tops has insurance that you can buy for a year at a time which only cost $25.00. We was really lucky to find such a place with tables set up and we pay no rent. Of course we will give her something, such as buy a pack of toilet paper every once in a while and at Christmas a really nice gift. Belle