Virginia Chapter and HCCC share similar structure.

As I checked out the information for the FOTAS 2011 meeting, I landed on the About Us page of the HCCC (Hill Country Cichlid Club.)

What they had to say resounded well with me. It seems to me that the beginnings of the HCCC are very much like those of the USAfishbox Virginia Chapter (VAC), and their goals for that club are much like our current goals for the VAC.

HCCC: "In November of 2003, a small group of people with an interest in all things cichlid arranged a meeting together for an afternoon of fish chat."

The VAC had a similar beginning in January of 2011. The only difference is that we did not limit our interests to cichlids.

HCCC: "The main core of original members, whom had done the majority of organizational planning and implementing events and activities, formed the HCCC Leadership group."

This is also true for the VAC, and our core group is growing. At first, the VAC leadership group was called the Board of Directors. When our chairman resigned, we shifted to call the board the Organizing Committee. In many ways the Organizing Committee of the VAC mirrors the Leadership Group of the HCCC.

HCCC: "This group consists of seven members who, for the most part, share similar visions for the club."

The VAC committee used to consist of seven members but two have decided they did not share our goals or visions for the club and have left of their own volition. At the moment we have five dedicated members and as things progress with the club, we most likely will add two more to make seven.

HCCC: "The Hill Country Cichlid Club is powered by committees. All committees report directly to the Leadership Group."

The VAC is a very young organization but already we have two committees and believe in the value of committees, much like the HCCC. Our two committees are the Auction Committee and the Reception Committee and are headed up by hard-working members who have solicited teams from the membership. Each committee head may structure their team as they see fit, and all committees are responsible to the Organizing committee. This seems to work best for now but, as I said, we are a very young group.

HCCC: "The best way to see the HCCC take a direction you would like is to become actively involved. There will always be room for help and ideas."

This same sentiment applies to the VAC and active involvement by the membership is our key to success. Getting involved with the club, attending meetings, being part of the solution - not to use a cliché! - is the way to go! We have a very positive outlook.

HCCC: "The major driving force powering the HCCC is the enjoyment of the hobby and being able to share experiences with others. We are a family oriented organization with spouses and children being welcomed at club functions. The Leadership Group will do all it can to ensure that all members have a positive experience within the club."

Well said, HCCC. I can't say it better.

Read their whole statement here:
http://www.hillcountrycichlidclub.com/about.php

I just want to add that this is my own assessment of the way things are with the Virginia Chapter at this time.
Purely IMO!

Very cool! Lots of similarities!

Not a bad club might I add.

Lot's of good things going on down there. The HCCC is one of the reasons USA is where it is today. Those guys n gals have helped out a bunch! Much love for the HCCC.

D'Claro wrote:

I just want to add that this is my own assessment of the way things are with the Virginia Chapter at this time.
Purely IMO!

I totally agree with your assessment. Thank you for posting all of that Deb.

Yeah the HCCC is a really great club and would be a good "blue print" for any organization to follow or get ideas from. I've met some of those guys personally and have learned a tremendous amount from them! Not to mention they have some extremely handsome guys in their leadership group!
It would be a great trip if any of you guys could make that FOTAS trip, the convention is second to none. You can't find a better speaker line-up anywhere! I'll be there!
JB

Great post Deb it is pretty amazing how close things fall sometimes but it does make sense when you figure what we are out to do and with any expanding club. Always some good and bad times and you can't win them all but we have a great following. It will be interesting to see how the next meeting goes with some of the people changing.

striking wrote:

... it is pretty amazing how close things fall sometimes but it does make sense when you figure what we are out to do and with any expanding club.

This is what I thought, too. I thought it was significant that, without deliberately using the HCCC as a model, we were able to pretty much duplicate the set-up of an already successful club. It must mean we are on the right track here in Virginia!

jb1 wrote:

... It would be a great trip if any of you guys could make that FOTAS trip, the convention is second to none. You can't find a better speaker line-up anywhere! I'll be there!

The speaker line-up is amazing!