Modellers Without Borders

Local Clubs

We have been getting a lot of questions about what local clubs will look like with MWB. Well, it is time to figure that out. In the coming weeks I will be forming a Local Club Committee to explore just that. WMB would love to have your input. I want to hear about your successes and challenges in running a club and how MWB could help. If you have thought about starting a club but need help getting it off the ground, I want to hear how you think MWB could support those efforts. Please leave your thought and comments below.  

Many modellers have been asking “How can I help MWB?”  Well, this is your chance. I’ll be looking for leaders from around the globe to help on this committee.  If you are interested, please reach out to me at casey.gray@modellers.org  

Casey Gray
VP Local Club Liaison  

Casey Gray

14 responses to “Local Clubs”

  1. Ralph Nardone Avatar
    Ralph Nardone

    AMPS Central South Carolina is one of those clubs who have opened the doors to everyone. We’ve shared our show link several times, and if you look at the rules, we welcome everyone–and have seen good participation by all types of modelers.

    We met for a short time in a gaming store, where Warhammer and Gundams were on sale and being used (we had to find a new place because the gamers were rather enthusiastic and the noise level wasn’t conducive to conducting business). We currently meet in a computer store with a similar gaming section. Last night’s meeting featured several aircraft, a few armor pieces, and some great discussion with the gamers in attendance. Our show rules have categories for everyone.

    Why?

    Because at the end of the day, we all enjoy building models, no matter what type.

    Our show’s unofficial motto is “Its about the models, not the medals”. We firmly believe that.

    Reply
  2. Darryl Miller Avatar
    Darryl Miller

    I’m interested in starting a club on the east of the Metroplex.

    Reply
    1. Casey Gray Avatar
      Casey Gray

      Darryl, we have a lot of work to before we can start bringing MWB clubs online. That being said, what support would you look for from MWB to assist in your efforts?

      Reply
  3. Joe Sobotka Avatar
    Joe Sobotka

    I live “in the middle of nowhere”. There are no local clubs for myself. I’m simply interested in sharing as well as learning from others. Therefore I am not interested in clubs, contests, judging, or awards. I joined MWB. To further educate myself. I’m 62. I’ve been modeling on & off since the age of 10. However, I’m always willing to learn. I’m also not interested in my models being “judged” by others. Which I have witnessed myself in modeling FB groups. I accept constructive criticism. However I detest, others telling me my models aren’t historically correct. Not painted correctly etc. I build models for My own enjoyment & relaxation. I have built models that were “historically correct”. However I’ve also built models to my liking. History is Very important. However, Creativity is Equaly important. These are my views & beliefs on modeling.

    Reply
    1. Casey Gray Avatar
      Casey Gray

      I suspect there are many modelers in your position. Joining a local model club is one the best decisions I have ever made. It’s connected with so many new friends and helped me improve my craft. Every month I leave our club meeting inspired to try something new or refine my skills. There is a great opportunity for MWB to serve modellers like yourself with “online clubs”. We’ll be exploring what those may look like.

      Reply
    2. Bruce Worrall Avatar
      Bruce Worrall

      Hi Joe.
      I’m heading up the committee looking at exhibitions and evaluation and I can 100% guarantee you that historical accuracy will not be part of our evaluation criteria.

      Reply
  4. Chris Bryan Avatar
    Chris Bryan

    I have had success in forming a new club , as well as cross pollinating with other jeanra of the hobby that are typically ignored by the big club . I’d like to throwmy hat in the ring to be of help with the process of helping future clubs.

    Reply
    1. Casey Gray Avatar
      Casey Gray

      Thank you Chris, I’ll be in touch soon!

      Reply
  5. Brad Belsheim Avatar
    Brad Belsheim

    How do we reach out to our Warhammer and Gundam brethren? The local IPMS club is from the pharaonic times…

    Reply
    1. Stew Brouillette Avatar
      Stew Brouillette

      The first key question any club will ask, and which any national organization must answer, is “What value does national chartering /affiliation bring to the local club. That can be a tough nut to crack. I’d be willing to offer my insight or help to this effort in the role of either a committee member or sounding board

      Reply
      1. Casey Gray Avatar
        Casey Gray

        The value proposition is the largest focus of my committee, we have a lot of work before we can bring clubs online and support them. I’ll will be in touch with you soon, your input is valued.

        Reply
    2. Casey Gray Avatar
      Casey Gray

      Brad, I’ve had personal success engaging the local Gundam community via my club’s show. You can’t just create a category and expect them to show up. I put a lot of time into learning about what they do to make sure we were serving their needs and being respectful of their hobby. Our exhibition and evaluation is currently working with members of the Gundam/mecha community to refine our evaluation criteria for them. With those efforts and local clubs wanting to include them I have no doubt we’ll cross that bridge successfully.

      Reply
  6. Rob Schmitt Avatar
    Rob Schmitt

    When forming a club, you have to be open/acceptable to ALL genres, regardless of your personal preferences. Getting the word out is the biggest challenge. Suggest using Social Media platforms such as Facebook and advertising at your local hobby stores (if available). If you’re an IPMS member, talk about MWB at one of your meetings (we have). Another idea is to attend local model events/conventions and print some flyers.

    Reply
    1. Casey Gray Avatar
      Casey Gray

      Absolutely, One of our founding principals is “We love modells and the people who create them” no one type of model is “better”. In fact if you build a small version of big thing we want you in our family.

      Reply

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