NTEN 501 Tech Clubs are informal, local groups that meet monthly in many cities. These meetings allow people interested in nonprofit technology to meet local colleagues, develop professional support networks, and talk shop in a relaxed setting.

Meetings are open to anyone interested, and typically include staff from nonprofits, technology support organizations, consultants, and vendors. Attendees pay their own way, so the only cost involved in organizing a 501 Tech Club is time.

1. Getting started. To start a new 501 Tech Club, email Annaliese and tell us where you’re located, why you’ll make a good organizer, and what your connection is to the local nonprofit technology community.

1. Download the Toolkit. Find the attached pdf below, and download it to find out more about the clubs, considerations for starting one, and tips and resources for organizing.

1. Online space and email list. If we approve the club, we’ll set up a group here, which includes a blog, wiki, and library, in addition to the email list, and give you access to moderate the email group and update the online content.

1. NTEN materials. We’ll ship you materials to distribute at meetings, including an NTEN flyer and 501 Tech Club coasters.

1. Select a meeting location. Most clubs meet at a restaurant or bar. Your meeting location should be centrally located and easily accessible by public transportation, have a separate room or area that can be reserved in advance (for free!), be willing to keep separate checks, and have vegetarian food options.

1. Choose a meeting time. Many clubs meet on the same day every month, such as the third Thursday. Others vary meeting times to allow people with standing commitments to attend at least some of the meetings. We encourage clubs to meet monthly, but some meet less frequently. Most meet after work around 6:00 pm, but some meet during lunch. You can decide what’s right for your club.

1. Promote the meeting. Once you have the meeting time and place set, update your web page with the details, and promote the club to your personal and professional contacts. We also ask that you post your meeting our our events calendar, which will help more people find out about your club. We'll give you access to do this and instructions when your club is approved.

1. Have fun! Arrive a little early and place NTEN materials on a table to help people find you. Bring a digital camera if you have one so you can post pictures on your web page after the meeting and add them to our Flickr photo library.

1. Give us feedback. Once your club is up and running, we want to hear about what’s working, what’s not working, and any ideas/suggestions to improve your club. And if at any point you are no longer able to organize regular meetings, please let us know so we can find a replacement to keep the club going.

If you have any questions or comments about NTEN 501 Tech Clubs, please email us.