How to create a PROBUS Club
To start:
Normally, a member of an existing Club may suggest to his friends that a new Club could be established. He must have a group of at least three people and organise meetings to recruit new members.
A Probus Club is established by a Rotary Club or another Probus Club.
Sponsorship:
A new Club may be sponsored by an established Club, usually until it has been given the Charter (within about one year).
The CHARTER:
A Club can be "Chartered" as soon as it can recruit 12 members and organise itself to adopt the common "Statutes" as well as the "Charter".
The date is fixed after agreement with the sponsoring Club and the National Committee called "Bureau National de Liaison" (BNL).
All members and wives of both concerned Clubs and members of the BNL are invited to a meeting. Members of neighbouring Clubs may also be invited.
The cost of the meeting must be reasonable.
The presentation of the CHARTER:
In the beginning, there will be speeches by the President of the BNL, the President of the sponsoring Club and the President of the chartered Club.
Then will follow the presentation of a framed PROBUS CHARTER by the President of the BNL, the presentation of the President's medallion by the President of the sponsoring Club, and the presentation of a small Charter and a Probus lapel badge to each new member by the President of the BNL.
Finally the President of the sponsoring Club will present a bell or gavel which will be used to maintain order during meetings.
It is desirable that new members wear the Club tie.
The BNL will pay for the framed Charter and the small charters. The sponsoring Club will pay for the bell or gavel.
The new Chartered Club will pay for the President's medallion and the member badges and ties.
Then there will be a meal, perhaps with accompanying music etcÉ
The BNL will, of course, assist the new Club with comprehensive advice.