A lot of people like to take part in chapter activities so they can enjoy socializing with like-minded individuals and share information for a better ownership experience. If this sounds like you, but there isn't a local TDR Chapter and you would like to start one up, read the information below or download the Local Chapter Guidelines and Application
Form PDF file. We have provided the basic information about how to begin a TDR Chapter. When you are finished reading and think you are willing to take on the responsibility fo beginning a TDR Chapter, contact us and we will help you get started.
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Here to download our Local Chapter Guidelines and Application
Form.pdf (900k)
We’re glad you would like to start a local chapter of the Turbo Diesel Register. As informative as the TDR magazine is, it can’t replace the sharing of enthusiasm for Dodge Cummins Turbo Diesels with fellow admirers. This information is intended to help you begin your local chapter.
Experience with numerous car clubs has shown that individual chapters vary considerably and should have as much autonomy as possible. Therefore, every TDR chapter has been allowed to establish its own organization. Listed in this package are developmental guidelines only. Your best bet for a successful chapter is to tailor your organization to its members and their desires. This cannot be overstressed. Where one chapter may be chiefly composed of RV enthusiasts, another may enjoy a day at a drag strip – or better still – drag racing.
As the chapter initiator you should consider three major areas of chapter issues. They are Development, Events, and Financials.
Create a name for your chapter. Please submit your completed TDR Chapter Application to the TDR office for approval (See Local Chapter Guidelines and Application
Form PDF file - Attachment A).
Once approved, your chapter will be listed in the TDR magazine and on the website. A postcard mailer announcing your first meeting to all TDR members within a 50-mile zip code will be done by us. As more and more admirers purchase a Dodge Cummins Turbo Diesel and attend well-staged events, your chapter will grow.
Your first event should be a simple one. From the zip code listing, inform all of the local members about the event. You will also want to post a meeting notice at the TDR Website: Local Chapter Events and Local Chapter News. Begin planning a calendar for the upcoming 12 months.
Consider promoting your chapter in other ways. Quality flyers from a reputable printer are inexpensive and can be placed on windshields. Inform your local dealer(s) of your organization. For obvious reason, most dealers welcome truck clubs with open arms. They are a great place for informative technical sessions. Of course, word-of-mouth is also an excellent way of gathering members.
Plan on producing a chapter newsletter. There will inevitably be a member who has always wanted to be an editor or writer. With desktop publishing and computers, a chapter newsletter and/or Website posting is one of the most enjoyable and efficient means for members to communicate on a local basis. Creating, participating in, and being mentioned in a newsletter, is one of the most rewarding aspects of a local publication. Don’t forget to include those technical tips. That’s where the virtue of the local chapter really presents itself. There are no formal rules for your newsletter. We do ask that you send us (the TDR office) a copy of each newsletter. This keeps us abreast of the local happenings.
Every group or organization requires a leader to organize it. As the initiator of your chapter, you may be the best candidate. We suggest one individual be responsible for the management of your chapter – in other words, a president. You should also have a vice-president, event coordinator, and a treasurer. Consider having elections at least once a year. It’s imperative that your chapter remains a fun organization since people do experience burnout.
Finally, you’ll want to establish some by-laws to help guide your chapter – but don’t over do it. Current wisdom has it that a group is happier if they design their own environment. Our philosophy is the same.
Think fun! Plan fun! Have fun! Remember, this is a truck club intended for enjoyment and fellowship.
The following is a sampling of events common in chapters today. It is important to remember that your members should dictate the choice of events.
Rallies: A rally is a multi-truck, relatively low stress event. The objective is to go from one place to another in an exact manner. Time, speed and/or distance may be taken into consideration. A map in the form of hints, clues, etc. is given. Win or lose, a rally provides participants with stories to tell and for a new group it is an excellent way for people to get to know each other.
Social: A social event could be a variety of functions – a picnic, summer pool party, Christmas party, “winterizing” party and others. Socials are people oriented and are your best bet to recruit new members.
Technical Session: A technical session is where chapter membership really pays off. Consider having a local dealer, engineering representative, or others give a presentation. Many dealers like for their best mechanics to give technical presentations. Perhaps a local member has a lot of experience and is willing to share their knowledge.
It goes without saying that if you have a newsletter, meetings and other events, you will need funds. There are two practical ways to obtain funds: sponsorship and dues. If you have a newsletter, you can obtain funds from local advertising. Postage and mailing will quickly use up advertising funds, so you’ll need to request dues. We recommend that, initially, dues be determined by the active members in your group and be put to a vote. It is paramount that the majority of members have an opportunity to voice their opinion and agree on the amount of dues. Review your needs and have your treasurer give a presentation on your debt/surplus after the first six months. It is advisable to conduct this meeting at the same time you tentatively plan your yearly events.
You’ll discover that chapter events will be some of the most memorable of your life. As the founder/organizer your have a sense of accomplishment. You’ll also develop new friends – often lifetime friends. The TDR office will provide you with as much assistance as possible in planning and executing you first event.
Please download and complete the TDR CHAPTER APPLICATION form (Attachment A) in the Local Chapter Guidelines and Application
Form PDF file and submit the application to:
Turbo Diesel Register
1150 Sample Industrial Dr.
Cumming, GA 30040
Thank you,
Robert Patton
Editor, Turbo Diesel Register
