Yes, there are criteria for starting a club at NIH. As for meeting space, it’s preferable to identify a space outside of a cafeteria, such as the Wellness Room in Bldg. 31A (temporarily closed for repairs), in an effort to maintain cafeteria seating during mealtimes for staff.

As a starting point, here are guidelines for establishing a club at NIH:
Each club should have a mission statement or objective conducive to promoting recreational and/or physical activity programs that will benefit members who join. To see a list of existing clubs, see: bit.ly/4nTo5I1.

Initial applications to start a club are processed through NIH’s Recreation & Welfare Association (R&W). To inquire about starting a club, contact the R&W’s David Browne at browned2@mail.nih.gov.

Membership:

For most activities, a minimum of 10 people interested is required to start a club; however, this requirement may vary according to the type of activity being proposed. 

At least 60% of the proposed members should be NIH staff; the activities should be open to all NIH staff, including contractors. All club members must be R&W members for a club to be eligible for approval. See: bit.ly/4lu6gNY.

Club leaders:

Each club should have an elected officer (leader, secretary and treasurer). Elected officers should contact the R&W for promotional opportunities, managing club membership and any finances. (Email browned2@mail.nih.gov)

Activities proposed should be as much self-sustaining as possible. Clubs are suggested to have scheduled meetings at least once a year.

A one-year probationary period will be established for all new clubs after which the R&W will evaluate whether the activity should be continued. Evaluation criteria would include sustained interest, participation, growth and finances.