H+ was a transhumanist organization that provides content for transhumanists and local transhumanist clubs, networking between these individuals and clubs, and participation in the global transhumanist movement.  Think of h+ as a global affiliation of local clubs and members.  We are interested in transhumanism, we want to learn about and discuss the philosophy, and we want to participate in the global social movement.

Although h+ is no longer accepting new chapters, I hope you find the following information useful in starting a transhumanist, futurist, emerging technology, or related club at your own local university or school or in your local community.

Content

Starting a club is one thing; providing interesting material meeting after meeting is another.  Transhumanism is already a fascinating topic for discussion, and a variety of content can keep it interesting. H+ Gallery contains of variety of presentations, flyers, and posters for your use and adaptation.

Online Presence

Meeting local transhumanists is an all too rare occurrence. It is not that there are not plenty of people out there interested in using science and technology to improve self and existence, it is just that they are not often aware that there are other like-minded people out there, and they rarely refer to themselves as transhumanists. The Internet, of course, is an invaluable communication platform between transhumanists. Your club will need an online presence.

H+ previously provided new h+ Chapters a WordPress (a content management system) installation if the club did not already have a website. Examples can be found at the h+ Tucson and h+ Phoenix sites. Although we are no longer hosting new club websites, you may consider using WordPress on your own hosting service or, even easier, at Wordpress.com. Meetup.com and other services are also very useful.

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General Information About Starting a Club

You might think you are the only person in your local area interested in technology trends and the future of humanity, but more than likely you are not alone. A surprise email from someone else in Tucson who had seen some of my posts on the Immortality Institute forum led to the formation of h+ Tucson, a transhumanist club at the University of Arizona. Some of that history can be found on the h+ Tucson About page. Here I will list the steps we took from two people meeting for lunch to a full-fledged club with 20 active members to date.

Who?

This starts with you. Who are you? Do you consider yourself a transhumanist? If you are interested in meeting other people with similar ideas, what do you hope to gain? What specific topics are you interested in?

Are you a college student, or are you a resident of a community? A college setting can provide a wealth of resources for starting up a new club, but so can your local community.

One person does not a club make. Finding a second person is the most important step in this entire process. If you hang out on transhumanist-related forum, there just might be other people there from your local area. It does not hurt to ask.

Meetup.com and related event sites often have posts by people interested in particular topics in a local area. They are often just waiting for someone to move forward with organization.

You do not need to be good at presenting, public speaking, organization, administrative, or clerical work to start a club, but learning these skills as you go or adding new members with some of these skills will definitely be helpful. In our club, we have one person who is particularly good at taking care of administrative details (okay, it is me!) and other people who are good at graphic design, public outreach, socializing, procuring equipment, etc. We did not need all of those skills in the beginning; one of the great joys of starting a new club is meeting new members with useful skills for enriching the organization.

However, trying to start a club does require some level of leadership and commitment. Is this something you are willing to take on, even if you have to learn as you go? Without some commitment from you, there will be no club. Do not be afraid to jump in, or to decide you do not want to continue. A club is supposed to be something you value, not something you grow to dislike.

What?

The questions posed about you above can help define what you want your club to be. Are you interested in discussion over dinner or coffee? Do you prefer a more formal setting with presentations and speakers? Would you prefer to watch movies and documentaries? All of these can help you determine the format for your club.

As h+ has grown, we have actually had to change our format a few times:

• For the first few weeks and just a handful of founders, we were content to meet for lunch.
• We decided, however, that we wanted a more formal club to pass along knowledge.
• For a few more weeks we held "Founders' Meetings" to work out the administrative, clerical, and marketing details of starting a club on the University of Arizona campus.
• After the club launch we used PowerPoint presentations to pass on information about topics of specific interest to us.
• Eventually we decided we also wanted outside speakers, including graduate students, faculty, and others.
• We added movie and dinner nights when we had around 7 to 10 regular members.
• After a year, we decided to add a show-and-tell and discussion format. This worked well, until our membership swelled to 20 members. Larger groups mean more chances for side discussions and tangents to start and interrupt the cohesiveness of the club.
• We now have a new format: 1 hour of short presentations and occasional guest speakers, followed by 1 hour of discussion (followed quite often now by dinner!)

Pick a format, but be aware that it may change over time as your club grows. Whatever format you choose, it should reflect your particular interests. Trying to remain excited about a club with a format you have little interest in will lead to failure.

Remember, meetings do not have to be formal occasions with officers and parliamentary procedures, if that is not what you want. Chats and discussions over dinner or coffee, movie nights, or whatever you come up with are just fine if you are excited about the opportunity.

When?

When do you want to hold meetings? Weekends are often easiest for community residents, and weekday late afternoons are often desirable for college students. As you create your club, expect some changes in schedule. Definitely try to come up with a time when most interested people can attend, but do not get too hung up on scheduling even if some people just cannot make it. There is always next term or year!

Where?

If you are on a college or university campus, look into using the facilities made available to clubs and organizations. You might change rooms often at first as you try to find the right place.

Member homes are another alternative, especially as you become more comfortable with fellow members.

If you are not a student or employee at a college, you might still be able to find resources at local campuses. Otherwise, turn to local coffee shops, bookstores, libraries, or other facilities that open their doors to the community.

How?

• Brainstorm ideas about the club you would like to create.
• Find one other person who would be interested in helping out.
• Research requirements for creating a club on your campus or in your local community.
• Find a good time and location.
• Fill out the necessary paperwork.
• Promote your meeting with posters, flyers, and event postings online.
• If on campus, consider attending club fairs to talk about your club with prospective members.
• Be nervous, make mistakes, but be excited, passionate, and willing to learn as you go.
• Stand up for yourself, but also listen to other members and their ideas. Work together with just a hint of dictatorship to push things forward.

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