Snub'd by Phila St Andrews Society

[ChromeScholar]

In that case it is as simple as finding out what is required to get non-profit status and setting up a St. Andrews Society by whatever the non-profit requirements are in the area you live in. If the various St. Andrews Societies have no governing body, then no one can tell you that you can't set up your own St. Andrews Society.

[emolas]

I believe I said this very thing the last time this subject came up. I was also alluding to this above. What must an organization do to call themselves a "St. Andrews Society?" I'm still looking for an answer. Whatever the answer is, if one group refuses to let you in their sandbox, you can always build your own sandbox. Just find out what the regulations on sandboxes are before you start building.

Nice analogy!

There doesn't appear to be any central authority for the society but the St Andrews Society of New York appears to be the first one created so maybe you can contact them about a charter.

[macwilkin]

Nice analogy!

There doesn't appear to be any central authority for the society but the St Andrews Society of New York appears to be the first one created so maybe you can contact them about a charter.

There is some debate on which St. Andrew's society is the oldest in the US; some sources say Boston (1657), others say Charleston (1729), and New York is also thrown in there as well. In Canada, the North British Assocation of Halifax, Nova Scotia is considered to be the oldest, followed by the St. Andrew's Society of St. John, New Brunswick.

There is a St. Andrew Society in Scotland that many organizations are affiliated with:

http://www.st-andrew.org.uk/

But many St. Andrew's/Scottish/Caledonian socities are not affiliated/charted through them.
Others are affiliated with the Robert Burns Assocation of North America, or the World Burns Federation of Scotland, especially Burns Clubs. Still others maintain relationships with "sister societies" around the globe. Our society received a lot of assistance from the St. Andrew's Society in St. Louis when we were first starting out, and we still maintain a fairly strong relationship with them to this day.

Regards,

Todd

[beowulf67]

You could just ask St. Andrew if it's ok to start a society with his name on it. If he doesn't say "No" then he probably won't mind.

[macwilkin]

ChromeScholar: do you know about these folks?

http://www.prescottareacelticsociety.com/

Regards,

Todd

[MACKAY]

Don't worry Brian... even I couldn't get in WITH several members reccomending me (I'm not Scottish enough). There ARE several members of the Philly St. Andrews who are very nice guys... but I know the "barrier to entry" is a bit steep for people on the outside looking in.

We'll start our OWN Scottish Society out here in the burbs. We'll go to bars and wear kilts and drink to recruit members. We'll call them "Kilt Nights" and we'll do it once a month or so. Heck, we can even celebrate Robbie Burns day with others in kilts!

Oh wait... we already do all that. ;)

Now this is a club I can be proud to be part of! Thanks Rock!

[ChromeScholar]

I've been to the games, of course, but I don't know them personally. I'm not sure I have time to get in any more stuff, anyway.

[Cawdorian]

A few words about the St Andrew's Society.

There is no national association of St Andrew's Societies and there is no national organization that issues charters to or controls local societies.

Local St. Andrew's Societies are autonomous and each group sets their own rules and requirements for membership. There is nothing to prevent a group of individuals from starting their local society. You could start a St Andrew's Society of SE Pennsylvania if you wanted to. However, it would be nice to have another society that would help get you started on the right path.

For the most part the St Andrew's Societies are wonderful group of people who are interested in preserving Scottish customs, celebrating their heritage and enjoying a good time. The original societies were started as a charity, many still function as a charities awarding scholarships etc. Please don't judge the majority of the societies by this one group you have encountered. I guarantee they are an exception and are not representative of the group as whole.

[macwilkin]

I've been to the games, of course, but I don't know them personally. I'm not sure I have time to get in any more stuff, anyway.

I just thought I'd mention them since you expressed interest in starting a St. Andrew's Society.

T.

[macwilkin]

A few words about the St ANdrew's Society.

There is no nation association of St Andrew's Societies and there is no national organization that issues charters to or controls local societies.

Local St. Andrew's Societies are autonomous and each group sets their own rules and requirements for membership. There is nothing to prevent a group of individuals from starting their local society. You could start a St Andrew's Society of SE Pennsylvania if you wanted to. However, it would be nice to have another society that would help get you started on the right path.

For the most part the St Andrew's Societies are wonderful group of people who are interested in preserving Scottish customs and enjoying a good time. The original societies were started as a charity, many still function as a charities awarding scholarships etc. Please don't judge the majority of the societies by this one group you have encountered. I guarantee they are an exception and are not representative of the group as whole.

Jim,

See my post above; there is the St. Andrew Society in Scotland that some, but by no means certainly all, St. Andrew's Societies are affiliated with.

And I would second Jim's last paragraph, as an officer in our local St. Andrew's Society. People tend to lump all of us together with a few groups who act this way.

Todd