Columbia River Pickleball Club can offer:

• access to a network of  local/regional players
  
• established relationships with national pickleball policy makers
  
• 501 (c) (3) non-profit status
  
• lending library of equipment and materials

Vision for future CRPC chapter interaction:

• guidance for new chapter playing venue creation
  
• mentoring of new chapter officers
  
• chapter vs. chapter competitive events (e.g., Chapter Cup--traveling trophy)
  
• chapter partnering for social and competitive events (connecting new players!)
  
• access to IPTPA-certified clinicians and other certified instructors

What is a Chapter?

A “Chapter” of the Columbia River Pickleball Club (CRPC) is a group within the club which is defined by a smaller geographic area than the Greater Portland/Vancouver area. Currently we have five (5) chapters under the CRPC umbrella: Camas/Washougal, Newberg, Vancouver, Willamette River, and Wilsonville. Each chapter has its own administrative structure while still being part of the Club.

Why would you want to affiliate with a Chapter?

First, all members of CRPC have the option to join a chapter within the club or to remain a member at large. Our club encompasses a large area and chapters help to reach and serve individual communities. When you join a chapter, approximately ⅔ of your CRPC dues go to that chapter while ⅓ of your dues stays with CRPC. Your funds, therefore, help to meet the goals/needs of your pickleball community. Each chapter will have its own goals/focus for its funds: resurfacing or creating pickleball courts; purchasing storage lockers or court supplies for their local court(s); purchasing a ball machine; or ???

Again, the goal of affiliating with a chapter is to build up pickleball within your individual community. This chapter doesn’t necessarily have to be where you live, but it should be with a pickleball community with which you are associated. If your pickleball community does not currently have a chapter, you may select to simply belong to CRPC. You may also want to consider forming a chapter in your area.

Why wouldn’t my community just have their own club? What are the advantages/disadvantages of being a Chapter?

There are several advantages of CRPC Chapter membership over a local club. 

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1. CRPC is responsible for the legal portion of being part of a club and currently has federal nonprofit standing [501(c)(3)]. CRPC has Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation documents filed with the State of Washington as a nonprofit, which also cover chapters located within the State of Oregon. There are fees involved as well as annual filings necessary to maintain this status. It is not necessary for each chapter to pay the fees and do the filing as they fall under the umbrella of CRPC.
   
   
2. The resources of CRPC are also resources for individual chapters. CRPC has several portable nets, various tournament supplies, and microphone/speakers for member use.
   
   
3. There is power in numbers. CRPC currently has more than 1,000 active members. Your chapter may need to present something to its city. Your chapter will not stand alone; you’ll have support from CRPC.
   
   
4. Approximately ⅔ of your CRPC dues go directly to your chapter’s needs.