Common Questions about BKC Meetings

• Can I bring my dog to the meeting?

• What goes on at a BKC Meeting?

• What's the atmosphere like?

• When do meetings usually start and how long do they last?

• Does it matter if I can't make it to every meeting?

• Do I have to live in a certain area of town to join BKC?

• Do I need to let someone know if I'm going to visit a meeting? 

• How do I apply for membership?

Can I bring my dog to the meeting?

Dogs are allowed at our current meeting site, however this is a place of business and MUST be kept in the condition we received it- CLEAN! 

There is room to set up crates, so it is recommended that you do so if you plan to bring your dog inside.  There are several grassy areas that you can exercise your dog in, but you MUST pick up after your dog!  We are very excited about our meeting facilities at the Cahaba Pumping Station Museum and wish to keep them.  Help make sure that happens by being responsible for your dogs.

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What goes on at a BKC Meeting?

Officially, meetings are where BKC members discuss the business of the club.  However, we also use the monthly meetings as a chance to catch up with each other and have a good time!

Typically, a monthly BKC meeting goes like this:

• Minutes of last meeting are read

• Each BKC officer and committee gives a very brief report on their particular area of business since the last meeting

• New issues that may have developed are discussed.  

• Progress on long term planning projects, such as our AKC spring shows, is noted.  

• New ideas, suggestions, or concerns are then brought up by the membership body and discussed.  

• Returning to BKC tradition, a dog-related presentation will then be made by a member or guest of the club.  

• After the business is done, we have "Brags," where we share accomplishments or milestones, usually of our dogs, but also of us humans or other critters.  

At meetings where we have a presentation scheduled, the presentation may come before official business, depending on the nature of the presentation and the needs of the speaker. 

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What's the atmosphere like??

Very casual & friendly !!  

Our members are very approachable and we welcome new people.  While there may be opposing views among members, just like "real life," very seldom is there serious conflict at our meetings.   We make a special effort to work together and get along with one another.  

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When do meetings usually start and how long do they last?

The General Meeting usually begins at 7pm.  The length of the meetings depends on what issues are being discussed and what type of presentation we have.  Typically, expect the meeting to last 1 to 1 1/2 hours.  Meetings before a planned event, such as our annual dog shows, will usually last longer than those without because there are often many details go over.  

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Does it matter if I can't make it to every meeting?

While we'd love to see all of our members every month, we know things come up and conflicts might even be present from the beginning.  If you can't make it to the meetings, you can keep up to date with club happenings through our website, e-mail discussion list, and your BKC friends.  

E-mail your BKC suggestions, questions, or concerns to the appropriate officer or committee, if applicable, and be a part of the meeting even if you're absent!

Always feel welcome to drop by a meeting when you can.  We sometimes hear members say they haven't been in so long that they feel strange about "just showing up."  It doesn't matter how long you've been away or how few people you might know, you're always invited!! 

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Do I have to live in a certain area of town to join BKC? 

No,  you don't even have to live in Birmingham. We have members all over Jefferson County, and many from outside of the county, even a few from other states.  

For more info on becoming a BKC member, visit our "How Do I Join?" page. 

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Do I need to let someone know if I'm going to visit a meeting?

No, just come on by!  Be sure to watch the website homepage to make sure we are meeting on the night you're planning to visit.  Of course, you are more than welcome to contact us and let us know you'll be visiting if you'd like, or if you have questions not covered here. 

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How do I apply for membership?

It's pretty simple!  

• Complete the BKC Membership Application

• Complete the BKC Member Sponsorship Form (2)

• Attach your membership dues to your application

• Attend 2 BKC Meetings

• Get Voted on 

• You're now a BKC Member!

Don't know anyone in BKC, so you're wondering who will sponsor you for membership?  Worry no more!  Attend a BKC meeting and meet people right away!  Or better yet, attend a BKC event and introduce yourself and get to know us.

Remember, you can attend up to two BKC meetings as a non-member.  Start this month!

Questions?  Contact us!

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