clan associations

**Donsel** · 19th August 11, 02:43 PM

Member and VP of a Clan MacLean Association. Have met some great people and contributed to a number of projects of historical signficance related to the name. Attending a Clan Gathering on the Isle of Mull next year. The best thing about a Clan membership is that you don't have to join if you do not wish to (Thank a soldier as they say), you'll still be a friend and recognized by the Clan. Some personalities notwithstanding.

**Gael Ridire** · 23rd August 11, 02:10 AM

First joined Clan Gunn, and the next year clans Kerr & Kennedy. Then It dawned on me that belonging to three was a conflict, so I went with Kennedy, since they were the first line I could trace to Scotland. Had a tent at the state games for ten years and in Colorado. Appointed national chieftain 1992, and additional job as genealogist/archivist. Resigned when politics got to strange. Was then asked to be genealogist for Clan Strachan in 2007 until health issues had me step down but life member. Currently board member of the O'Brien Clan and life member.

Being a member of a society is exactly what one is willing to put into it, locally and nationally. It is also how your attitude about it is and what it means to you. I enjoy meeting like minded folks and teaching & helping the less informed about Irish & Scottish heritage & history. For me the real challenge is forming a tradition to be taught and lived for my children & grandchildren.

If I could afford it I'd belong to every society in my pedigree: Gunn, Kerr, Scott, Douglas, Stewart, Kennedy, Strachan, MacNeil, MacLean, MacPhee, Robertson, and O'Brien.

**Geoff Withnell** · 28th August 11, 05:34 PM

Originally Posted by Inchessi

I had intended to say that the only clan I have association with is the USMC. Then I noticed others had posted similar traits. I hate not being the first.

While I have a paper trail showing me in the Clan Campbell, I never wanted to spend the money for a DNA test. Unless it is a paternity suit.

Up until yesterday, I was not a member of any clan association other than the Corps. Yesterday, I joined Clan Davidson Society USA.

**Peter Crowe** · 28th August 11, 06:00 PM

I am not a member of any Clan society (although I wear Ross kilts and am entitled to do so through my surname). Maybe it is because I come from Scotland, but I personally feel more affinity with my Hometown, former Scout Troop, former Schools, University, and my immediate family members within the living memory of those who lived in my lifetime (in other words back to my great-grandparents) than I do to a group of strangers I have never met.

**WVHighlander** · 28th August 11, 08:59 PM

I think its great all you guys getting membership to your respective Clans.

**Gael Ridire** · 29th August 11, 12:28 AM

Clan societies can bring a lot of enjoyment and knowledge to a person. Most seem to strive to delineate between truthful and romantic history. Some have very active genealogical groups. And one gets out of a society exactly what one puts into it. Personally I enjoyed meeting fellow clansmen/women, especially the feeling of extended family.

**SouthernCelt** · 18th September 11, 01:24 PM

A Child becomes part of its Clan at birth. Belonging to a Clan "Association", on the other hand and usually under IRS rules, will cost you an annual fee. What you get from that fee varies from Clan to Clan, but usually includes a newsletter, access to website material, discounted merchandise, etc.

I am quite sure the Clan Administrator would love to hear your suggestion(s) on what you would like from your Clan

**Gael Ridire** · 19th September 11, 05:03 PM

How true about contacting your clan rep and let them know what ideas you might have. In 1997 I started my clan society and got the chief to be patron and to recognize it. In a couple years a clansman decided to form his own clan society and got the chief to be patron too. Now there was two societies. I folded mine. But in time the chief lost interest in it for he found that he couldn't profit. A member of the second society talked the chief to let him regroup and try again. This is happening now, but slowly.

I felt that the clan tent at a games was where one could come rest, socialize, and use as a home base from which to explore the games. Secondly to help others find their clan and answer general questions.