*NOTE: I have no idea where this would be posted - So, if a Mod/Admin would like this moved, just let me know!* 

In regards to a forum post that was submitted back June, I have noticed that a lot of people are wanting to get clubs a lot more active; on the presidential side, there have been a couple complaints about either lack of interest or participation within its members. This, unfortunately, leads to dying clubs/associations and will soon force HP staff to remove them. 

While none of us want this to happen, we also cannot allow presidents to run without consequences - The point of HP was to breed quality animals; at this point there are many clubs accepting any breed, any age and any points in a desperate attempt to keep the club active. While this is nice for the breeders, this is not so nice for both the community and presidents. Why? Our entire point is to encourage training quality animals, but on the other hand, we also can not have point amounts that seem impossible to new players or breeders starting out. 

I think one of the best ways is to try & do things as fun as possible. I have ran as president in other SIMS games and have ressurrected dead clubs before; if you are currently a club/association president or plan on becoming one, feel free to use any of these ideas {or all!}: 

o  Word Searches & Backwards Crosswords - Something very fun for everyone! Best of all these can be done at any time of year or holiday. They're easy to make or find online; just add a decent prize amount {say 15mil coins or a one-month upgrade} and you've got something interesting! 

o Holiday Mascot Contests - All of us are used to the typical Mascot Contests, but what about holidays? 4th of July could be Patriotic Paints {horse clubs/associations} or Liberty Labs {dog clubs/associations}. Halloween could be Nightmare horses and halloweenies, etc. This is a fun way to bring in both mythical breeders as well as the typical, natural horse breeds. 

o Monthly themes - Try doing for every month some kind of theme. This can be based anything! Seasons, holiday, history of your club/associations, etc. Try & think of fun activities based around it; think of it like a birthday party. What kind of games/activities would you have for your kids or sibling?  What would draw interest or keep them most entertained? Also be sure to give them great prizes! 

o Raffles - Currently a few clubs are doing this and it's a very good idea. If you're planning a raffle, have members donate to pool a big cauldron of prizes so you have a mix of minor and major then have reasonably priced tixs to sell and draw! I have entered a couple of these and they're always fun to do!

o Storytime - Regarding your themes, have your members tell a story! Like for Halloween, what was the scariest trick ever pulled on them? What was their most memorable 4th of July? Where was the most fun place during summer vacation {or most embarassing!}? 

o Beyond HP - Many people love to talk about or show off their pride and joys, their pets. A great way to add something invigorating for members to have people show off their horses and dogs within your clubs/associations specialty. This is something everyone can get in on and enjoy! 

It is with great hope that these ideas can swarm in the public to breathe new life into these dying clubs/associations, but sadly, I fear that these times may be coming to an end. My question is, why have people suddenly lost interest in training/registering their animals? 

I may add more ideas, but only if HPers or presidents really want to see more..So, I will leave that up to you guys! 

I have my first term back as pez since my break and I have contests up that almost anyone could join in on and i have had ZERO interest. It doesnt make me want to run again and im at a loss as to where to go from here. I dont have the resources to offer huge prizes for raffles.

There are other things on the list that you can do, besides a raffle. Plus, advertising is a decent way occasionally - I do not have the time or funds to run, but I'm hoping that perhaps these ideas can help current/upcoming prezzies..

I currently have a photo contest which requires people simply sending in photos of their dogs and a coloring contest with lines provided. I have been advertising in chat but still no luck =(

No one enters contests...ive had 50million dollar mascot contests, pic contests and other sort of contests and i get zero to no entries...its pointless!