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If there is no Achilles Track Club chapter located near you, you can start one. With some  time, energy and help, you can organize a local club for disabled athletes.  We have laid out some guidelines for starting a chapter. The best advice is to keep it informal; it's important to create a fun and friendly climate.  If there are any questions, call. We'll do whatever we can to help.

Building membership
The most difficult task in establishing an Achilles club is finding a steady flow of people with disabilities who are attracted to the idea of running. The first goal is to get people to attend workouts. You don't need many people; two or three are enough to start. When the first Achilles chapter was formed, in 1983, only two people showed up.  And look how its grown since!

A second goal is to have those who show up once continue coming back. This will happen of its own accord, once friendships begin forming --as they usually do.

From there, the easiest and best way to expand membership is through contacts with other disabled people. Most members know of at least one other person who might be interested in attending an Achilles workout. Or know of organizations involving the disabled who can be invited to come to the next workout. Even if they are not interested, perhaps they have a friend who would like to run. Bringing people together who already know each other can make the workout more enjoyable. Remember: friendship is the key to the club's success . People tend to return each week, not so much for the exercise, but because they like the people they meet there. It becomes a fun and healthy way to socialize. Once friendships are formed within the club, the organization takes on a life of its own and becomes less dependent on any one member. 

Another way to find members is to contact local hospitals and rehabilitation centers that already have programs for disabled people. These organizations often have a ready supply of people interested in physical activity.  Other organizations to contact include associations for the blind, people with cerebral palsy, and self-help groups. Check your telephone book.

Attracting volunteers
Volunteers are important to the Achilles way of operating. They are needed, especially for blind runners and others with special needs.  Whether it is a weekday workout or the New York City Marathon, their enthusiasm and spirit can make the difference for an Achilles runner. Volunteers bring their own special talents to the workouts. They are the backbone of our club. Note that when volunteers are in short supply, members can simply run together, in groups of two or three.

As with members, a good way to find volunteers is through word of mouth. To begin, post a notice for volunteers, listing  your workout times and schedule at the local road runners' club. Such a notice might read something like the following:

The Achilles Club is looking for friendly and enthusiastic people willing to run with disabled athletes. We need volunteers from the very slow to the super quick runner.