Clubhouse Membership

Module Two: Clubhouse Membership

Overview:

People who join a Clubhouse become members of the Clubhouse community. In contrast to traditional day-treatment and other day-program models, Clubhouse participants are called "members" as opposed to "patients", "clients", or “service recipients”. Membership in a Clubhouse is voluntary, open to anyone with serious mental illness, and never expires. While all participation is voluntary, the Clubhouse operates on the belief that all people are valued and have strengths and capacities to contribute to their community. Members of the Clubhouse community are encouraged to contribute their gifts to support their livelihood and share the benefits made possible through the contributions made by other Clubhouse members. The various interactions and activities of the Clubhouse are guided by this fundamental belief that focuses on the person's strengths and abilities rather than illness.

Clubhouses are based within the community and their mission is to help members of the Clubhouse join and remain part of society by providing various forms of social, vocational, and educational support. The day-to-day operations of the Clubhouse are performed by members and Clubhouse staff working in collaboration and their pace conforms to a typical workday.  Although a member's participation in the work of the Clubhouse is completely voluntary, their participation promotes social interaction, meaningful relationships, and a genuine appreciation for the valuable contributions they make in support of the collective efforts of the Clubhouse community. The membership's contribution to the day-to-day work of the Clubhouse and its supportive culture is therefore essential for the effective operation of the Clubhouse and the support that members receive.