www bonsai-bci com BCI stands for Bonsai Clubs International, a 2006 winner of the Cetre' International. This is a non-profit organization that focuses on educating bonsai lovers and fans around the world. A good club to join if you want to meet and talk to bonsai growers from other countries and be exposed to international organizations that promote the growth and care of bonsai.
Membership includes four issues of Bonsai Magazine every year, access to the exclusive audio/video library and special registration rates to annual BCI Conventions.
There are different types of memberships to choose from and the club also features a special group for teens. Individual memberships and federation memberships cost $36 per year, silver and gold memberships cost $100 and $500 per year, respectively while platinum membership costs $1200. If you like the club, join for a one-time, lifetime membership fee of $1200. Be sure to check the website, though since rates are expected to change in 2007.
www absbonsai org The American Bonsai Society was founded in 1967 and is one of the first national bonsai organizations in North America. Also a non-profit organization, ABS offers memberships to bonsai enthusiasts. Members get a yearly subscription to ABS' journal, Bonsai and free access to the ABSForum.
Membership fees range from $40 for individuals and $50 for family. A one-time lifetime membership costs $1000. If you just want to subscribe to its journal, the fee is $40 per year. ABS also offers membership to international bonsai enthusiasts, starting at $65.
The site also features links to bonsai clubs in the US. Access the page by copying this link to your browser: www absbonsai.org/USAClubs htm
www.indybonsai.org If you live near Indianapolis, Indiana and want to meet fellow bonsai club members in person, join this club. Meetings are held on the first Wednesdays of each month at the Garfield Park Conservatory. Membership fee is a low annual of $30 and already covers two persons. You get a hard copy of the club's newsletter for one year. If you want to save and prefer to receive the newsletter by e-mail, just pay a membership fee of just $25.
Log on to their site and browse their history, club calendar, special events and take a peek at their members' page.
www sandiegobonsaiclub com Also meets monthly in Balboa Park in San Diego, Ca. Annual membership fees start at only $25 for individual members and $30 for family. To apply, log on to their website, print the membership form and mail it with your check payment. The club will send you a letter confirming your acceptance, plus a name badge, newsletter and a welcome package. Join the forum for updates and correspondence.
