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1. Look for an existing group. Before you put a lot of work into creating a group, check to make sure one doesn't already exist in your area. Does your department currently have a group? Is your spouse a member of a local FOP Lodge? Maybe the FOP Lodge has an Auxiliary group for spouses and family members. Check the Directory of Resources by State for a group near you before proceeding.

2. Define the purpose of the group. OK, so there are no groups in your area. What kind of group are you looking to create? Are you interested in having conventions, raising money for charities, and forming other community outreach programs? Or would you rather have an informal group that meets to have coffee and have candid discussions? It may help to write down some goals.

3. Who will join? What is the interest level in your spouses' department? Call other wives and husbands of officers to see how many people would be interested. Or maybe you'd rather have a club grouped by a geographical area, rather than by department. Again, it depends on the purpose of the group. A spousal group with members representing different departments may find a common bond in fundraising, while spouses of officers from the same department may enjoy getting together for the sole reason of discussing issues with that department and the resulting strain on their families.

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