Problem #1: most clubs/organizations have only limited members.  Problem #2: most self-defined Basques are not members of any Basque organization at all.  Solution: hurbil zaitez mesedez--please come join us!

Click on NABO Basque Clubs

n the year 2000 U.S. census, 57,793 Americans defined themselves as Basques.  That makes Basques about .0002 of this nation’s population.  That’s not much.  That number gets even smaller when we look at how many self-defined Basques have made the choice to join their local Basque organization.  Based on the numbers that NABO has from its member organizations, it is clear that less than 10% of self-defined Basques are Basque-club members.  Then of course, the number shrinks yet again among members as to those who make an effort to help out with club events. 

Now small numbers have never stopped the Basques from making an impression, so yes quality can trump quantity but you do reach a point where no amount of quality can keep a small boat (and Basques are just that in relation to the numbers of other groups) afloat if the waves grow to large. 

The Basque-American community is undergoing a generational transition.  The last major wave of Basque immigration here to America ended a generation ago, and now their children and grandchildren are the ones who will decide if--and how--Basque culture will endure here.

NEW ARIZONA CLUB.  The "Good Rock" a.k.a. Arizona Basque Club is working to become established.  It is probable that the name Arizona derives from Basque with combination of ARIZ ("Rock") and ONA ("Good").  Local Basques there are hosting a Mus tournament open to everyone, November 11, 2006.  To make your reservations at the Windmill Suites of Chandler, AZ phone 800.547.4747 by Oct. 11th and reference the group code 11-11 MUS.  For more information,  email mark@wangelectric   Do what you can to support the effort to form this new club!

Now is the time to re-affirm our will:  Euskaldun bizi nahia—our will to live as Basque.  To those club members not actively involved, we need to find ways to ask them to reconsider what they might be able to contribute.  It is our combined efforts that keep our community alive and worthwhile.  For those 90% self-defined Basques who have yet to join us, we also need to get the message out to ask them to please consider becoming a part of our efforts to preserve our Basque heritage.

So let the word go out, in Euskara:  HURBIL ZAITEZ!  Please join us and come closer. 

Do you have a Basque club in your community?  Think about joining.  Click on NABO Basque Clubs to find out if you have club nearby.  Our most recent addition to NABO is the Iparreko Ibarra Basque Club (north of Sacramento, California) which made it now three dozen member organizations--our most every!  NABO is prepared to assist in the formation of new clubs.  To see what NABO has to offer click on Support

Those who contribute their time and energy to promoting Basque culture derive a significant degree of satisfaction from the camaraderie.  They are reinforced in their convictions when they see that others are choosing to join them and participate in the work and fun.  So if you are already a member, think about what you might be able to contribute. 

Have a Basque club in your community—think about joining.  Click on NABO Basque Clubs to find out if you have club nearby. 

Don’t have a Basque club neabry—think about starting one!  NABO can assist with this.  Click on Support ffor more information.  There are new clubs forming all around us, including the recently formed New Mexico Basque Club and efforts are underway to create a club in Arizona as well as Washington D.C.

You’ve seen the numbers—and you know that we could use more help in this endeavor.  As John F. Kennedy-Etxea stated in a loose paraphrase years ago, ask not what your Basque club can do for you, but what you can do for your Basque club.  Come join us!  You know you're needed.