I'm in two clubs, XXXXXX Archers and YYYYYY Bowmen.
As a bloke, it's never been one of my concerns, but I can understand how some members would find the name 'Bowmen' non-inclusive; I'd be perfectly happy if both clubs were called ______ Archers, and I'd support the name change and anyone proposing it. I'd be surprised if anyone at either of my clubs would oppose such a measure proposed in good faith.
But...
This is a big change and will need a lot of work. It's not just a case of picking a new inclusive sounding name and going with it. You'd have to:
- Canvas the club for support.
- Draft a resolution for the AGM, propose it, and drive through the change at the AGM.
- Update the club constitution.
- Contact the club's governing body notifying them of the change and make sure that they act upon it.
- Contact the club's insurers (if the club is independently insured) notifying them of the name change and make sure that they act upon it.
- Contact the club's bank and get the name of the accounts changed.
- Contact any lessors and/or rentors notifying them of the name change of the lessee/rentee.
- Update the club's website/e-mail/social media presence to reflect the change.
- And do any other stuff that doesn't spring to mind off the top of my head.
Most of this stuff should theoretically be simple but any or all of these could easily turn into a massive pain in the ***.
In my experience most committee members think that they do enough for the club and aren't looking for more work; if this were to be done and done properly it would need to be done by someone committed to the change, otherwise it won't happen or will get started and won't get finished.
In my opinion (and this may sound harsh, and if it does I'm sorry) if anyone wants this change then I'll support them but they need to take ownership of the issue and drive it through themselves, which they can do if they are a member of the club. And if they won't then they must not care enough. But if they do then they will get a sense of achievement at making a difference, an insight into the workings of the club, and maybe enthusiasm to become a future committee member or president.
TL;DR: It's your club; if you want a change then crack on and make it.