Yes, you’re starting a new Ring, a giving circle. And, with it we’re creating so much more.

• A community of people who understand that the patience required to properly enjoy a premium cigar is the same patience required to solve complex problems.
• A fellowship where success isn’t measured by the rarest cigars in your humidor, but by the lives you’ve improved together.
• A tradition that connects the ritual of the smoke with the reward of meaningful impact.
• You’re showing that cigar enthusiasts are thoughtful, generous, and committed to leaving things better than we found them.

Together, we’re building something that outlasts any single cigar, any single meeting, any single year.

Step 1: Gather Your Founding Members
Start with at least two other people. They might be:

• Friends you smoke with regularly at your local lounge
• Fellow members of a cigar club or society
• Subscribers to the same YouTube channel or podcast
• Fans of a specific premium brand
• Colleagues who enjoy cigars together
• Family members who share the passion

Have a conversation about shared values and what causes matter most to you. The goal is alignment on purpose, not perfection in details.

Step 2: Define Your Ring’s Identity
Working with your founding members, decide:

• Your Focus: What connects your Ring? Geography (ex: South Carolina or New Orleans)? A gathering place (Stave & Stogie Society)? A shared interest (Padron enthusiasts)? An online community (subscribers to a specific YouTube channel or Podcast)?
• Your Ring Name: Choose a name that reflects your identity and starts with “Cigar Rings” (examples: “Cigar Rings Louisville” or “Cigar Rings Cigars International”)
• Your Logo Color: Select a HEX color for your customized Cigar Rings logo (no two Rings can share the same color)
• Your Contribution Level: Set your minimum annual contribution ($180-$12,000 per member). This can change later, but you have to start somewhere.
• Your Meeting Cadence: Decide how and how often you’ll meet beyond the annual requirement – on-line, in-person, both.

Step 3: Submit for Approval
Submit your Ring name, color choice, and founding member information to Cigar Rings International Headquarters for approval. We ensure no duplicate names or colors and verify your Ring meets the basic requirements.

Step 4: Launch Your Ring
Once approved, you’ll receive:

• Your customized Cigar Rings logo with your chosen color and Ring name
• Access to your Ring’s private online community platform
• Listing on the Cigar Rings website
• The comprehensive Operations Guide covering leadership structure, meeting templates, nonprofit selection processes, and best practices
• Access to Cigar Rings International’s online communities
• Launch and on-going support from Cigar Rings International headquarters

Step 5: Recruit and Grow
Invite others to join your Ring. Share your vision, your meeting schedule, and the causes you’re passionate about. As you grow, your impact grows exponentially.

Step 6: Meet, Vote, and Give
Hold your first official meeting (in-person, virtual, or hybrid). Use the Operations Guide to structure your discussions, review potential nonprofits, vote democratically on your first grantee, and celebrate the beginning of something special.