[misscherrypie]

I am located in a different state than you but did speak at length with an attorney in my state who works with Non Profit organizations as well other kinds of social clubs that fall under 501c7.

The form that you will need to ultimately submit to the IRS is a 1024. It's about 25 pages long and is extremely extensive. Check out the IRS website for this Schedule 1024 and read it carefully before getting started.

Her advice: Get professional advisement. An attorney, CPA or someone in that realm.
The IRS takes time in reaching a determination, and you want to ensure that your paperwork is in order when you submit it to them.

There are also steps that you must take, records that you must have on hand before you get to the point of submitting the 1024. Contacting a professional first is key.

Something that came to mind for me: Is this Friendly Venture chapter that you're working on creating official with International yet?