While painting and sketch clubs are popular in many places, they are mainly a North American institution. They are a function of the relatively new availability of leisure time and the universe of opportunities for self-expression that are open to everybody.
Painting is a challenge and for some it's fun to add the benefits of a club.
It's the ultimate in arts democratization. Apart from the growth and learning potential plus mutual critiquing and support, clubs give people the opportunity to conduct meetings, prepare budgets, run galleries, buy wholesale and otherwise hob-nob with their fellow wizards. This can be rectified by offering scholarships and prizes to young people. It's also a good idea to emphasize experimentation in teaching and mentoring, find quality workshoppers of all persuasions, and generally play down the parliamentary procedure. Outside jurying of shows is of course useful.