Throughout most communities, many clubs and organizations fight for
attention and donation money. Some groups are for networking, some to help
others, and some are used to keep one’s attention on something fun. All of them
serve a purpose but it comes down to where a person feels comfortable and quite
possibly, where they can contribute the most.
Many people stereotype organizations from rumors or one experience they
have had in the past. Make note, every club can be different, even if they
share the same name. A morning club could be different from the evening club, a
networking group or chamber could be different than the one in the next town.
It all comes down to the people, time, and if they have specific goals for
their organization.
When selecting a club, recognize its strengths and your particular
goals, if they are the same you could have a match. Then go and visit, at least
twice to experience the environment, atmosphere and how everyone treats each
other. This will give you some indication if you can help them as much as they
will help you.
I have been fortunate to be a part of so many groups in the past 18
years. Some were for growth, others were for networking but the service
organizations were my favorite. However, everyone changes, and even though you
or I may not be a part of one particular group anymore, they all hold a special
place in our heart and we are grateful for being there. It is better to have
loved and left then to drag out something, so continue to grow and your community
will grow with you.
