Why an X’er May Not Enjoy a Local Service Club
Many of the older service clubs that have been both the leadership of towns and cities across the nation, as well as good ole’ boy networks; are changing and losing their effectiveness. No, not all, some have been actively recruiting new life blood and attempting to pass the torch, unfortunately, soon the X’ers who mistrust authority will be coming up the pipeline. This could prove to be quite challenging for such service clubs in the future.
Some of these service clubs are upgrading their web presence and changing with the times and technology, however those that fail to change will dwindle in both numbers of members and relevance in the community. It seems that the younger generation is much more interested in socializing online using forums, blogs and social networks, while sharing videos, pictures and points of interest, then getting together locally to solve problems in the community.
Is this good or bad? Well, in a way it is good, a changing of the guard, and ditching of the good ole’ boy networks, but what’s bad is that these service clubs do so much good in their local cities and if they lose their hold in the community, we all lose.
What needs to happen to mend the fences between young and old? Well, simple really, the members of these large service clubs like Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions, Elks, Optimists, well they need to also set up their own online social networks, for members only. Then the X’ers will eventually have to join or be left out? Indeed, the transition must be slow, but it is my belief that it is time to test these waters.