"How about we adopt them?"

Back in the day, joining a club was the place to be. Membership came with a bit of prestige and nostalgia.

And they have been around for quite awhile. Many civic clubs have existed for more than a century.

Rotary Club was founded in 1905; Kiwanis in 1915;  and Lions Club, 1917 - that's just to name a few. Where once they were flush with members, today many are struggling to find them. So why has that changed?

Researching the issue, some believe it has to do with commuting. Many people are no longer working in the community where they live so they have to drive. This, according to the experts, results in a bit of "loosening" of social ties.  Other factors listed included demands of work  which leave people with less time to give outside of their families. Some tout the reason as the cost of belonging - i.e. the dues.

The one reason I find very interesting is that younger generations such as millennials and Gen Z, have priorities, interests, etc., that are "different" from those of many civic organizations.

That particular reason also concerns me. Especially when you think about why civic organizations were started in the first place.

The goal of the civic organizations I have known has run a long the same lines - to improve their communities. To address needs within their communities and so much more. So why, pray tell, would someone not find that a priority.

While talking recently with Grant County Library Director Holly Mathis, Holly suggested perhaps a solution for those civic groups here locally - adoption. Holly's thought was that an "Adopt A Club" idea should be organized where local businesses would consider "adopting" a club and therefore helping that club to grow their membership, etc.

I think that is a phenomenal idea! Businesses could commit to say, offering a benefit for employees who committed to joining a club and participating in the activities it hosts. I'm not sure how the Adopt A Club program would work - but it is a thought.

Then I learned Tuesday that the local Kiwanis Club hosted an event recently and may very well have boosted their membership rolls. If so, I am so happy to hear that. Watch future editions of The Ulysses News as we look in to that.

Regardless of what is done, something needs to be done.

Civic organizations are the ones who present thousands of dollars in scholarships each year, who help individuals and families in need, who volunteer at local events and who without their volunteering said events might not ever happen.

Civic organizations bring communities together. They make a difference. Members have the opportunity to give back to the communities they serve in. They have the opportunity to make a positive difference. Getting involved provides members with a sense of responsibility to make their community the best that it can be and gives them a sense of "ownership".

If you join a local club, you have the opportunity to meet new people, make new friends and work together with others to achieve common goals

If you are still wondering why they are important, think about this saying I heard a long time ago: "The Titanic was built by professionals. The Ark was built by volunteers."

And if that doesn't do it for you, how about this: "The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members."