Anyone in Rotary, Lions, etc.?

BPRoberts · **on:** July 17, 2025, 05:17:37 AM

Since my wife and I moved last year, I'm looking to get a bit more involved in our community. I've reached out to and been to a couple events for the local Rotary and Lions, and wondered if there was anyone on the boards who was involved in them, or other similar groups. My Pappy very involved with his local Kiwanis, but they seem pretty non-existent in my current area. Anybody got any good club stories? Tips? Things to watch out for?

nate j · **Reply #1 on:** July 19, 2025, 02:43:54 AM

Well, not exactly.

Both my grandfathers were Freemasons, but save one uncle, that isn’t something succeeding generations of the family got into.

I’ve spent a fair bit of time as a Scout leader and youth sports coach. I’ve found those things rewarding. They often involved my own kids though, so that may color my perception. May not be quite what you’re looking for.

As a general observation, it seems like some of these organizations (or even different chapters of the same organization) are more social clubs, while others are more service oriented, and others are some combination. You’ll probably be happiest if you spend some time thinking about what you would prefer, and can find a group that aligns with that.

Vidar · **Reply #2 on:** September 07, 2025, 06:55:46 AM

I know members of some of such organizations. My impression is that they are long term networking arenas both social and professional, and often include prominent / successful people in the local community. With fairly stable memberships, and decades of these people knowing each other, I imagine they can become stable platforms that outlives most job and life changes.

The down side is that memberships often seems to be secret, and others might question decisions made to the benefit of other members by people who are politicians, public officials or the like. And with secret memberships any decision that benefits anyone will thus be up for speculation if you are known to be a member.

Joining might also be a gated process. I think at least Rotary (?) require that two existing members sponsor any new member application, and that existing members have a limit of how many they could sponsor. Or some mechanism like that.

dks · **Reply #3 on:** September 07, 2025, 07:10:11 PM

Before you join any club make sure you are fully aware of their real history and what obligations or commitments you will have to agree to and what sacrifices you need to make, or what might happen if you decide to leave them.