I need to join one (it'll look good on a job app).

What's a rotary club?
Are the Knights of Columbus or the Elks a civic organization? How about the board of education or a chamber of commerce? The PTA?

Thanks.

I never joined, but the K of C is a bunch of nominally-Catholic guys who tell you they didn't joing just to drink reasonable beer and avoid smoking bans by being in a private club. There's some sort of initiation where they tell you it's not about just drinking cheap cold beer, and then ask if you need another cold one, or so I'm told.

Rotary clubs raise money and support various groups in the community. My father was a member of one and their annual project was donating money to underprivilidged children for school books and supplies.

Put NAMBLA on your resume, that will attract some attention.

I'm an Elk. Good folks and cheap ale.

Does picking up trash on the side of the road in an orange jump suit count as a "civic organazation"?

Check out Exchange Clubs JetMo http://www.nationalexchangeclub.com/
I've been a member for over for over 10 years and find it to be the best thing I could do with my give back time. We raise a lot of money with the focus of fighting child abuse and domestic violence. I'm sure it varies from location to location, but in our town the stroke quotient is very low relative to the Rotary, Jaycees, ect..

JetMo,

Currently I belong to 3 different civic organizations. Keep in mind I'm only 29 years old so I am pretty much the youngest member of every orgsanization, but they all have their benefits. Here's my list-Elks-officer, Lions-officer, Honrary PBA-member. I'll be honest I joined all of them with intentions of growing my business, however the benefits of charity have far outweighed the business benefits. Early on in the Elks a WW2 vet asked to speak directly to me (I cooked for a brunch event) and told me that it was the best meal he has ever had in his life. The guy was pretty much immobilized in a wheelchair ut he gave me the biggest hug and demanded a picture with me. As I realized this man was pretty much locked up in a VA hospital for the past 20 years with no family, it made me feel really proud to have at least made his (and about 60 others) day just that once. It was the least I could do for the sacrifice he and others there had made for me. It's a hell of a good feeling.

I'm currently working on a project with the Lions to restore a handicapped camp in town. The camp works with severely handicapped children and adults, including autism. The camp is pretty much in shambles, so I am on a committee to restore just about everything there. It is a major project, but the end result will really be amazing and I cant wait to see the campers faces when they see how muvch better the place is. This one is really important to me because my siter in law is mentally disabled and goes to a camp similar to this. These camps do wonders for the campers and their parents who get a much deserved break for 10 weeks.

The Elks is mostly a blue collar organization that specializes in handicapped children and veterans. They have a bar that generates most of their funds, and the members tend to be a bit older, however their are alot of younger people in mine. Typically the bar conversation is a bit raunchier and the people are very laid back. The org was founded by actors, and they have alot of play-like rituals for some of their ceremonies. There are typically alot of politics involved in the elks, and you find yourself being pulled by different factions almost regularly. But it is a great place to hang and drink cheap beer with good people. If you ever need work done on your house, an Elk is sure to do it for half the market price.

The Lions are typically a bit more white collar, and being a Lion is usually a prestigious status amongst local businesses. They have a policy that nobody speaks about business amongst members, however that policy is never followed/enforced. They usually will not discuss business with new members until they see that new member's intentions in the club. Some people join just to network and have nothing to do with the volunteer efforts. Those who volunteer and work hard will reap rewards in business later on. The specialize with the blind, however they do not really limit themselves on anything. My organization has given money to a wide variety of needy individuals for a wide variety of reasons. Lions usually raise money through functions such as fairs, carnivals, auctions, etc. You will get to head up one of these functions at some point as a member. Ours is a giant carnival that attracts about 10,000 people daily and generates about $250,000 of charitable money. When you're the one in charge, it's a hell of a feeling to stand back and watch it all working knowing you did it. This is a great club to be a part of.

Personally I apreciate both clubs equally. When I need to have a beer with regular folks and not worry about image, the Elks is the place to be. When I feel like I want some high class conversation and drink some martini's, the Lions is where I go. It's a good diversity amongst groups and helps to keep me sane. But keep in mind, typically Elks don't like Lions and Lions don't like Elks. It's a very fine line I walk with a couple other people as members of both.

Civic groups are great, Moses. I joined the Jaycees almost 20 years ago and held local, regional and state offices until I became too old a few years ago (they kick you out at 40).

I have honorary lifetime membership, so I still do some things with them. I've been part of dozens of great community projects and helped to raise thousands of dollars for good causes. Had a lot of fun and met some great people, too, including my wife.

Whatever group you join, try to get something out of it. Don't just put it on your resumé.

Join the Human Fund

Join the Human Fund

Costanza, there is no such thing as the human fund!!

JetMo,

Currently I belong to 3 different civic organizations. Keep in mind I'm only 29 years old so I am pretty much the youngest member of every orgsanization, but they all have their benefits. Here's my list-Elks-officer, Lions-officer, Honrary PBA-member. I'll be honest I joined all of them with intentions of growing my business, however the benefits of charity have far outweighed the business benefits. Early on in the Elks a WW2 vet asked to speak directly to me (I cooked for a brunch event) and told me that it was the best meal he has ever had in his life. The guy was pretty much immobilized in a wheelchair ut he gave me the biggest hug and demanded a picture with me. As I realized this man was pretty much locked up in a VA hospital for the past 20 years with no family, it made me feel really proud to have at least made his (and about 60 others) day just that once. It was the least I could do for the sacrifice he and others there had made for me. It's a hell of a good feeling.

I'm currently working on a project with the Lions to restore a handicapped camp in town. The camp works with severely handicapped children and adults, including autism. The camp is pretty much in shambles, so I am on a committee to restore just about everything there. It is a major project, but the end result will really be amazing and I cant wait to see the campers faces when they see how muvch better the place is. This one is really important to me because my siter in law is mentally disabled and goes to a camp similar to this. These camps do wonders for the campers and their parents who get a much deserved break for 10 weeks.

The Elks is mostly a blue collar organization that specializes in handicapped children and veterans. They have a bar that generates most of their funds, and the members tend to be a bit older, however their are alot of younger people in mine. Typically the bar conversation is a bit raunchier and the people are very laid back. The org was founded by actors, and they have alot of play-like rituals for some of their ceremonies. There are typically alot of politics involved in the elks, and you find yourself being pulled by different factions almost regularly. But it is a great place to hang and drink cheap beer with good people. If you ever need work done on your house, an Elk is sure to do it for half the market price.

The Lions are typically a bit more white collar, and being a Lion is usually a prestigious status amongst local businesses. They have a policy that nobody speaks about business amongst members, however that policy is never followed/enforced. They usually will not discuss business with new members until they see that new member's intentions in the club. Some people join just to network and have nothing to do with the volunteer efforts. Those who volunteer and work hard will reap rewards in business later on. The specialize with the blind, however they do not really limit themselves on anything. My organization has given money to a wide variety of needy individuals for a wide variety of reasons. Lions usually raise money through functions such as fairs, carnivals, auctions, etc. You will get to head up one of these functions at some point as a member. Ours is a giant carnival that attracts about 10,000 people daily and generates about $250,000 of charitable money. When you're the one in charge, it's a hell of a feeling to stand back and watch it all working knowing you did it. This is a great club to be a part of.

Personally I apreciate both clubs equally. When I need to have a beer with regular folks and not worry about image, the Elks is the place to be. When I feel like I want some high class conversation and drink some martini's, the Lions is where I go. It's a good diversity amongst groups and helps to keep me sane. But keep in mind, typically Elks don't like Lions and Lions don't like Elks. It's a very fine line I walk with a couple other people as members of both.
nice read, nice work!

Whatever group you join, try to get something out of it. Don't just put it on your resumé.

Wiser words could not be spoken. I will tell you undoubtedly that the satisfaction of seeing the impact of a person or people you have helped is nearly unmatched. Also, the more that you give to the organization without expecting anything in return, the more in return you will actually get.

How about a youth organization, go coach kids!

Thanks for the feedback, guys.:cheers:

I'm a Freemason. Some begrudge them, but my Lodge is extrremely active with fundraising for various charities.

Also take a look at the Salvation Army. I was a recipient of their goodwill when I was 7yrs old.