Civic, service organizations make difference

Volunteerism and community spirit are alive and well.

Rarely does a week go by that some civic, social or educational groups are not out, collecting for a worthy cause and contributing their time and effort to support and improve our towns.

Groups like Rotary, the Lions, and the Soroptomists, along with a number of other community organizations and service groups, such as the Chamber of Commerce, our local downtown merchants, Beta Sigma Phi, the Association of University Women, Thalias and Dianas, the Eagles and Elks, the Masons and Shriners, just to name a few, as well as the various church, veterans and social groups, are deeply involved in making our towns a better place to live.

Money is raised for a variety of projects. Time is given freely to help make events successful.

Yet, nationwide, many civic clubs and fellowship organizations are struggling. Membership is down.

Fortunately, that impact has not been felt to the same extent, locally.

Our local clubs continue with strong membership, committed to doing their part in contributing to the quality of life we all enjoy.

Yet, all clubs face the challenge of recruiting new members.

Across the country, long-time volunteers are moving away or retiring.

A constant lament is that the younger generation isn't as committed to community service as its forebears.

Fortunately, that too, is not the case here.

But even so, over time, our civic, social and community clubs face the prospect of dwindling membership.

In addition, attendance among those who are members, due to the many demands on personal time, dwindles.

Clubs have responded in many ways, from offering informative programs, to encouraging members to bring a friend to the next activity or meeting.

We at the Nevada Daily Mail are trying to do our part to help in that drive by profiling each club's membership, goals, and activities. We also publish weekly news of each, both in print, and online. We encourage clubs to avail themselves of this opportunity to send us news about their events, their new officers and board for the year, and their meetings.

It's an important part of our social fabric.

It's encouraging when our community's clubs are vigorous and growing. The net result is that our towns themselves are peopled with friendly, courteous and committed neighbors who want to see the positives they can provide.

Today is your chance to make a difference.

Join a civic club or organization. Give back to your community and enjoy the friendships that come from getting involved with other similar minded people.

Contact the Daily Mail, at 667-3344, or email lifestyles editor Sharyon Duke sduke@nevadadailymail.com or myself at fjernigan@nevadadailymail.com and let us know what your club is doing.

Help our clubs to continue to make our communities the places where we want to raise our families and where we choose to work and live.