Are Clubs Completely Irrelevant?

What do service clubs, civic clubs, and dog clubs have in common? Two major things, it turns out.

Are you in a club, or maybe more than one? It could be Rotary, Toastmaster, PTA, or your local kennel club – do you belong? If so, maybe you’ve noticed a couple of things – the club is smaller than it was a few years ago, and most of the people who do most of the work are in the sixth, seventh, or even eighth decade of life.

First things first – about the dwindling membership. Times do change, and lifestyles do, too. People in the developmental part of their adulthood – those in their twenties, thirties, and forties – are building careers and focusing on their families. While they may be interested in what clubs have to offer, they may not have the time or desire to commit to being part of a club. There’s good news here – more on that later.

Some people might look at most clubs, see the same people in leadership positions for years on end, and see a clique bound and determined to maintain control of their organization. And in a few cases, that might be true. In the vast majority of cases, it’s not.

The reality is that the missions, goals, and accomplishments of the organization need to be planned and executed and only a handful of the members are willing to do the work. Clubs are volunteer organizations formed to fill a need. Events don’t plan and execute themselves – people have to do it. And in most cases, only a few members step up and reliably do the work.

Memberships are growing smaller. Workers are growing older and are tired of shouldering all the workload. Critical mass happens when the work overwhelms the workers. Clubs end, along with events and services they provided.

It doesn’t have to be this way, and in some clubs it’s not. Some clubs do a good job on their community outreach, inviting people to come and experience the value they provide. Some clubs do a good job rotating their leadership positions and committee chairmanships, growing leaders from members who would otherwise be sitting on the sidelines.

And then there’s Gen Z.

Gen Z, those born between 1997 and 2012, are the youngest members of the work force and they’re actively looking for connection and the opportunity to do good work outside of their jobs. They are adaptable, digitally fluent, and they have a lot to offer to a club that catches their interest.

If you’re one of those Boomer club members who’s tired of shouldering all the work and responsibility in your organization, you need to find some Gen Z’ers. Boomers plus Zoomers equals an infusion of new ideas, new energies, and new life for clubs. Find them through social media and social outings that are congruent with the purpose of your organization.

Told you there was good news! If you’re in a club, pitch in and suggest ways to attract Gen Z. Volunteer. If you’re active on social media, especially Tik Tok and Instagram, volunteer to be part of the communications committee. If you like to throw parties, volunteer to be part of the events committee. If you’re a rock star at crunching numbers, volunteer to help the treasurer, or even be the treasurer. Whatever you’re good at and love to do, do it for your organization.

The club you save may be your own.

Wags,
Sandy Weaver
The Voice of Wagaliciousness

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