The Clubs Are Dying

The Clubs Are Dying

 

I have been in a service club for nearly twenty years. Recently I went to its district Conference for the first time in ten years. I was struck by four things:

• The Age of the participants-Over sixty most of them.
• The format of the Conference-Sixties/Seventies style. (Has not changed much)
• The relaxed mode of dress now. (Along with every other activity)
• The health profile of the participants.

Service clubs are a phenomenon of the twentieth century most of them started in the early years of that century as the modern technological revolution took over from the Industrial Revolution. They were probably most powerful in the 50s,60,70,and 80s.

They fulfilled the needs of persons to; network, do service, meet outside their work circle, do community service and find  friendship.

But now they are failing! their numbers across all spheres are dwindling away.

Why is this?

Is it because the new generations are preoccupied with work,mortgages, unsupervised activities outside of a formal structure. Or are they fulfilled with the opportunities social media brings?

I have found these new generations to be as every bit as service minded, civic minded and altruistic as any I have known, they are mostly socially progressive and socially aware.

The question is why?

I am also the President of an Angling Club which struggles to find office bearers and members willing to participate.

The Local Red Cross Branch closed after 100years-no one willing to fill roles.

Lions down to a dozen Members.

Apex gone.

Local Footy Clubs are failing and struggling.

I know of one Angling Club that had over two hundred members in the eighties and is now gone!

And so on.


What is this great exit from organised clubs and organisations? Is it for the best or worst.?

What can we do?

Can we do anything?

Do we want to do anything?

Is it inevitable?