While at work recently, a client commented about how I was so often involved in activities in a club which I’m part of and I was quick to explain that being a club member offers a sense of belonging and community as well as opportunities to meet new people with shared interests. I explained further that clubs, much like the one I belong to, provide a platform for learning new skills, opportunities to participate in social events and chances to build lasting friendships.
As the conversation rolled on, I continued to share that, in many ways, being part of a club often makes one feel like they’re a part of a larger network of people, especially with events which allow club members to relax, socialize and build relationships with others while providing a platform for networking with others in a given field, aside from creating space for people to connect and engage with their shared passions. Of course, there are many opportunities which encourage personal growth and help club members try new things, challenge themselves, and develop new skills through teamwork.
My client then questioned just what was the basis of clubs like mine and I shared that most are associations of individuals united by a common interest or goal; service clubs focused on voluntary or charitable activities and clubs devoted to hobbies, sports, political and religious associations, with the basis of it all being social connections.
I was asked what my club expected as part of club membership and I stressed the importance of regularly attending meetings and events and avoiding any type of complaining if any member failed to put forth the effort to participate, communicate and make their voice heard and vote on important organizational matters.
My impromptu “lecture” ended with the explanation of the terms “organization” and “club”, which are often used interchangeably but, there are subtle differences with an organization referring to a structured group with a specific purpose, (business, educational or social) while a club focuses on a more informal gathering of people with shared interests or activities.
Once the conversation ended, I thought about something Vince Lombardi once said which applies to being part of any club or organization…“Individual commitment to a group effort—that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.”
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