Participants in Social Organizations, I'd like to hear from you.

[LuckyDuck]

Howdy Hide,

As per the title- I'd like to ask the members here on their experiences with Social Organizations that they may be a part of. I recognize that in many ways it'll be uniquely dependent on the local organization but figured I'd ask regardless.

Presently I belong to both the American Legion and VFW and have been a member for a decade plus respectively. Great people, great intentions but it seems like (at least for the folks that I join) aside from the occasional fundraiser they hold throughout the year (gift baskets, chicken bbq's, things like of that nature) it's more of a social club that gives one entry to their bars.

Locally, I've seen the Lion's, Rotary, and Kiwanas clubs but their charitable focus isn't one in which I'm particularly passionate about. Since the move, I do have an Elks club local (don't have a sponsor though), but along those lines, I reckon there's the Moose's, Eagles, and other such organizations.

The one that's been catching my attention lately is the Mason's (particularly the shriners, tall oaks, etc) but that's an organization that wouldn't have me as a member either. But they seem to do great work and I'm happy to support their charity efforts. Church groups/religiously oriented organizations, would also be out of scope for me.

That all been said- is there any social/fraternal organizations along the lines I mentioned that Hide members here feel passionate about? Mainly I'd just be looking for an apolitical/nonreligious group that just wants to get together and build friendship and do the occasional (albeit frequent) "good deed" for the local community. Essentially a group of friends that get together regularly and try to make their small world a better place.

-LD

 

[waveslayer]

Come join the LDS church, you won't be out of scope there. Plenty of organizations to be apart of And to keep you busy. Not joking by the way.

 

[Bullfrog08]

Current Orgnizations:

1. Snipershide LD novel hour.

Edit.....shit "Organizations"

 

[LuckyDuck]

Come join the LDS church, you won't be out of scope there. Plenty of organizations to be apart of And to keep you busy. Not joking by the way.

I have absolutely no issues with the LDS church at all- in fact I've known and presently am very good friends with folks that were raised in that church. Truly fantastic people and I'm more than happy to share friendship with them and support them with their efforts.

But that being said- I'm more so interested in putting my time & efforts into a group that isn't religiously focused/affiliated is all.

-LD

 

[LuckyDuck]

Current Orgnizations:

1. Snipershide LD novel hour.

You have your opinions and I have mine. Nothing wrong with either of those either.

If I type too much for you- there's a simple solution if it's causing you (or anyone else for that matter, looking at you @TheBigCountry) grief. Good lord- how many times does Frank need to reiterate this?

I think it was Popeye that said, "I am who I am, and that's all that I am". I do struggle to see how your post here contributes to the conversation though...

If you don't like what I post, or how I post here- then why would you voluntarily enter a thread "I" started, act surprised that the Duck is doing Duck stuff only to "rattle your sabres" and post how you're better than me? Do you not see the irony of your post, what it insinuates, and the topic being discussed here?

Come on @Bullfrog08 you're better than this, you know it & I know it. Find a different hobby, be a better man, choose your own adventure. But don't crap on my thread with the argument that I posted what you don't like.

How many posts have you started here, how many independent thoughts were you willing to share in a community of strangers? When did you have an opinion that you were willing to stand behind despite public scrutiny?

Do better.


-LD

 

[Modoc]

I’m going to step in with my experiences. I have been a Lions member/affiliated for almost 40 years. Having been involved with both Local and International “Projects”. Each Club can pick their own local Projects to focus on in conjunction with the Internationally sponsored Projects. My Club is active with our Diabetes Youth Camp, Lion’s Eye Foundation (eye health and hearing assistance), the local Women’s Shelter, City of Hope, and other Projects that crop up.

Personally I have been on the ground supporting relief efforts after several of the wildfires in Northern California, Labor to provide Camperships to the Diabetes Camp for those who can’t afford it, and doing free vision screenings with discounted follow ups (especially for school children). This doesn’t count the fundraisers we do or provide assistance with. It has been a good group to work with, touching a lot of different communities. On a side note, the Lions Club International Foundation (LCIF) has been reported as one of the better Charitable Organizations for Admission/Donation ratio. IIRC it is about 90% of the funds get to those in need (need to verify, my info is a bit dated).

The big key is to find a group that YOU mesh with, my area has about 8 Lions Clubs within a 20 mile radius which lets a person find a group with which they fit in with.

I’m considering becoming a Mason too because of family tradition and their contributions, but need the time to commit.

 

[EddieNFL]

Member of local firing range.

 

[Big Phish]

I would say local Izaak Walton League would be good start.

 

[sloporsche]

does an ex patched member of a kinda social motorcycle club count ?

 

[weaselrunner]

My father was a life member and post quarter Master of vfw post 8529. The main thing I remember was a bunch of alcoholics and drunks. This is when I was a kid. Have no idea what it's like now.

 

[Bullfrog08]

You have your opinions and I have mine. Nothing wrong with either of those either.

If I type too much for you- there's a simple solution if it's causing you (or anyone else for that matter, looking at you @TheBigCountry) grief. Good lord- how many times does Frank need to reiterate this?

View attachment 8609041


I think it was Popeye that said, "I am who I am, and that's all that I am". I do struggle to see how your post here contributes to the conversation though...

If you don't like what I post, or how I post here- then why would you voluntarily enter a thread "I" started, act surprised that the Duck is doing Duck stuff only to "rattle your sabres" and post how you're better than me? Do you not see the irony of your post, what it insinuates, and the topic being discussed here?

Come on @Bullfrog08 you're better than this, you know it & I know it. Find a different hobby, be a better man, choose your own adventure. But don't crap on my thread with the argument that I posted what you don't like.

How many posts have you started here, how many independent thoughts were you willing to share in a community of strangers? When did you have an opinion that you were willing to stand behind despite public scrutiny?

Do better.


-LD

2. Snipershide LD lecture hour.

I only put miserable cunts on Ignore....can I Ignore myself?

 

[Ronws]

I have absolutely no issues with the LDS church at all- in fact I've known and presently am very good friends with folks that were raised in that church. Truly fantastic people and I'm more than happy to share friendship with them and support them with their efforts.

But that being said- I'm more so interested in putting my time & efforts into a group that isn't religiously focused/affiliated is all.

-LD

"Some of my best friends are Mormons."

 

[232593]

John Birch Society

 

[Rthur]

R

 

[acpchuck]

There are lots of social organizations out there where the members focus on the social part rather than performing charitable acts.

Look for groups or organizations involved in specific activities you like to do. For me, when I was living in SE Idaho, it was as a 4H shooting sport instructor, match director for 3-gun, 2-gun and handgun events and 3 years as president of a 1400 member gun range. I spent a lot of time on this in addition to working full time but I truly enjoyed it. Not so much my wife LOL, she said I was never home.

More limited now in what I do but it is easy to find groups that are hands on to do charitable work.

 

[chevy_man]

It depends on your free time. I'm a member of the Eagles. It's a pretty low bar, and there's small things to donate time to here and there. Lots of scholarships and such funded out of member dues available to anyone.


I considered the Masons, but after talking to a few masters and Shriners I realized I couldn't give them the time that would be needed to truly be a part of the organization.
I may revisit that when my kids are grown, and I have a little more free time.


LDS can be wild. I've known quite a few members and they ranged from normal people to grown men crying at lunch because they broke down and drank a can of mountain dew...

 

[Ronws]

Is there such a thing as too much LDS?

 

[hankpac]

I belong to both the VFW, and 101stAirborne Division Association. I don’t drink or smoke, so I never go to the VFW even though they are going no-smoking more and more. Just not my scene. I do that to support current active duty and Vets. I do attend 101 Assn Reunions, and Week of the Eagles. I also volunteer helping Vets get their claims together, before visiting the VSO.
After getting licensed, I joined a local Ham club. I stay pretty busy at that, it is a social outlet, and we have an Emergency Comms profile in the County. About half the crew are Veterans.
I visit the Active Duty team of my old Recon outfit (Tiger Force, 1/327 IN, 101 ABN) along with other old guys (they are now Scout/Sniper/Recon). We bring or send care packages full of useful gear, like compact binoculars, Signal mirrors, larger “dental” mirrors, and compasses. We get as much donated as possible, and pay for the shipping ourselves. (Tigerforecerecon.com). While one might say “why isn’t that shit issued?”, well, some is, usually or per unit, company or platoon. Compact binoculars, we send 32 at a time, so each man in the Recon platoon gets one, same with all the other stuff we send, and we don’t expect it back. So each deployment, we have to gather the gear. Our best donation was from Stiletto Tools: a Ranger-owned company that makes Titanium hammers, pry bars etc. He shipped us a set that is still in use, after 4-5 deployments. (If you are in construction SUPPORT that company.)
Since you mention volunteer time as a concern, there are plenty of ways to do that, without feeling like it just disappears, and you don’t know who it benefited or how.

 

[Im2bent]

You recently retired didn't you.

 

[hankpac]

You recently retired didn't you.

22 years ago. I’ve slowed down.

 

[salks]

Courious why you say the Mason's didn't want you.

 

[Cody S]

yup, you need a good, orthodox, christian church. the shriners are a part of the masons so if you can't join the masons you can't join shrines. I joined both for a time, you aren't missing anything. Basically like what you just said, some fun, some fraternization, plenty of alcohol. go to a good Baptist church for a few months that gives hard hitting, biblical sermons, and take it all in.

 

[chevy_man]

Courious why you say the Mason's didn't want you.

For some reason a lot of people feel this way. The secret to being a Mason is asking. They specifically don't recruit or ask anyone to join. It's supposed to be a want, not an ask.

So for anyone out there that wants to be a Mason, just look up your local chapter and call and ask. Anyone is welcome to visit the lodge and talk, you will just be left out of any members only events going on, or they may ask you to leave after a bit depending on the lodge and it's layout.

 

[Im2bent]

Puhleese everyone knows if you don't know the secret illuminati handshake you ain't getting through the door.

 

[jrassy]

I would never join an organization that would have me as a member….groucho Marx

 

[Modoc]

@chevy_man is right about asking. In fact, Lions club has bumper stickers for members that read “2 B 1, Ask 1”

 

[Expert684]

John Birch Society

No shit, my grandpa belong to it! I saw a lot a bad shit from bad people around the world! Mostly commies and radical muslims!

 

[Alphatreedog]

White privilege club .
Toxic Masculinity Club .
Meat eaters club cuz meat is moidah .
Get off my fuggin lawn Club .
How's that .

 

[232593]

White privilege club .
Toxic Masculinity Club .
Meat eaters club cuz meat is moidah .
Get off my fuggin lawn Club .
How's that .

Excellent

 

[LuckyDuck]

Courious why you say the Mason's didn't want you.

That's certainly a fair question- in hindsight I likely could have phrased that better. When I said the Mason's wouldn't have me a as a member I didn't mean for it to come across as I petitioned and was rejected by them. What I was trying to convey is that it's well publicized that one of their requirements for them is to have a belief in a higher power (I think that's the term they use) but to put another way, as I understand it they require belief in a spiritually higher and as someone that isn't religious or spiritual that would disqualify me from the get go.

Not upset about that either, I know a number of 'em and of the folks I can think of/call a friend, I can't think of anything negative to say about it- seems like that belief isn't necessarily set up to be a 'gatekeeper' type of requirement as much as it is woven into part of their "program" (not trying to insult anyone if I'm using the wrong terminology).

Hope that clarifies what I was trying to say with that particular statement. I'm still friends with them but I support their fundraisers as a general outsider is all and all is good. To be fair- I've run into to similar 'disqualifying' remarks from becoming a 'member' in other organizations such as the AOH. That one in particular being a practicing Catholic. Like the Masons, I still get invites to many of the events they host on Irish history/heritage/etc but for all intents and purposes despite meeting their other set prerequisites, that's a showstopper they have with me in particular.

Nothing against these groups or requirements- as I said I often support many of the things they do/their efforts and get along fine with their members as well. I may be wrong but I think the trend is at least highly suggestive that many of these groups are going to fade away. Not directly tied to their membership requirements (although that likely doesn't 'help') but (at least from what I see) the average age of their membership is... well 'up' there. I'd say I'm seeing something like mid-60's-early 70's in these parts. If they aren't able to bring in a younger demographic I suspect that many won't be around in the next decade or two.

Not that anyone asked but there was a book that addressed the decline of these organizations 20 years or so ago titled "Bowling Alone" which was an interesting read. They came to some theories/conclusions even then (make of them what you will) but mentioning that for the sake of discussion here.

-LD

 

[LuckyDuck]

My father was a life member and post quarter Master of vfw post 8529. The main thing I remember was a bunch of alcoholics and drunks. This is when I was a kid. Have no idea what it's like now.

I think mentioned this but I suspect that it's varies greatly depending on the post. Some are very active and do great things (which is why I keep my membership up in both each year). I have no doubt that the experiences/observations you shared are accurate though.

 

[LuckyDuck]

"Some of my best friends are Mormons."

Minor clarification- I have very good friends that were raised in the LDS church, none of which are practicing members though. Do with that as you will.

 

[Snipe260]

Cosa nostra !

 

[LuckyDuck]

You recently retired didn't you.

Not sure if that was directed towards me or @hankpac

If it was directed towards me though- nah I've still got a ways to go before I can retire. I'm mainly just looking for an excuse to not sit around watching Netflix and drinking beer.

I'd like to do find a group that does some good things locally/regularly & make some friendships along the way is all. That's sort of how I ended up picking up my amateur radio license (not that I've done anything with it), just was looking for a reason to get off the couch and learn something new I suppose.


The reason for the question though is it seems a lot of groups generally associated with this type of activity either have (a) a religious requirement (b) requires a lot of vetting on interested parties to find an 'active' group that isn't just a pathway to a private bar which isn't of much interest to me or (c) isn't a group that sees it's membership as a funding source to frequently write checks to whatever they're fundraising for and have their membership's involvement end once the check is written and not seeing how it benefited anyone.

Hope that makes sense.

-LD

 

[LuckyDuck]

For some reason a lot of people feel this way. The secret to being a Mason is asking. They specifically don't recruit or ask anyone to join. It's supposed to be a want, not an ask.

So for anyone out there that wants to be a Mason, just look up your local chapter and call and ask. Anyone is welcome to visit the lodge and talk, you will just be left out of any members only events going on, or they may ask you to leave after a bit depending on the lodge and it's layout.

Completely agree with your post. I hope that I didn't come across as holding/communicating a negative opinion of the Mason's as I really do think they do a lot of good things as an organization, the Shriners in particular.

-LD

 

[LuckyDuck]

yup, you need a good, orthodox, christian church. the shriners are a part of the masons so if you can't join the masons you can't join shrines. I joined both for a time, you aren't missing anything. Basically like what you just said, some fun, some fraternization, plenty of alcohol. go to a good Baptist church for a few months that gives hard hitting, biblical sermons, and take it all in.

If you don't mind my asking- what didn't you care for the Mason/Shriners? Not trying to 'bait' you, just genuinely curious is all.

-LD

 

[LuckyDuck]

I would never join an organization that would have me as a member….groucho Marx

That quote came to my mind as well.

 

[D̷e̷v̷i̷l̷D̷o̷c̷A̷Z̷]

does an ex patched member of a kinda social motorcycle club count ?

No one likes a quitter

 

[Big Phish]

View attachment 8609277

R

WTFF is that!!

 

[Big Phish]

I am content to keep my socializing shit to myself, my dog and my grandkids nowadays since its more fun and less stressful. I found that the older I get the less I care about joining any social clubs. My time get consumed from daily walks in the woods and park with my lab retriever. I see things that I haven't seen when I never had the time due work and obligations. I am fishing a lot more and that frankly is Zen and nothing comes quite close to it for peace and quiet. I be damned if I got to a club to socialize only to find out theres faggots inside! So be wise and be careful what you wish for.
I did mention IWL because they do teach young kids fishing and hunting so that is good thing but also if you have that the 4H is good start to. IMO

 

[Ronws]

That's certainly a fair question- in hindsight I likely could have phrased that better. When I said the Mason's wouldn't have me a as a member I didn't mean for it to come across as I petitioned and was rejected by them. What I was trying to convey is that it's well publicized that one of their requirements for them is to have a belief in a higher power (I think that's the term they use) but to put another way, as I understand it they require belief in a spiritually higher and as someone that isn't religious or spiritual that would disqualify me from the get go.

Not upset about that either, I know a number of 'em and of the folks I can think of/call a friend, I can't think of anything negative to say about it- seems like that belief isn't necessarily set up to be a 'gatekeeper' type of requirement as much as it is woven into part of their "program" (not trying to insult anyone if I'm using the wrong terminology).

Hope that clarifies what I was trying to say with that particular statement. I'm still friends with them but I support their fundraisers as a general outsider is all and all is good. To be fair- I've run into to similar 'disqualifying' remarks from becoming a 'member' in other organizations such as the AOH. That one in particular being a practicing Catholic. Like the Masons, I still get invites to many of the events they host on Irish history/heritage/etc but for all intents and purposes despite meeting their other set prerequisites, that's a showstopper they have with me in particular.

Nothing against these groups or requirements- as I said I often support many of the things they do/their efforts and get along fine with their members as well. I may be wrong but I think the trend is at least highly suggestive that many of these groups are going to fade away. Not directly tied to their membership requirements (although that likely doesn't 'help') but (at least from what I see) the average age of their membership is... well 'up' there. I'd say I'm seeing something like mid-60's-early 70's in these parts. If they aren't able to bring in a younger demographic I suspect that many won't be around in the next decade or two.

Not that anyone asked but there was a book that addressed the decline of these organizations 20 years or so ago titled "Bowling Alone" which was an interesting read. They came to some theories/conclusions even then (make of them what you will) but mentioning that for the sake of discussion here.

-LD

I get it, it's a matter of intellectual honesty for you.

As for me, there is God. But I am not a churchy type of person and anyone can attest to my profanity.

I also know that God is more powerful than my puny words.

 

[Bigfatcock]

Have you tried grindr?

 

[Rthur]

WTFF is that!!

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To drive home the idea that the metaverse is for everyone, Forsman & Bodenfors launches Kami, a confident young woman who wants to smash barriers in the digital space. Go behind the process of creating her.. From Campaign US

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Remind you of anyone?


R

 

[sloporsche]

No one likes a quitter

club dissolved and merged , at the time [60 years old] I was really tired

 

[salks]

That's certainly a fair question- in hindsight I likely could have phrased that better. When I said the Mason's wouldn't have me a as a member I didn't mean for it to come across as I petitioned and was rejected by them. What I was trying to convey is that it's well publicized that one of their requirements for them is to have a belief in a higher power (I think that's the term they use) but to put another way, as I understand it they require belief in a spiritually higher and as someone that isn't religious or spiritual that would disqualify me from the get go.

Not upset about that either, I know a number of 'em and of the folks I can think of/call a friend, I can't think of anything negative to say about it- seems like that belief isn't necessarily set up to be a 'gatekeeper' type of requirement as much as it is woven into part of their "program" (not trying to insult anyone if I'm using the wrong terminology).

Hope that clarifies what I was trying to say with that particular statement. I'm still friends with them but I support their fundraisers as a general outsider is all and all is good. To be fair- I've run into to similar 'disqualifying' remarks from becoming a 'member' in other organizations such as the AOH. That one in particular being a practicing Catholic. Like the Masons, I still get invites to many of the events they host on Irish history/heritage/etc but for all intents and purposes despite meeting their other set prerequisites, that's a showstopper they have with me in particular.

Nothing against these groups or requirements- as I said I often support many of the things they do/their efforts and get along fine with their members as well. I may be wrong but I think the trend is at least highly suggestive that many of these groups are going to fade away. Not directly tied to their membership requirements (although that likely doesn't 'help') but (at least from what I see) the average age of their membership is... well 'up' there. I'd say I'm seeing something like mid-60's-early 70's in these parts. If they aren't able to bring in a younger demographic I suspect that many won't be around in the next decade or two.

Not that anyone asked but there was a book that addressed the decline of these organizations 20 years or so ago titled "Bowling Alone" which was an interesting read. They came to some theories/conclusions even then (make of them what you will) but mentioning that for the sake of discussion here.

-LD

Well if it is something you would want to do i would at least have a conversation with a local member.
It is true that these organizations have declining membership. Which is a real shame. I joined in 2001 eventualy became an officer of the lodge and eventually Master. That has been some 15 years ago and it is something I have never regretted doing. Which is saying something when I think of all the stupid shit I've done and the shit that I thought would be good but ended up bring stupid.

 

[D̷e̷v̷i̷l̷D̷o̷c̷A̷Z̷]

club dissolved and merged , at the time [60 years old] I was really tired

You must be exhausted now.

 

[Moe Ron]

 

[Bullfrog08]

Have you tried grindr?

Your comment finally made me Google Grindr after years of hearing about it. I thought you mis-spelled it. Now I know! I'm certain we already have a lot of Grindr members on here.

 

[DOA]

What about organizations like Habitat for Humanity?

 

[W54/XM-388]

LDS can be wild. I've known quite a few members and they ranged from normal people to grown men crying at lunch because they broke down and drank a can of mountain dew...

You can drink Mountain Dew now, just in case you hadn't heard...
You can even drink Dr. Pepper now as well...

But many do prefer to just avoid caffeine all together.