Clubs and the Leisure Connection

CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS are deeply involved in the betterment of their own communities. Thousands of individual members belong to autonomous clubs scattered across the land. But, when combined together, these service organizations become a huge network of volunteers serving millions of people locally, nationally, and in other parts of the world. Clubs may differ somewhat in their specific mission statements; however, all of them have a connection to leisure.

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Lions, Optimist, and Rotary - among others - are easily recognizable Club names to many of us. Men and women of all ages from the areas of business, computer science, construction, counseling, dentistry, education, engineering, homemaking, law, management, marketing, medicine, ministry, nursing, recreation, technology, and various other fields are involved with these organizations. Time, talent, and effort are generously given on a regular basis by club members to meet the needs of others.

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While members of civic organizations are interested in improving the lives of all the citizens in the community, young people are often especially targeted. For example, respect for the law, youth appreciation, and youth safety are common interests. The promotion of patriotism and love of country are other common goals among these groups. Some clubs set flags throughout the community's business district on every holiday of the year.

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The Lions Club has been active in providing ball diamonds and sponsoring various leisure activities. A strong interest in community health, especially in the area of eyesight and good vision, has also been promoted by Lions. Members of this service organization believe that "community is what we make it."

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Optimists have seen themselves as a "Friend of Youth" for almost a century. They have sponsored youth golf tournaments; they have conducted oratorical and essay contests for young people; they have provided Halloween costume contests for kids; they have established youth Sports Skills Challenges; and, they are trying to find a cure for childhood cancer through a Childhood Cancer Campaign. Members of the Optimist Club leave a legacy of caring, sharing, leadership, and love in communities where they serve.

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Rotarians often honor individuals for outstanding community service and leadership. They also pay tribute to students for academic achievement on a regular basis. In many communities, the Rotary Club has sponsored team sports, youth leagues, and built athletic fields. And, Rotarians also have been the driving force behind the establishment of parks and playgrounds in numerous communities. Rotary Club members regularly practice their own motto: "service above self."

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Members of all civic organizations donate volunteer service to their communities during their own free time. And, these organizations provide a wide variety of leisure activities to citizens of all ages who live in the community. Therefore, the connection between clubs and leisure is clear.

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Finally, all service clubs desire that their members continue personal development - and this, of course, includes one's leisure. Optimists express this idea well. The Optimist Creed is below.

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"PROMISE YOURSELF to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet. To make all your friends feel that there is something in them. To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true. To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best. To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own. To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile. To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others. To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble."