Local Service Organizations showcase......something...

The local paper today has published a really neat feature that I've not seen in other areas that I've lived in. It's a great service, and has even sparked my cynical interest on at least 2 occasions. It's an annual listing of area clubs and organizations. Many of these will be familiar to any city in the country: Kiwanis, Elks, Lions, and Rotary clubs to name a few.

What I found interesting is how the cumulative listing of organizations illustrates the community locally. And how odd (or unique?) it is. There are:

• 3 magic groups
• 1 for dolls
• 1 for precious moments figurines
• 2 for stuffed bear collectors
• 3 quilting clubs
• 1 for unicyclists
• ...and most curious, to me as a woman, were the 13 womens' clubs - all to a degree promoting the advancement of women (not including the doll collecting, precious moments collectors, and quilting clubs).

My first thought was how much greater the potential impact (in terms of volunteerism and community service) and benefit (in terms of advancing issues that women face) these 13 clubs could be if they were consolidated. Then again, there would be at least two that wouldn't likely fit into a consolidated women's organization, promoting women's rights.

One is a society that seems to be historical in nature, but utterly ridiculous in logic. It is open to "women who descend from a male ancestor who lived during the 17th century." I'm assuming.....that would be almost any woman alive today.

Another doesn't seem to desire promoting women's rights much at all. It's an international club "made up of foreign-born women of many countries ...who want to share their experiences since arriving and living in the United States. Any foreign born woman of any age is eligible to join. " This club includes an annual dinner night out with husbands. Because, as locals assume, you probably couldn't have gotten here on your own.

One group that sparked my interest - but only momentarily - is simply (or haughtily?) called...The Senate, dedicated to "educate the mind and advance the social and intellectual welfare of the members." It goes on to detail the twice-monthly meeting process. Seems interesting, right? But wait - there's a coda: "Ladies nights are held on the second meetings of December and May". So, the one group that would appeal to a woman with an intellectual and cultural appetite would apparently only include her twice a year at a guest dinner.

Which probably goes a long way in understanding why there are 13 organizations aimed at providing opportunities for women.