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Photo credit: Darren Hauck for The Daily |
In Sheboygan, Wisconsin, service club signs are proudly displayed at the entrance to the city, providing both a welcome and acknowledgement of their importance.
In an article in TheDaily.com, Sheboygan was described as the most financially equal town. That is, there is less of a gap between rich and poor than in any other US city.
According to the article and the nifty infographic , Sheboygan ranks behind only Sweden and Canada in the GINI score. The metropolitan area of 115,507 residents benefit from an industrial base and the median income is right at $49,000. What's more remarkable, and might interest the Occupy Wall Street movement is that the top 20% of the population have a median household income of $120,000. Okay, the infographic didn't mention the 1%, but does it matter with "all things being equal?"
Service clubs are especially important to towns the size of Sheboygan. Among other things, they provide social activities where the community gathers for "Fish Frys" and "Brat Days," support local athletics and work together to improve the schools. Mainly, they help people identify with one another. According to Rolf Simonson, "commodore" (the elected official) of the Yacht Club, members can't by their way in. They have to pledge to work at least 50 hours at the club and that spreads equality by allowing people from all walks of life to join.
Equality is certainly a positive benefit of belonging to a service club. It makes you a better person and your community place to live.
Read the full article about "All Things Being Equal" at thedaily.com.
