Hugh Cranford, left, and members of the Charlotte Optimist Club |
The graying of service clubs has been lamented for many years. It's a cry I heard more than twenty years ago when I attended my first Optimist International Convention. I remember looking at the assembly and thinking that I was a minority, both in gender and age. Twenty years later, that is not true. Today, there are still people who are older than me and people who are younger than me, but those in my age group are still in the majority. It's me and my peers who are aging; not the organization.
Graying of service clubs? I think not. However, continuing maturation of long-involved individuals is inevitable, fulfilling, and proof of life for all. The longevity of service clubs hinges on the the ability of our clubs to remain relevant throughout our lives.
Photo credit: The Charlotte Optimist Club