Rotary, Lions Club & Kiwanis, etc

by 4thgen 17 Replies latest jw friends

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  4thgen

  Like so many have said on this site, it is hard to begin again and make new friends. This has been a real challenge for me. I recently joined a local Rotary Club and have become acquainted with some very dedicated business people (some retired), wanting to be of service to others. It has been fun and the people have been great. In the past few months I have been involved in teaching reading in a school to disadvantaged kids, a dictonary drive to the local children, collecting school supplies and currently involved in a canned food drive for the food pantry.

  One of the things I cherished about being a Witness was the world-wide brotherhood, along with the singleness of purpose. The Rotary is such an organization. Like congregations, each club has their own personality, so you may need to look around for a good fit. I'm sure it's not for everybody, but it may be good for someone who is looking for good associates, while helping others as a part of a group in humanitarian efforts. If you have any questions about Rotary, please feel free to PM me.

  Has anyone had a similar experience?

  I imagine the Lions Club, Kiwanis and other civic minded organizations may be similar.

  May you find peace,

  4thgen
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  NewYork44M

  I was always told that these organization sacrifice little children. Are you suggesting that is not true?

  In any event, I no longer have any desire to join any organization (even if they don't sacrifice little children).
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  4thgen

  Hello NewYork44M, No, I haven't seen any child sacrifice. What are you referring to?
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  NewYork44M

  4th, I have not seen this either, but this is what I always heard. I can only express what I have heard (not seen). This was a general theme of my father's opinion of non jw organizations.
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  4thgen

  NewYork44M. you made me laugh. Yep, so many jdubs think that everything is evil unless it's sanctioned by the big 8. Actually, it took me a few months toactually go to my first meeting. I was so scared to be with wordly people in a 'club' atmosphere. Keeping an open mind is so hard, after you've been indoctinated that all worldlies are bad. Well, you can tell your father, that I didn't see any child sacrifice while we were teaching reading or passing out the dictionaries. Maybe we will do the child sacrificing at the food pantry! I'll keep you posted as time progresses.

  BTW: I like your comments on the site, NewYork44m.
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  Band on the Run

  I was stranded in PA for a while. It was an exurb of Philadelphia. Volunteering at something that interested me would have cost me a two hour commute each way so I checked out local clubs, which met at the local grocery store. I just felt no kinship with the other people. It disappointed me. I was used to a more academic, more professional crowd. It could have been my fault.

  I like being engrossed in a volunteer activity. These groups are good for business networking.

  I am presently looking for a safe opportunity to work with urban, poor children. It would be cool to work with a child who reminds me of my younger self. Some volunteers helped me when I was in school. I want to know the neighborhood so I may ask to work in my old school. The escape routes are a known factor.

  My former church had a private club for young professionals. The most popular activities were working with the poor. The administrators had long-term projects for people who could devote a lot of time or a few hours activities for people who had to bill many hours of work. We used to chaperone orphans on field trips. I also worked in a ministry for the homeless, setting up snacks for a few hours. It can be difficult to find appropriate volunteer activities. I did not want to spend my free time doing legal work. If problems at work meant I could not show up, the activity could go on without me.
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  NewYork44M

  Great, you get me 4thgen. Very few people do.

  My point is that I was conditioned to reject any organization - except for jehover's.

  Now that I am free of the jw organization I have zero desire to join another group. Perhaps my resistance has to do with my early conditioning, or perhaps I have figured out that I have better things to do with my life.

  In any event, I respectfully decline all invitations to any and all groups.

  Thank you very much...
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  yadda yadda 2

  You're being very rude and ignorant NewYork44m. Rotary and Lions are totally non-religious. They are not atheist or anything else either. They have no doctrinal agenda, just a community based Club of people who also like to help others less fortunate than themselves.

  These groups are indeed an EXCELLENT choice for ex-JW's to join, as 4thgen recommends.
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  Xanthippe

  Good idea 4thgen I might try the local branch.
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  Gypsy Sam

  Good for you! I volunteer with our local art centers and have met great people and attended some stellar events for free.

  I also recently joined a book club which has been nice.

  Isn't it funny how these groups you mentioned were vilified while we were growing up, yet they seem to accomplish more than JW's preaching over a billion hours per year. Imagine what those hours could accomplish if put to a useful purpose.

  I still haven't convinced myself to join the YMCA as I work out outside right now, but my best friend joined (also faded jw) and when she accidnetally said something to her mom about, the mom (jw) freaked out. Lol

  Enjoy your new relationships and the fact that you are helping people out!