Let's Work Together: Reviving the Spirit of Fraternal Organizations
Building Stronger Communities Together by Copying What Worked Before, and Leaving Behind What Didn't
Let's talk about fraternal organizations, you know the ones you see on your town welcome sign like the Elks, Rotary, Kiwanis, Shriners and more, They were once the heart of making American communities vibrant and tight-knit. These associations were more than just clubs; they were spaces where people gathered to benefit the community, hang out, share a drink, and raise money for local social causes. However, over time, these cherished organizations faced a decline in membership, leaving many of us wondering how can we bring back the spirit of these organizations and their positive impact on our communities, but in a new way.
Over the last fifty years, there has been a steady decline in legacy fraternal organization membership in every city in the US. Social and cultural changes played a role as traditional forms of social engagement faced competition from digital alternatives and shifting priorities. Modern lifestyles focused on individual pursuits and convenience, leaving little time for active involvement in community-driven initiatives. This decline and it’s causes is best covered in the book Bowling Alone by Robert D. Putnam. There is also a great review of the book in National Affairs, and how much of it’s main themes and theses still applies twenty years later. I also believe that a lack of inclusivity when accepting new members that has lead to their terminal decline as legacy fraternal organizations are mostly male, white, and old.
So what can you do to foster community where you live?
Online platforms like Facebook groups and Meetups provide the initial opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and start in building communities based on shared interests and location. These platforms can complement in-person interactions and strengthen the reach of fraternal organizations. But make sure you don’t let your organizing and communication stop there and remain online only. Meeting in person as a local membership organization is essential.
From there you can create a community hub that offer a place to hang out, collaborate, and engage in social activities. These are physical spaces where members can meet up, connect and build meaningful relationships. To start they can be volunteered facilities, like a member’s garage or spare room, grow into inexpensive rented spaces like reserved rooms at nearby schools or churches, and eventually into a fully dedicated space that is owned or leased by your organization.
To see what needs t be done in you community, you can conduct community assessments to identify pressing issues and opportunities for positive change, or you can pick a pet project of your own. Don’t like that your streets are missing crosswalks, or that your kids can’t safely ride their bikes, or that housing in you community is too expensive; then make that your issue to solve. Pick a name that fits what you want to achieve, Neighbors for more Neighbors in [City] or Citizens for a Livable [City]. Really any name is fine, just pick one, as with a name comes membership and belonging.
Encourage a spirit of inclusivity and camaraderie within you organization. Emphasize the importance of supporting one another and welcoming diverse perspectives to create a strong sense of belonging. Engage members in discussions to determine your organization's focus areas, project initiatives, and structure. Start as an informal group, and file for a non-profit status once you are dealing with donations and money. Give all members titles, this encourages agency and ownership to action for what needs to get done by all, everyone is important so use titles for all members make that clear. Titles work for employers, government, and the military; so copy what works.
Casual events that don’t focus on you organizations main goals are also essential. I recommend reading the book We Need to Hang Out by Billy Baker to get a solid understanding of what is needed to create regular casual meetings that are recreational only, this is essential for making close friends among members. Shooting-the-shit and hanging out is the glue that binds community and gets people to commit when the going gets tough. It is not optional.
Partner with local non-profits, schools, and businesses to maximize your organization's reach and effectiveness in addressing community needs and to get financial support. When duty calls make sure your organization responds swiftly to disasters and other urgent crises; this may involve organizing relief efforts, providing resources, and supporting those affected in the community through mutual aid. Promote preparedness and resilience among members and the community at large as an exercise in coming together as one.
Work closely with local, state, and federal elected leaders that represent your community. Formal organizations have a significant impact on elected leaders’ priorities (or their opponents if they don’t listen). You are strong as a group, use that to forward your goals and create a better community.
While the decline of legacy fraternal organizations has had downsides, we can use the essence of what worked to organize the community and still thrive in our times on our terms. By adapting the form and function while embracing some digital avenues, we can bring back the community engagement and camaraderie that these legacy organizations once epitomized.
So, let's take a step today - join a local meetup, volunteer for a community project, or initiate a small gathering with friends to discuss ways to contribute positively. We hold the power to revive the spirit of organizing our communities to build stronger together. Let's embark on this journey of meaningful connections, collective impact, and a brighter future, while making friends along the way.
This is our generational project!
Michael Moore is the Editor-in-Chief of Millennial American Dream, you can follow him on Threads
religion with fewer steps. i’m in.
Excellent article, Mike! I’m reminded of an idea put forward by urbanist Doug Pharr that neighborhood groups should include two “holidays”, one on the spring and one in the fall (following agricultural custom). In the spring, you sew by coming together for a project that benefits the community (e.g., planting a garden, improving a playground, or the like). In the fall, you reap the harvest by throwing a party. He wants these to be nationally celebrated events executed at the local level all across the country. I think it’s fantastic.