Rotary District 5320, which comprises clubs in Orange County and Long Beach, announces that the Orange County Board of Supervisors will designate September as Service Clubs Month in appreciation for the significant contributions these organizations make to our communities. In addition, city councils of Anaheim, Avalon, Lake Forest, Lakewood, Long Beach, Orange, San Clemente, and San Juan Capistrano will make similar proclamations throughout the month of September.
At its upcoming meeting on September 12, the Orange County Board of Supervisors will make a presentation to leaders of local service clubs, including Roy Jefferson, 2023-2024 Rotary 5320 District Governor and Drew Sasser, Lions International District Governor, District 4-14.
Service clubs, like the Rotary Club, Lions Club, Kiwanis, and Optimist, play a vital role in community development, by providing resources and services to support local communities. These international organizations engage in community service, charitable work and fundraising, contributing to various community projects, such as building playgrounds, supporting educational programs and providing scholarships for local students.
“I’m delighted that counties and cities are recognizing service clubs and their members for the thousands of volunteer hours and millions of dollars raised to support local communities,” says Jefferson. “It is my hope that this movement will spread across the country and soon September will be recognized as National Service Clubs Month. We invite anyone to attend a weekly Rotary meeting to see how they can make a make a difference as part of a service club.”
For their members, service clubs provide many leadership and networking opportunities. Members often gain leadership, team building and communication skills that positively impact their personal and professional lives. The networking opportunities afforded to club members enable them to interact and build relationships with other professionals and community leaders, as well as expand their social and professional networks.
“Members of service clubs, like the Lions Club which has been helping others for more than 100 years, serve without fanfare, rolling up our sleeves and getting the work done,” says Sasser. “These organizations tackle issues that affect many communities, like childhood cancer, the environment, hunger, clean water, education, and more.”
Many service clubs also offer programs that support international programs in places of the greatest needs, such as providing clean water or education to underserved regions or supporting disaster relief efforts through fundraising and collections for much needed materials.
Finally, service clubs focus on developing the skills and talents of young people. These clubs provide mentoring, leadership training and scholarship opportunities for students and organize programs to support underprivileged youth.
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