In 1952, the French philosopher and Nobel Peace Prize recipient Albert Schweitzer said, “I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.”
Considering Mr. Schweitzer’s quote, I believe the future of service clubs in Arlington will continue to exist. It is my hope that they will thrive, as well.
After World War II, veterans returned home from overseas. Many still had the strong desire to serve. They focused on their communities, such as Arlington County, and began to build service clubs like the Arlington Optimist Club, the Kiwanis, the Rotary Club, the Jaycees and a myriad of other clubs.
The Inter-Service Club Council of Arlington (ISCC) was founded in 1940 and serves as a holding group of the Arlington County service clubs to provide a clearinghouse for information among the clubs and provide other services:
• To address the needs of the member clubs/organizations;
• To coordinate projects;
• To promote friendship and goodwill among the members; and
• To help brand the member clubs/organizations as an important part of a flourishing, active and thriving community.
Although I believe ISCC will continue to grow in the next 50 years, it is a clear fact that Arlington County service clubs and organizations are struggling today for members, particularly attracting younger members.
It seems that younger people do not join these legacy service groups or organizations, for reasons kind of unknown. However, the service clubs are working hard to figure it out by changing their meeting times, moving their meetings to locations that have better access to transit, hosting different kind of events such as 5K races, etc.; and spending time meeting with younger people to hear their views. Although the “special sauce” has yet to be found, the ISCC and its members continue to persevere and are looking at ways how technology may help with the endeavor.
The desire for humans to help others is innate in our DNA. Serving others is a part of our humanity where those who serve benefit more than those being served.
As Mr. Schweitzer described, it is a place where much happiness and content can be found.
With Arlington County’s history of serving the community, I am very optimistic about the ISCC’s future and the future of its service clubs and organization members. I am confident that they will thrive, fulfilling their purpose and mission in ways we cannot even imagine today, but continually helping and addressing the needs of our community.
I am optimistic that volunteering and serving remains the future.
