LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — It may have been a first for Lima — the presidents of several local service clubs sitting down together at the same table with one shared goal: improving their community.
Leaders from five area organizations met to discuss ways to collaborate and strengthen their impact in and around the city. Hosted by the Lima Rotary Club, the gathering included presidents from the Lima Kiwanis, Lima Noon Optimists, Lima Sertoma, and Exchange Club. The group talked about their missions, shared fundraising ideas, and addressed one of their biggest challenges — attracting and retaining new members. Stephen Welly, president of the Lima Sertoma Club, said the issue of membership is widespread.
“Getting membership and getting younger [members] — across the board, there are a lot of challenges,” Welly said. “I think COVID was one of those issues, but there are people that want to help each other, and I think this is a great opportunity between the different service clubs to talk about those things.”
Dr. Willie Heggins, president of the Lima Kiwanis Club, added that it’s important to connect younger generations with the value of service.
“I think historically, service learning clubs, as we all get in age, [have trouble] finding that commitment and helping young people understand the importance of volunteerism and community stewardship,” Heggins said.
Russ Decker, president of the Lima Rotary Club, said that retaining members remains an ongoing concern.
“It’s hard to get members and it’s hard to retain members,” Decker said. “So I think we’re going to talk about the challenge moving forward — what’s the service club going to look like in the next decade?”
The group agreed that Lima residents should find a club that matches their interests and passions. Many local service clubs have websites and Facebook pages offering information on how to join. All the leaders emphasized the same message — the importance of volunteering and getting involved to make a difference in the community.
