This should be a time of rising membership for civic organizations like Kiwanis, Rotary and Lions Clubs. After all, the massive baby boomer generation is between 43 and 60, the primary age group for many civic organizations.

And yet, membership is down nationwide for nearly every one of these civic service organizations.

Why?

Technology, Internet and television are keeping people of all ages indoors. And when we do leave the house, there are far more things to do, more competition for our free time, which hurts civic organizations.

But not only is there competition for our free time, there is competition for the limited number of residents willing to give their time to help others.

It is becoming more and more difficult to find volunteers in our community, and as our population ages and needs assistance, the demand for volunteers increases. There's only so many of these selfless people to go around.

Community service and participation in these organizations may never be what it once was, thanks to the vibrant nation-building spirit of what Tom Brokaw called “The Greatest Generation” (those who came of age during The Great Depression and World War II).

But it's not to suggest that the value of community service falls on deaf young ears.

There are plenty of socially and environmentally conscious young people in our community; civic organizations may just need to launch fresh, new initiatives to attract them.

While some organizations have pet projects they annually support (for instance, Lions Clubs are known for their service to the blind and visually impaired), they may need to think beyond their traditional programs and schedules.

There are many young people who love to get out in the community and work with their hands, painting, planting, repairing. Local civic groups need to consider adding more “active” events to attract younger members, who could become the foundation of their organization for years to come. And remember that many younger adults are often more independent spirits, and aren't that keen on formal meetings, minutes and special color-coded attire (hats, buttons, vests). Why not give young people some latitude, perhaps even their own subsidiary group with a similar mission statement, and yet different initiatives more suited to their interests?

These local civic groups may also need to team with local churches and other volunteer organizations on coordinated events, in an effort to attract an even larger base of potential members.

If civic organizations are concerned about their dwindling ranks, they may need to think well beyond the traditional recruiting efforts of the past.