Are there any civic organizations that are areligious?

Question

Kiwanis, Rotary, Lions, Masons, etc. all have a religious, generally Christian aspect. I am Christian but I have friends that are other religions or atheists and I would like to work with them on civic projects through an organization.

Is there such an organization that devotes itself to businesspeople that want to offer service to the community?

I guess I'm looking for "a Kiwanis that believes in Unitarian Universalists" principals.

Do you know of any club like that out there?

Answer 1

Rotary clubs are not religious!
I am member of a Rotaract Club (The Rotary sponsored club for 18-30 years old) and being part of the organization for 8 years has shown me that they are truly separated from religion and politics. Of course, each member has his/her own beliefs. Some clubs have a minute before the meeting starts were each one in silence can thank his/her god or just relax if you don't have any god, so you then enjoy better the meeting. Anyway most Rotary and Rotaract clubs don't have any of this.

Answer 2

I'm not much for groups and I'll tell you why. Because rarely is it that a member of a group, in a social setting, will open up and have a meaningful conversation at a mature depth. Most people who join groups are somewhat oversimplified intellectually speaking or are afraid of speaking what's on their mind when in the group. I've found that it's much more effective to work with someone one on one than it is to expect a group to take meaningfut action together. Of course I'm ex special forces and we work in small groups where each individual has first proven their commitment. If there were a civic organization that first made prospective members show the degree of their commitment then it might be a group worth joining. But for most, the bar is so incredibly low that they will let anyone join. Who would be so desperate as to seek out membership in such a group with such pathethic membership standards?

Answer 3

The Salvation Army, as you probably know, is a church, but the Family Services side who are very glad to have volunteers, is not operated with any religious overtones and deals with all sorts of people.

They raised money in our town for a shelter for homeless people and all sorts of groups and communities worked together on the project.

Answer 4

I would check with your local Unitarian Universalist church to see if they have a group that is business and civic oriented. I know our local one does.