"JSTONE9352" wrote in message
...
This seems to be true of many special interest/hobby organizations
these days. Will the kids and 20-somethings be playing computer games
and IMing their friends to the exclusion of all other interests for
the rest of their lives?
Barry


Yes, its a problem in many areas. Fraternal organizations like the Eagles
and the Elks are also having problems
attracting younger members as are many
hobby organizations.

I think the structured format of many
organizations are a turnoff to many younger people who like things more
informal.

There is also the problem that many such organizations have a definite clich
structure that is very hard to break into. Some organizations realize this
is a problem and work to deal with it, others don't and tend to wither on
the vine. Look at all the local moose clubs, masons lodges, fraternal
groups, and similar organizations that have died off in the last couple of
decades. Its hard to sustain a club like that with ten or twenty 70ish
geezers who do nothing but complain about the rest of the members, a few
50ish members who do the work, and a few dozen newbies who leave after a
year or two because they are never part of the group.