Summer is coming to a close, school buses are back on the streets, and we’re entering that time of year when introspection is often at its deepest levels.

Sertoma clubs keep their missions close to their hearts when planning events, holding meetings, and talking about what they do within their communities. What may be overlooked is a club’s membership goals. When looking around the room at club meetings, are there representatives of those being served included?

• For clubs with hearing health missions, are there hard of hearing or deaf members on the roster and seated at the table or are those individuals on a different list? Are there representatives from other hearing health-focused organizations or businesses?
• Is your focus mission is to support youth in the community? While children may not be on the roster, they have parents and grandparents. There are also those from other youth-centered nonprofits, businesses, school districts and daycares that would make wonderful partners in expanding and strengthening the desired impacts.

Just about every mission includes a wide circle of potential partners who can become members, even if it’s not right off the bat. Every voice can bring a point of view that just might provide the missing direction to take an event or purpose from good to out of this world. Listening to each voice shows respect and welcomes everyone to participate.

When looking for potential members, focus on the perspectives and qualities that are missing when general topics are discussed. If the missing viewpoint is from those served by the Sertoma club, ask if your club’s mission is weakened because of it. Those we serve can offer valuable insights that add to the club’s culture and ability to make a meaningful difference in your shared community. Opening the door may bring about intentional change, which can often lead to growth.

Things to consider:

• Is the meeting location going to be accessible to members with mobility concerns. Will deaf or hard of hearing members be able to communicate effectively (by signing, reduction of background noise, looping, etc.)?
• Is there a virtual attendance option available? Business travel, medical issues, or caring for others may prevent potential members from attending in person, but that doesn’t mean they don’t want to be part of the club and its mission. And it certainly doesn’t mean they don’t have valuable input!

At the end of each club meeting, take a look in the mirror and see if your club’s mission is represented. It’s a fantastic way to know everything is on track.

Service To Mankind isn’t a case of them versus us. It’s a statement that humans help humans and that the same type of individuals can be on both sides: the human standing there and the reflection looking back.