Joining Groups

To embrace the cliche, there are two kinds of people in the world — those who join groups and those who do not. I am clearly a member of the former. Among the groups I have joined in my life are: a drum and bugle corps color guard, writing groups, rowers, tap dancers, goddesses, climate activists, political groups, book groups, religious groups, women’s groups, neighborhood groups, and more, including another to which I have just accepted an invitation.

I’ve written about some of these and have linked corresponding essays. I have sometimes taken on a leadership position, as when I was president of the local chapter of AAUW (American Association of University Women). Far more often, I have not been in a leadership role, but chosen to hold an active support role.

I have been and am currently active in multiple religious groups, aligned to my basic religion, Quakers. These include my local Meeting, New England Quakers, and ECCO, with whom I lobbied in DC for immigrants’ rights. Additionally, I have been actively involved in an online bible study group, as part of a Protestant church. As a Quaker, my beliefs do not totally match those of other participants; however, I have come to feel completely accepted and able to express my beliefs. They even welcome my reading from a recent Quaker translation of the Gospels.

After the 2016 election, I joined the Beverly Democrats City Committee. I definitely act on my belief that, if you are not part of the solution, then you are part of the problem. I want to be part of the solution. In line with that, I just received an email describing a newly injured neighbor. Another neighbor is coordinating food contributions within the neighborhood. I signed up for this weekend.

I’m attending a wake this afternoon for the brother of a longtime friend, known through a local woman’s group. And, midday, a friend is joining me for lunch. She’s a former colleague, younger and still working, who I continue to value and appreciate. Many of my simple daily activities are based on various groups that I’ve been part of.

It’s long been clear to me that, although I have no desire to run for office, whether in a local organization or politically, I enjoy being a strong participant in many organizations. Tuesday, I attended the inauguration of Beverly’s mayor and city councilors. This celebration, held at our high school, was quite moving. It included a citizen speaking publicly, asking for the city to stand up for a ceasefire in Israel and Palestine. After he spoke, I joined him at his table and accepted his invitation to be part of a local group. Additionally, the mayor invited me to join the Beverly Human Rights Committee. It requires a formal authorization by the city council. I expect to be accepted.

Yes, I am definitely a joiner. It’s my way of changing the world.

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