Discover the Joy of Socializing: Top 10 Membership Clubs to Join in the New Year

by Lu, OTL Seat Fillers

Don’t we all want to make the new year more exciting and fulfilling? I know that I do, and I also know several people who look for ideas to shake things up at the beginning of the year (or during the 11 months to follow!).

One of the best ways to get things rolling is by joining membership clubs that are in sync with your interests and goals. These clubs offer a wide range of opportunities to meet like-minded individuals, try new things, and make lasting memories.

And, yes, I acknowledge that it’s not as easy as it used to be to find an in-person club. Meetup has a ton of ideas, but many organizations seem to gravitate to Zoom meetings or chat rooms. It’s time to rediscover the joy of socializing, though. So, in this blog post, I’m sharing the top 10 membership clubs that can help you become more social and enrich your life in the new year!

Let’s go…

1.  Rotary Clubs 

Joining a Rotary Club can be a great way to network and make a positive impact in your community. Rotary Clubs are service-oriented clubs that bring together professionals and business leaders to provide humanitarian service and promote high ethical standards. It’s one of the largest global service organizations, so you’ll be a part of some good company!

2.  Social Sports Leagues

These leagues offer a fun and competitive way to stay active and social. You can find social sports leagues for a variety of sports, such as soccer, basketball, and volleyball. This is a great way to meet people who share your passion for sports.

3.  Book Clubs

A haven for literature enthusiasts, book clubs offer a unique chance to discuss thought-provoking books and exchange ideas with others. Joining a book club will enrich your reading experience and provide opportunities to make new friends who share your love for books. Whether you prefer fiction, non-fiction, or self-help, there’s a book club out there that caters to your interests.

TIP: One of the best ways to find a book club is to visit your local bookstore. Small, independent stores might even be the best, as they tend to be more customer-first focused.

4.  Hiking or Outdoor Club

If you enjoy spending time outdoors, joining a hiking or outdoor club can be a great way to meet new people and explore new places. This is where meetup.com could really come in handy, as it tends to provide a substantial list of hiking and walking clubs in most locations.

5.  Local Community Clubs

Whether through senior centers or community centers, local community clubs focus on bringing people together. They often organize social events, such as potlucks, game nights, and charity fundraisers. Joining one of these clubs is a great way to meet new people who share your interests and live near you. 

TIP: Parks and recreation departments are fantastic resources for locating community clubs.

6.  Culinary Clubs

If you enjoy cooking or trying new foods, a culinary club might be the perfect fit. These clubs often host cooking classes, food tastings, and dinner parties. These types of clubs also include baking enthusiasts and wine connoisseurs – and they have the added bonus of consumption!

7.  Charity and Volunteer Organizations

A great way to meet new people is by making a positive impact in your community through a charity or volunteer organization. Find a cause you’re passionate about (pets, homelessness, youth mentoring, etc.), and you’re sure to find an organization that would love to have you on board. They often organize social events and volunteer get-togethers, too.
TIP:  Check out Volunteer Match for inspiration.

8.  Toastmasters International

If you aspire to improve your public speaking and leadership skills, Toastmasters International is the perfect club for you. By attending regular meetings and participating in various speaking engagements, you’ll build confidence, develop valuable communication skills, and connect with like-minded individuals. 

Toastmasters International provides a supportive and encouraging environment where you can grow personally and professionally. It’s helpful to be an early bird, though, as meetings are often held at 7 am.

9.  Language Exchange Club

You’ll find that language exchange clubs are a great way to learn a new language while making new friends. These clubs typically involve meeting with others who are native speakers of the language you want to learn and conversing in both languages.

TIP: Can’t find a language exchange club in your area? Try taking an in-person language class. You might even meet some people interested in traveling and using your newly acquired communication skills.

10.  Networking Groups

I’ll be honest with you; networking groups can be hit and miss. I’ve been to some that made me feel so uncomfortable because I didn’t know anyone. But there are also really positive and welcoming networking groups that can be beneficial socially and professionally. If you find the right one, it’s phenomenal.

TIP: Contact the leader of the group and see if you can have a quick chat. The ambiance is created by the leader, so you’ll get a good idea of what to expect.

Beyond the Top 10 Membership Clubs

Membership clubs offer a wide range of opportunities to become more social and enrich your life in the new year. Whether you’re interested in community involvement, personal growth, physical fitness, or intellectual pursuits, there’s a club that caters to your interests. 

By joining one or more of these clubs, you’ll have the chance to meet new people, try new things, and create unforgettable memories. So, what are you waiting for? Take the first step towards a more social and fulfilling new year by exploring the exciting world of membership clubs.

A few more ideas for you:

• Arts and crafts clubs
• Film clubs
• VR clubs
• Table game clubs (Dungeons and Dragons, anyone?)
• Church-run organizations
• Writing clubs
• Board game get-togethers
• Trivia night events

Oh, and don’t forget the #1 BEST membership club – OTL Seat Fillers! It’s a club with no meetings – just entertainment. If OTL is in your area, you might want to check it out as it’ll introduce you to some hidden gems in the arts and entertainment community.