Civic organizations in dire need of new members with a decrease of membership from the younger generations

Graceville is rich in history, especially in its history of civic organizations. Civic organizations have been a part of Graceville since the very first organization the Graceville Woman’s Club began. Graceville currently has approximately a half-dozen civic organizations, which promote and sponsor a variety of activities in the city throughout the year. All groups are open for membership and are looking and urging for the younger generation to become more involved as many groups are continuing to downsize or cease to exist due to aging club members with no young recruits.

Less than 10 years ago, Graceville’s American Legion Post #42 was the second largest organization in Graceville with a total of 64 members! That number has sadly dwindled down to less than a handful of active members. Member Harry Wicksell accounts to loss of members to death and aging of members but he also noted that the younger generation and many of the older members have become more drawn to the larger more popular military civic organizations such as AMVETS and VFW. The loss of older members and the absence of younger members joining has caused the group to discuss dissolving entirely. The current members work diligently to recognize the military throughout the town on holidays by placing wreaths and flags in various areas. The Post #42 originated in Graceville on April 4,1950. Members must have served in the military and the club promotes patriotism in Graceville and holds a flag burning ceremony almost every year. The group meets the last Tuesday at 6 pm, every other month. For more information on the American Legion Post #42 contact Harry Wicksell or Mayor Arthur Obar.

As memberships have continued to dwindle in the local civic organizations, several organizations were dissolved including the Graceville Historical Society which was the largest civic organization in Graceville less than 10 years ago. Another popular club in Graceville that dissolved after the COVID-19 pandemic was the Graceville Kiwanis Club. This was a huge loss not only to the community but Graceville School’s Key Club.

While the loss of clubs and groups has been hard, several are still standing strong including the Graceville Woman’s Club, Graceville Garden Club, Graceville Arts League, Friends of the Graceville Branch Library, and Graceville Lions Club.

The Graceville Woman’s Club is the oldest civic organization in Graceville starting in March 1922 and has been a staple in the community ever since. The group of women sponsor the Miss Graceville pageants along with a Breast Cancer Awareness event in October and also recognizes educators and successful women throughout the community.

The Graceville Garden Club was created in 1938 and is a great addition to any Gardner’s life; it not only allows the members to give back to the community, but to do it in an activity they truly enjoy. The Graceville Garden Club sponsors several activities in town including the city Easter Egg Hunt.

The Graceville Arts League, which was created in 2004, works hard to acknowledge all the great artists that have lived or visited Graceville. The Arts League also gives annual grants to the local schools’ art and music departments and hosts various programs throughout the year including Gospel sings and readings.

Friends of the Graceville Branch Library is a group that is dedicated to the success of the Graceville Library and reading. The group not only hosts needed fundraisers for the library but also has an annual night with a local author.

Lastly, the most seen group with their bright yellow vests, the Graceville Lions Club has been working for several years of recruitment of the younger generation and its shows with the group continuing to thrive in membership and local activities including the annual Pancake Breakfast and the new Ivey Brothers Valentines Dance.

Civic organizations have been a part of the Graceville community for over a century with the Graceville Woman’s Club celebrating 100 years in 2022. However, as members of Generations X through Z have found less fulfillment and desire to join these groups in adulthood, civic organ- izations throughout the United States are facing crisis mode. Joining civic organizations can aid in social interactions, mood, and the ability for an adult to feel included. As 2024 rolls around, think about becoming more involved by joining a local civic organization that fits your schedule and hobbies.

Picture information: American Legion Member Harry Wicksell is pictured with American Legion December meeting special guest Everett Henrickson.

For more articles like this, subscribe to The Graceville News by visiting Pricing Plans.