Porch Club

Porch Club. The concept of a Porch Club is often associated with Community organizations like the Rotary Club, Lions Club, and Kiwanis. These organizations, similar to the Moose Lodge and Elks Lodge, focus on Community service and Charitable organizations, such as the American Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity. The idea of a Porch Club can be linked to the Neighborhood watch programs and Block party events, which are often organized by Homeowners associations like the National Association of Home Builders and the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Introduction

The idea of a Porch Club is rooted in the concept of Community building and Social capital, which is often discussed by Robert Putnam in his book Bowling Alone, and also by Alexis de Tocqueville in his work Democracy in America. This concept is also related to the Third place theory, developed by Ray Oldenburg, which includes Coffeehouses like Starbucks and Peet's Coffee, and other Public houses like the British pubs and Irish pubs. The Porch Club concept can be compared to other Community organizations like the YMCA, YWCA, and the Boy Scouts of America, which are all focused on Youth development and Community development, with the help of organizations like the United Way and the Salvation Army.

History

The history of the Porch Club concept can be traced back to the early 20th century, when Community organizations like the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the American Civil Liberties Union were formed. These organizations, along with others like the National Organization for Women and the American Association of Retired Persons, have been instrumental in shaping the concept of Community service and Volunteerism, which is also promoted by organizations like the Points of Light Foundation and the Corporation for National and Community Service. The idea of a Porch Club has also been influenced by the Civil Rights Movement, led by figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Malcolm X, and the Labor movement, led by figures like Samuel Gompers and Mary Harris Jones.

Organization

The organization of a Porch Club typically involves a group of Community leaders, such as Mayors like Michael Bloomberg and Rahm Emanuel, and City council members like Nancy Pelosi and John Boehner. These leaders, along with organizations like the National League of Cities and the United States Conference of Mayors, work together to establish a Community center or a Neighborhood association, which can be compared to organizations like the Urban League and the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials. The Porch Club organization can also involve partnerships with local Business organizations like the Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Administration, as well as Non-profit organizations like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Ford Foundation.

Activities

The activities of a Porch Club can vary widely, but often include Community events like Parades, Festivals, and Block partys, which are similar to events organized by Mardi Gras and Carnival. These events can be compared to those organized by Community organizations like the Special Olympics and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The Porch Club activities can also involve Volunteer work with organizations like the Habitat for Humanity and the American Red Cross, as well as Fundraising events, like Charity runs and Auctions, which are often organized by Non-profit organizations like the American Cancer Society and the March of Dimes.

Membership

The membership of a Porch Club typically includes Community members, such as Homeowners and Renters, who are interested in Community service and Volunteerism. The membership can also include Local business owners, like those who are part of the National Federation of Independent Business and the National Restaurant Association, as well as Community leaders, like Mayors and City council members. The Porch Club membership can be compared to that of other Community organizations, like the Rotary Club and the Lions Club, which have members like Bill Gates and Warren Buffett.

Notable_Porch_Clubs

There are many notable Porch Clubs across the United States, including those in New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago. These Porch Clubs often partner with National organizations like the AARP and the NAACP, as well as Local organizations like the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation and the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks. Some notable Porch Clubs have been recognized for their Community service and Volunteerism, with awards like the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal, which have been awarded to individuals like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks. Category:Community organizations