David Brooks' column in today's New York Times speaks of how the "lean years" have such a negative impact on specific groups in our society.  He offers three suggestions for helping young men especially (who are having a very hard time finding work during this crisis) to become more successful today and in the future. His overall message is that the future will be directly impacted by our actions in the present moment. Good message....got to consider the consequences long-term, not just address the short-term. It's the hardest thing to do...but necessary for positive change to occur.

The first suggestion deals with improving education to keep yong men in school (for the first time, young women outnumber young men in college) and older men to pursue service jobs. The second suggests anti-poverty programs/government intervention in more vulnerable rural areas to keep the working class from disintegrating in these areas. These needs can be best met by other nonprofit organizations that are designed to deliver education and empowerment services to individuals.

So, where is the relevance for us in his message?  Read on....

It is his third suggestion that is most relevant. He states, "Third, Facebook is great, but social networking sites do not by themselves create support networks when jobs disappear and poverty looms. Somebody has to provide institutions for unaffiliated 24-year olds." 

My first reaction was a welcome affirmation that technology - while a powerful tool - does not in and of itself create nor sustain community. My second reaction was....'why doesn't he recognize that some membership-based organizations can and do provide support to these young men and help them prepare for better lives?  Why do we - as associations - remain ubiquitious yet invisible?

It may be true that many of these young men may not be sufficiently educated to join highly professional organizations. But surely our vast association community has some associations that can and do offer a home for these young men...a place for them to gain greater skills, self-awareness, and self-worth. A place to gain important connections....mentoring....a community interested in their success. And if one does not exist, one of our existing organizations can facilitate the formation of one that does. Yes, even with our own economic woes, it can be done.

For those who are eligible to join, are we actively pursuing them or have we largely resigned seeking their participation? Is it that we've given up on this generation because we believe they have found a home with Facebook, Twitter, Skype, along with Instant and Text Messaging? It would seem that these types of technologies provide connection but not community. The kind of community that builds and affirms lives in good times and bad.

For those who are not eligible to join...what steps can we taking to invite these young men to our meetings to expand their awareness of what life could be like...with more education. Is it too much to reach out to this population in our communities (or in the communities in which we hold meetings)...at least once a year to blend cultures, ages, and backgrounds? Consider the power of spending a brief bit of time talking seriously with these young men to offer perspective and insight. For many have no opportunities in their present lives to be challenged or be sensitized of the possibilities beyond their immediate environment. 

Our membership communities practice Stanley Milgram's small world theory; you can get to anyone you want within six steps or connections. Yet, we've proven that membership-based organizations can do it faster and with fewer steps. We have something meaningful to offer....we can play a vital role in rebuilding our economy moving us all away from the "lean years."

Finally, the larger lesson here seems to be that technology does not and cannot - in and of itself - create nor foster community. That can only be done by people reaching out to people with a desire to find common ground, develop bonds, and establish long-lasting relationships.

Associations are specialists in helping people associate. We are specialists in building community. The time is now for us to proclaim our rightful place and let our presence to be known.