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PaperclipPerfector  6mo ago (text post)   3170 thread views

Small-Scale Question Sunday for October 20, 2024

Do you have a dumb question that you're kind of embarrassed to ask in the main thread? Is there something you're just not sure about?

This is your opportunity to ask questions. No question too simple or too silly.

Culture war topics are accepted, and proposals for a better intro post are appreciated.

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Does anyone know of any community involvement clubs/organizations similar to things like the Lions Club, but much cheaper to belong to?

Edit: also, does anyone know how much volunteer work a disabled person can do before Social Security decides your ability to do so means you're able to (do paid) work and stops your benefits (which I've been advised recently is a thing that indeed happens)?

Those service clubs vary greatly between local chapters. My local Lions Club is not expensive at all to join, but some locals are - often, that's because they are primarily networking clubs for businesses that also do charity on the side. And those networking-heavy chapters kind of want to keep the rabble out.

If your local Lions are expensive, you can check if one of the other "classics" is somewhere near you: Rotary, Kiwanis, Zonta (female only), Soroptimist (female only), Round Table (male, under 40).

My local Lions Club is not expensive at all to join

"Expensive" is relative. My local Lions Club here in Anchorage appears to be pretty average in its fees… but that's still outside my price range, given my poverty.

To put it more clearly, $40/mo. is outside my price range.

Rotary

From their webpage: "Clubs accept new members by invitation" from a current member, and among the many membership requirements include having "A professional, proprietary, executive, managerial, or community position." I'm a jobless welfare parasite.

Kiwanis

It appears to indeed be cheaper in terms of membership dues; however, looking at the application, it's another one where you need to be sponsored by an existing member. (Plus, the local club here in Anchorage meets via Zoom, which my internet quality isn't up to supporting.)

Zonta (female only), Soroptimist (female only)

I'm male, so those are out.

Round Table

Invite only; there doesn't appear to be a local club, and I'm too old (I'm in my 40s).

Thanks for answering, at least, but it looks like I'm just out of luck.

What's your disability? You really can't do anything for money? Where are your parents? Your siblings?

Why Anchorage?

What's your disability?

Schizophrenia, autism, depression.

You really can't do anything for money?

The local Division of Vocational Rehabilitation basically ruled me unemployable; and the "welfare trap" around SSI is rather steep.

Where are your parents? Your siblings?

All here in Anchorage.

Why Anchorage?

See above. Born here, raised here (aside from some time out in rural AK, and college in SoCal). Family is here, friends are here, my entire personal support network is here.

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