Churches have always been important in the U.S. Many people came to what they called the "New World" because they wanted religious freedom. They often came with other members of their religious group and continued to live near each other and to help each other out after arriving in their new country. Churches were often the center of those early communities.
In the 1800's many organizations began which are still important in the U.S. today. With headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, the Red Cross helps victims of war and natural disasters. The Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) and the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) began in England. The purpose of these organizations was to develop the mind, body and spirit of young men and women.
In the late 1800's, women who were college graduates began the group known today as the American Association of University Women (AAUW). At that time, many schools and jobs were closed to women. AAUW members worked to change that. Today, there are both male and female members of AAUW. Their goal is "to promote education and equity for all women and girls."
In 1920, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was adopted granting women the right to vote. This ended the women's suffrage movement which Elizabeth Cady Stanton and others began over 70 years earlier. A new organization was created to help women use their right to vote wisely. That organization was called the League of Women Voters. The League is still active today educating its members about important political issues and telling elected officials how League members want them to vote. Joining the League of Women Voters is a good way to learn more about government in the United States. Membership is open to both men and women.
There are many groups in the U.S. which began as clubs for men only. Rotary International has both male and female members today, but that was not always true. Rotary is called a "service club" because the members work together as volunteers on projects which serve the community. For example, Rotary Clubs often give college scholarships to high school students, sponsor exchange students, and help school children with special programs.
In the U.S., there are many organizations for children. Camp Fire Boys and Girls, ages 5 to 18, meet in clubs which plan their own activities, such as hiking, outdoor cooking, and arts and crafts projects. Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts belong to troops. They do activities to earn badges. Attending summer camp is a favorite activity for members of all three groups.
Every community also has many sports programs for children. These community sports programs usually include baseball, softball, swimming, soccer, and basketball. There are often teams for adults as well.
If you look around the community where you live, you will find volunteers doing important jobs all over. Some will be members of clubs or other organizations and some will volunteer without belonging to a group. Look for volunteers in schools, hospitals, fire departments, political organizations and environmental groups, as well as churches and clubs. Volunteerism is an important part of community life in the U.S.A.