Cyberclubs, a new way to contribute to your community. Would you join one?

Piers Fuller Reporter from News of Wairarapa

A new type of service club is emerging which aims to modernise these important community organisation and keep them relevant for future generations.
Ruamahanga Lions in Wairarapa is one of the international organisation's cyber clubs which eschews regular meetings and uses technology at its heart.
Club secretary Jennifer Taylor said their emphasis on using technology to organise themselves and get together just for projects.
Taylor said many younger people have a desire to contribute to their communities but may not have time for fortnightly dinners or other regularly meetings that the traditional club organise.
Lions International has just rolled out its own app which can be used as a centralised communication hub with facilities such as instant message and a news feed to keep members in touch with club activities.
"Lions International, and New Zealand, are trying to lift their technology game in response to changing times and trying to attract younger generation," Taylor said.
Ruamahanga Lions is a mixed gender club and has only been going a year.
The club has a contract with the Department of Conservation to look after Anzac Bridge Reserve south of Eketahuna.
The club is planting more natives at the reserve on 4 August and they welcome volunteers.
Club president Sandy Hayes said the cyberclub model is working well and they are all able to keep in touch with the club's activities online.
She said the club is going well and they are happy to welcome new members.
She said many of their members work in Wellington so they would find it difficult attending meetings, so the cyber option is ideal.
The club has its own Facebook page Friends of Ruamahanga Lions